For many mountain bike enthusiasts, the mention of GT Bikes brings back fond memories of the early days of the sport. Founded in 1972 by Gary Turner, GT Bikes was a pioneering brand that played a significant role in shaping the mountain bike industry. However, with the rise and fall of various bike manufacturers over the years, many have wondered: are GT Bikes still made?
A Brief History of GT Bikes
Before delving into the current status of GT Bikes, it’s essential to take a step back and appreciate the brand’s rich history. Gary Turner, a passionate cyclist and mechanic, started GT Bikes in his Anaheim, California, garage. Initially, the company focused on producing high-quality BMX frames, which quickly gained popularity among local riders.
In the early 1980s, GT Bikes ventured into the mountain bike scene, introducing the iconic GT Performer. This revolutionary bike featured a sturdy steel frame, wide tires, and a laid-back riding position, making it an instant hit among mountain bikers. The Performer’s success propelled GT Bikes to the forefront of the industry, and the brand continued to innovate and expand its product line.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, GT Bikes remained a dominant force in the mountain bike world, sponsoring top riders and teams, and producing award-winning bikes like the GT LTS and GT I-Drive. However, like many other bike manufacturers, GT Bikes faced significant challenges in the mid-2000s, including increased competition, rising production costs, and shifting consumer preferences.
The Turbulent Years: GT Bikes’ Decline and Resurgence
In 2004, GT Bikes was acquired by the Dutch company, Accell Group, which also owned other prominent bike brands like Schwinn and Mongoose. Under new ownership, GT Bikes continued to produce high-quality bikes, but the brand’s identity and market share began to erode.
The company faced intense competition from Asian manufacturers, which offered lower prices and attractive features. GT Bikes’ sales declined, and the brand’s reputation suffered as a result. In 2012, Accell Group decided to discontinue the GT Bikes brand, leaving many fans and loyal customers devastated.
However, the GT Bikes’ story didn’t end there. In 2019, the Canadian company, Dorel Industries, acquired the GT Bikes brand as part of its strategic expansion in the cycling industry. Dorel Industries, which also owns other popular bike brands like Cannondale and Schwinn, saw significant potential in reviving the GT Bikes brand.
Under new ownership, GT Bikes has been working tirelessly to restore its former glory. The company has invested heavily in research and development, revamped its product line, and re-established relationships with top riders and teams. So, are GT Bikes still made? The answer is a resounding yes!
The Current State of GT Bikes
Today, GT Bikes is a thriving brand that offers a wide range of mountain bikes, from entry-level hardtails to high-end, full-suspension models. The company’s design team has worked hard to incorporate cutting-edge technology, innovative features, and timeless style into every bike.
GT Bikes’ current product line includes:
- Mountain bikes: GT Bikes offers a diverse range of mountain bikes, catering to different riding styles, skill levels, and budgets. From the entry-level, hardtail Verb Elite to the high-end, full-suspension Force, there’s a GT Bike to suit every rider.
- Electric mountain bikes: GT Bikes has also ventured into the world of electric mountain bikes, offering models like the Verb Elite-E and the Force-E. These e-MTBs combine the brand’s expertise in mountain bike design with the latest electric assist technology.
GT Bikes has also expanded its presence in the cycling world by partnering with top riders, teams, and events. The brand sponsors elite riders like Wyn Masters and Rachel Strait, who compete in top-level events like the Enduro World Series and the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.
The Return of the Iconic GT Performer
In a nod to its rich heritage, GT Bikes has also re-released the iconic GT Performer, which was first introduced in the early 1980s. The new GT Performer is a modern, high-performance bike that pays homage to the original’s design and spirit.
The GT Performer features a lightweight, hydroformed aluminum frame, a slack head angle, and a low bottom bracket. The bike is designed to be an agile, trail-capable machine, perfect for riders who want a fun, responsive bike that can tackle challenging terrain.
GT Bikes’ Commitment to Innovation and Quality
GT Bikes’ resurgence is built on a foundation of innovation and quality. The company has invested heavily in research and development, working with top engineers, designers, and riders to create bikes that excel in performance, durability, and style.
Every GT Bike undergoes rigorous testing and quality control measures to ensure that it meets the brand’s high standards. From the frames to the components, GT Bikes is committed to delivering exceptional products that inspire confidence and excitement in riders.
The Future of GT Bikes
As GT Bikes looks to the future, the brand is poised to continue its upward trajectory. With a renewed focus on innovation, quality, and customer engagement, GT Bikes is set to become a dominant force in the cycling industry once again.
The brand’s commitment to electric mountain bikes, for example, demonstrates its willingness to adapt to changing market trends and consumer preferences. GT Bikes is also exploring new technologies, such as advanced materials and suspension systems, to further enhance its products.
In conclusion, GT Bikes is most definitely still made, and the brand’s legacy lives on. With a rich history, a renewed focus on innovation and quality, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, GT Bikes is ready to write the next chapter in its storied history.
Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker or a newcomer to the sport, GT Bikes has something to offer. So, dust off your old GT Bike or treat yourself to a brand-new model – the legendary GT Bikes spirit is alive and well, ready to inspire a new generation of riders.
Are GT Bikes still made?
GT Bikes is no longer an independent company, but its legacy lives on. The brand is now owned by Accell Group, a European company that acquired GT Bikes in 2019. Although GT Bikes is no longer owned and operated by its original founders, the brand continues to produce high-quality bicycles that cater to various rider types and preferences.
GT Bikes’ current product lineup includes a range of models, from entry-level hardtails to high-end downhill mountain bikes. The brand’s focus on innovation, quality, and performance remains unchanged, and its bikes are still designed to provide riders with an exceptional cycling experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, GT Bikes has a model that can meet your needs and help you take your riding to the next level.
What happened to GT Bikes’ founders?
GT Bikes was founded in 1979 by Gary Turner and Richard Long, two passionate cyclists who shared a vision of creating high-performance bicycles that could keep up with their love for speed and adventure. The brand quickly gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming a household name in the cycling world. However, in the early 2000s, the company faced financial difficulties, which led to a series of ownership changes.
Despite relinquishing ownership, Gary Turner remains involved in the cycling industry, albeit in a different capacity. He continues to design and build custom bicycles under his own brand, Turner Bikes. Richard Long, on the other hand, has stepped away from the cycling industry, but his legacy lives on through the brand he co-founded.
Are GT Bikes still popular?
GT Bikes may not be as dominant in the cycling world as it once was, but the brand still has a loyal following. Many riders who grew up with GT Bikes in the 1980s and 1990s continue to support the brand, and its current lineup has attracted a new generation of cyclists. GT Bikes’ focus on quality, innovation, and performance has helped the brand maintain a strong reputation in the cycling community.
GT Bikes’ popularity can also be attributed to its rich history and heritage. The brand has been associated with many iconic riders and racing teams over the years, which has contributed to its enduring appeal. Today, GT Bikes continues to be a popular choice among riders who value performance, reliability, and style.
What types of bikes does GT Bikes offer?
GT Bikes’ current product lineup includes a wide range of models, catering to different rider types and preferences. The brand offers hardtail and full-suspension mountain bikes, road bikes, gravel and adventure bikes, and even e-bikes. GT Bikes’ mountain bike range includes cross-country, trail, and downhill models, ensuring that there’s a bike to suit every riding style and terrain.
From entry-level hardtails like the Verb Elite to high-end downhill machines like the Fury Elite, GT Bikes’ product lineup is designed to provide riders with an exceptional cycling experience. The brand’s road bike range includes models like the Verb Road and the Grade, which offer a comfortable and efficient ride.
Are GT Bikes expensive?
GT Bikes offers a range of models at different price points, making the brand accessible to riders with varying budgets. Entry-level models like the Verb Elite and the Verb Road are priced competitively, making them an attractive option for new riders or those on a budget.
Higher-end models like the GT Force and the GT Fury, on the other hand, are designed for more experienced riders who demand the best performance and features. These models come with a higher price tag, but they offer unparalleled performance, quality, and style.
Can I still buy vintage GT Bikes?
Vintage GT Bikes are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, and they can still be found online and in local bike shops. Websites like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace often have listings for vintage GT Bikes, but be sure to exercise caution when purchasing from a private seller.
If you’re looking for a vintage GT Bike, be prepared to do some research and negotiation. You may need to refurbish or restore the bike, which can add to the overall cost. However, owning a vintage GT Bike can be a rewarding experience, especially if you’re a fan of the brand’s rich history and heritage.
Is GT Bikes’ quality still good?
GT Bikes’ current product lineup is designed to provide riders with an exceptional cycling experience, and the brand’s focus on quality remains unchanged. GT Bikes’ manufacturing process involves rigorous testing and quality control measures to ensure that every bike meets the brand’s high standards.
GT Bikes uses high-quality components and materials, and its frames are designed to provide a comfortable and responsive ride. The brand’s attention to detail and commitment to quality have helped it maintain a strong reputation in the cycling community, and its bikes continue to be popular among riders who value performance and reliability.