Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
GT Bicycles’ new Grade builds on what the original model started, with an even bigger focus on the escape. Updates include a redesign of their iconic Triple Triangle floating stays, an adjustable two-position fork offset, more tire clearance, and an array of mounting points for bags, bottles, and gear. Here are details on the build kits available, pricing, and more…
Recently announced, GT has updated their gravel bike, the Grade, with a handful of new features and technology that is designed to go faster…and further. In GT’s words, “The increased performance and added adaptability that we’ve engineered into the new Grade meets the needs of today’s gravel and adventure rider.” There’s no doubt that people are demanding a lot from their gravel bikes, especially those interested in bikepacking, so the Grade looks like an interesting option. As an added bonus, the all-new Grade is offered at several different price points, in both carbon and aluminum, satisfying a wide range of budgets and expectations.
All Grade models feature a redesign of GT’s floating seat stays, offering more vertical compliance over rough terrain, which translates to a more comfortable ride. The stays are constructed using a hybrid of carbon and fiberglass, a combination of tough dampening and stiffness. The Flip Chip Fork allows riders to swap between 55mm and 70mm of fork offset. The 55mm option is perfect for gravel races, while the 70mm offset is ideal for loading bikepacking and when extra stability is needed. Shift and brake cables are routed externally for easy maintenance, while Di2 and dropper post routing is internal to keep things tidy. Although the Grade is only offered with 700c wheels, GT claims it is compatible with 650bB road-plus as well. People are reporting that there should be enough clearance for up to 700c x 40mm tires.
The Grade is offered in three carbon models and two aluminum, ranging from $3,900 down to just $1,000, which is fantastic in itself! All builds feature GT’s new Grade Carbon Fork, featuring 12×100 thru-axles, flat mount discs, plus pannier and fender mounts. It appears only the top two models, Carbon Pro and Expert, are blessed with the fork flip chip and 3-pack mounts. Here is a quick breakdown on the different models and what to expect.
GT Grade Carbon Pro
- $3,900 USD
- Shimano Ultegra Di2 Drivetrain 2×11
- Shimano Ultegra Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- FSA PressFit 30 Bottom Bracket
- WTB KOM Light i23 TCS Rims
- WTB Riddler 700c x 37 TCS Tanwall Tires
GT Grade Carbon Expert
- $2,500 USD
- Shimano 105 Drivetrain 2×11
- Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- FSA PressFit 30 Bottom Bracket
- WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 Rims
- WTB Riddler 700c x 37 TCS Tanwall Tires
GT Grade Carbon Elite
- $2,000 USD
- Shimano Tiagra Drivetrain 2×10
- Shimano Tiagra Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- FSA PressFit 30 Bottom Bracket
- WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 Rims
- WTB Riddler 700c x 37 TCS Light Tires
GT Grade Expert
- $1,500 USD
- Shimano 105 Drivetrain 2×11
- Tektro Mechanical Disc
- Cartridge, Square Taper Bottom Bracket
- WTB ST i23 TCS Rims
- WTB Riddler 700c x 37 TCS Tanwall Tires
GT Grade Elite
- $1,000 USD
- Shimano Claris Drivetrain 2×8
- Tektro Mechanical Disc
- Cartridge, Square Taper Bottom Bracket
- WTB ST i23 TCS Rims
- WTB Riddler Comp 700c x 37 Tanwall Tires
For more information, head over to GTBicycles.com
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