GT Bicycles

Founded: 1972
Country: United States
Range: BMX, mountain bikes (hardtail, full suspension), gravel bikes, and e-bikes
Price segment: Mid-to-high price range
Reputation: Known for innovation, especially in BMX and mountain biking, with pioneering designs like the Triple
Triangle frame and full-suspension technologies. GT has a strong heritage in performance biking, particularly off-road and extreme sports.
Appearance: Robust, performance-driven designs with a focus on durability and handling, especially suited for rugged terrains and professional racing.
Overall quality: Very high, with a focus on advanced geometry and components for superior trail performance and off-road handling. E-bikes feature integrated batteries and powerful motors for demanding conditions.
Durability: Excellent, with lifetime warranties on frames (with exceptions for some high-performance models). Components are designed to endure tough riding conditions.
Customer service: Strong support through authorized dealers, with warranties requiring professional maintenance. Customer service includes direct support and easy bike registration for warranty activation

Who or What is GT Bicycles?

GT Bicycles is an American company founded in 1972 by Gary Turner, a professional welder and drag racer, in Southern California. The company initially gained fame for designing durable BMX frames, which quickly set a standard in BMX racing. As the brand expanded, it became synonymous with high-performance bikes, particularly in BMX, mountain biking, and more recently, e-bikes.

Known for innovation and a rider-first approach, GT has maintained a prominent position in the global cycling industry through its continual focus on developing advanced technologies like the Triple Triangle frame design, which enhances power transfer, stability, and durability. Over the decades, GT has made strides into various biking disciplines, while also focusing on performance and adventure.

What Makes GT BicyclesGood or Unique?

One of GT’s unique selling points (USPs) is the Triple Triangle frame design, which provides increased frame stiffness and power transfer, essential for performance in BMX and mountain biking. This design sets GT apart, offering riders better handling and durability, particularly on rough terrain.

Additionally, GT’s expertise in full-suspension technology, as seen in its LTS (Lifted Independent Suspension) system, has been a game-changer in mountain biking, delivering superior comfort and control on off-road trails. This focus on advanced frame geometry and suspension systems gives GT an edge over many competitors.

GT BicyclesElectric Bikes of 2024

GT Bicycles produces a wide range of bikes, primarily focusing on BMX, mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and electric bikes. Their mountain bike lineup is highly diverse, with hardtail and full-suspension models designed for different levels of riding, from beginner to professional racing.

Notable models include the Zaskar for cross-country and the Force for enduro riding. GT has also expanded into the electric bike sector, offering e-MTBs like the eForce Amp+ and eGrade Current, which are tailored for off-road and adventure riders seeking electric assistance on challenging terrains

Are GT bikes expensive?

The target audience for GT Bicycles spans multiple groups, from BMX racers to mountain biking enthusiasts, and more recently, urban commuters and leisure riders due to the rise in e-bike popularity.

BMX riders gravitate toward the brand for its history and leadership in that category, while serious mountain bikers appreciate the durability and performance of GT’s off-road models. With the introduction of electric bikes, GT is now appealing to a broader audience of adventure-seekers and commuters looking for a combination of performance and utility.

In terms of pricing, GT’s products span from mid-range to high-end, with BMX bikes starting around $400, while their performance mountain bikes and e-bikes range from $2,500 to over $6,000. This pricing positions GT as a premium brand, particularly in the performance and electric bike segments, competing with other well-established brands like Trek and Specialized.

Our Articles about GT Bicycles

GT Bicycles History

GT Bicycles has a rich and storied history, rooted in BMX and mountain biking. The company was founded in 1972 by Gary Turner, a drag racer and welder, who built a durable BMX frame for his son to withstand the rough demands of racing.

His design caught the attention of the BMX community, leading to the formation of GT Bicycles. Over time, GT became known for their innovations in cycling technology, including the introduction of the Triple Triangle frame design, which improved frame rigidity and power transfer. This design has become a hallmark of GT’s engineering and is still used in many of their models today.

The company expanded into mountain biking during the 1980s and 1990s, with models like the Zaskar and the LTS, which helped to define off-road biking performance. In the mid-1990s, GT ventured into road and Olympic-level bikes, further solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in bike innovation.

The company’s trajectory included highs and lows, particularly following its public listing and merger with Schwinn in 1998, leading to financial challenges and acquisition by Dorel Industries in 2004. However, through all these changes, GT remained dedicated to performance, especially in BMX, mountain biking, and more recently, e-bikes.

Timeline of GT Bicycles

1972: GT Bicycles founded by Gary Turner in California, initially focusing on BMX frames.
1976: The company begins mass-producing BMX frames.
1980: Launch of the Pro Performer, a revolutionary BMX bike that gained iconic status.
1994: Introduction of the LTS (Lifted Independent Suspension), a full-suspension system that set new standards in mountain biking.
1996: GT builds a carbon fiber “Superbike” for the U.S. Olympic team.
1998: The company goes public and merges with Schwinn, later facing financial challenges.
2001: GT is acquired by Pacific Cycle after a bankruptcy filing.
2004: GT is purchased by Dorel Industries and continues expanding its range.
2016: The release of the Grade gravel bike, marking GT’s foray into the growing gravel market.
2022: GT is acquired by Pon Holdings, which leads to a refocus on its core values, independent dealer network, and a push toward high-end performance e-bikes.

News About GT Bicycles in 2024

GT Bicycles has made several key moves in 2024, reflecting its ongoing evolution in the bike market. Under the new ownership of Pon Holdings, GT shifted its focus back toward its roots, emphasizing the independent bike dealer (IBD) market after stepping away from mass-market partnerships. This strategic move was designed to align the brand more with high-performance products and to restore its reputation as a premium brand in BMX, mountain, and gravel biking.

The company also announced major updates to its e-bike lineup. For 2024, GT expanded its focus on electric mountain bikes, particularly full-suspension models such as the eForce Amp+ and eGrade Current, which cater to off-road and adventure enthusiasts.

These bikes integrate advanced Shimano motors and feature the same Triple Triangle frame design that has defined the brand’s engineering ethos. With the addition of upgraded suspension systems and integrated battery designs, these models were designed to push the limits of e-bike performance.

GT also made headlines by participating in the 2024 Rider’s Choice Awards, where they were nominated for their electric bike offerings. Although they did not win, the nomination reflected the brand’s steady resurgence in the e-bike sector

GT Bicycles Contact and Warranty

GT Bicycles offers a limited lifetime warranty for frames, excluding certain high-performance models like gravity, freeride, and downhill bikes, which are covered for three years. Their full-suspension frame components, such as swing arms and shock links, are covered for five years.

GT-branded components come with a one-year warranty, while other non-GT components, including electronic systems and forks, are typically covered by the manufacturer’s separate warranty. To activate the lifetime warranty for frames, the bike must be registered either online or through an authorized GT retailer.

Warranty claims require the bike to be brought in to an authorized GT retailer, accompanied by proof of purchase. The warranty is void if the bike has been subjected to abuse, improper repair, or used in a rental program. Routine wear and tear items like bearings, tires, and brake pads are not covered, and all labor charges for warranty-related services are the responsibility of the owner.

For contact information, GT Bicycles can be reached through their official website at gtbicycles.com. Their customer service line is available at 1-833-575-7576, operating Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm (PDT). GT is active on social media, with official pages on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, providing updates and engaging with their customer base.

TikTok: Their official TikTok handle is @gtbicycles, where they share BMX and mountain biking content, as well as highlights of their e-bikes.
YouTube: GT Bicycles runs a YouTube channel featuring in-depth bike reviews, trail adventures, and brand stories. You can visit their channel at GT Bicycles YouTube.
Facebook: Their Facebook page provides regular updates on new product releases and events. It can be found at GT Bicycles on Facebook.
Instagram: For a visual showcase of their products, promotions, and rider stories, you can follow them on Instagram at GT Bicycles Instagram.