GT is getting in on the plus game for 2017 with a line of affordable hardtails called Pantera. There are three bikes in the range, all of which use a 6061 aluminum frame and a 120mm travel fork. Because of this, all models share the same geometry: 68.5 degree headtube, 72.7 degree seattube angle, and 440mm chainstay length.
The base model Pantera Comp kicks things off at a reasonable $870 for a complete bike. As you would expect, the components are entry level, but they are solid. You get an air sprung SR Suntour fork with a thru axle, a Shimano Alivio 2×9 drivetrain, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and WTB Trailblazer 2.8 tires. It also happens to come in a sparkly, bass boat-style, purple paint job.
Moving up a notch to the $1,300 Pantera Elite gets you a nicer RockShox Recon fork along with a 1×11 drivetrain care of SRAM’s NX group. Unfortunately, the camo paint job you see here will not be available in the US. Instead, you’ll have to settle for a more subdued blue and orange colorway. Update: We just heard back from GT, and the camo paint job will indeed be available in the US.
At the top is the Pantera Expert. For $300 more than the Elite, you get a RockShox Revelation fork, Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain, Shimano brakes, and Schwalbe Rocket Ron tires.
GT also had their top-of-the-line, $5,900, Sensor Carbon Pro 130mm travel trail bike on hand. For the full scoop on the bike, be sure to check out Jeff’s test ride review from the Outdoor Demo portion of the show.
And finally, riders of a certain age will appreciate the throwback edition Performer Pro that GT had in their booth. It has graphics straight from the 1986 model, but it’s been updated with 26″ wheels for those that may have outgrown 20″ BMX bikes. It’s intended to just be a fun bike for cruising around town or ripping up the pumptrack. This little slice of nostalgia will run you $560.
Last updated on October 4, 2016 at 10:42am MDT by Greg Heil.
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