GT Sensor Team 27.5″ Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike 2017

GT Mountain Bikes

One of the world's most iconic bike brands, GT was formed in 1972, taking it's name from the initials of founder Gary Turner. His first product was a custom made BMX frame for his son, and it's durability made it a hit on the SoCal BMX tracks. As a result of this, Gary started producing BMX frames for general sale from 1974 onwards. By 1987, GT moved into the emerging mountain biking discipline, and shortly afterwards started manufacturing it's distinctive triple triangle design hardtails, which are still made to this day. By 1999 GT have developed the i-Drive suspension system, which proved popular amongst off-roaders. Further innovations included the Downhill IT-1 complete with built in gearbox, a world's first. From 2007 production began on 29" wheel MTBs, and the introduction of carbon in the build process. Nowadays GT caters for Road, Cyclocross and MTBs, as well as a range of BMXs in keeping with it's history. Famous riders to have competed on GT bikes include Hans Rey, Steve Peat, Brian Lopes, the Atherton siblings (Gee, Dan & Rachel), Rebecca Twigg and Juli Furtado.

To find out more about GT, you can view their latest bike ranges, the official company history as well as their wikipedia page at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GT_Bicycles.

About Merlin Cycles

This cycling deal was found at Merlin Cycles, one of the UK's most famous bike shops, located up North!

Merlin Cycles started life in 1993, founded by John Moss as a mail order Mountain Bike business ran directly from his spare bedroom in Chorley. Due to early growth, shortly afterwards he opened his first outlet in Ormskirk, and a few years later in 1998, the company grew into larger premises, moving to Leyland.

In the 1990's and early 2000's, Merlin were known for their ranges of mountain bike hardtails, released under the Rock Lobster and Merlin "Malt" brands. These steel and aluminium hardtails were designed in house, available as framesets or complete bikes, representing excellent value for money. The company was also well known for their handbuilt MTB wheels, which in my experience lasted for years without needing truing!

Merlin have always been competitive on pricing, particularly on suspension forks, brakes, wheels and groupsets, which continues to this day. Nowadays they have introduced road cycling equipment and clothing into their product ranges, due to the increase in popularity in this field, thus catering for a broader range of cyclists.

For more information on Merlin Cycles you can see their shipping costs, read about their history, or visit their homepage.