GT Goes Grass Roots: No Factory Race Team in 2024

Confirming what has long been considered a firm rumour, GT has announced the termination of its Factory Race Team programme for 2024. GT has a long hi …

By stwhannah

Get the full story here:

https://singletrackworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/gt-goes-grass-roots-no-factory-race-team-in-2024/

Sad times unfortunately, but I guess accountants are there for a reason and companies need to make tough decisions. Hard facts are always a swine to accept. I wish everyone involved and affected by this all the best.

Yeah it’s tough for sure and a sad loss for the sport, but racing is expensive and it seems they don’t see the value in it. I do find it somewhat weird considering they’ve just recently launched a new DH bike, new Enduro/Trail bikes etc, to then pull out of racing (mostly).
There are teams that will benefit like Wyns Privateer project, the GT Viris development squad etc. The riders will get other rides for sure… So it’s not a complete disaster for some.

It’s the longer term effects/knock-on from it and other teams being canned though, that’s somewhat of a worry.

Despite the prominence of the team, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a modern GT enduro or DH bike on the trails. No one I ride with has ever turned up with a GT bike. So despite all the investment in the race teams and the resultant advertising, I’m not seeing it convert into sales unless its one of those brands that’s really popular outside the UK?

You get a fair few at DH races and not all of them are mine 😀

But they’ve been very good in terms of DH value bikes, you can get a 2020 for <£2000 with decent enough spec and ready to race, so with people getting into DH they’re seen as quite a purchase option. I do see Enduros with GT racers but i’d say a decent chunk of them are indeed ‘team’ racers..

unless its one of those brands that’s really popular outside the UK?

Back in the day they were massive in the UK but I don’t think they’ve ever recovered from Halfords.

Back in the day they were massive in the UK but I don’t think they’ve ever recovered from Halfords. I Drive.

I used to be a proper committed fanboy – I still desperately miss the 2004 Zaskar I built that got stolen last year – but the Zaskar 29er they brought out in the early teens was one of the worst bikes I’ve ever ridden and I’ve never quite been able to forgive them for it.

Ditto. I’ve never forgiven them for the easily snappable BMXs i grew up riding.

Just bought my 1st GT. Had a carbon Force pro delivered last night. 2 grand off the RRP is what swayed it but I’ve always been soft on the looks of the Force. It looks proper tank in the flesh, pedaled round the block very well though, considering the type of bike it is. Looking forward to taking it out this weekend.

Halfords. I Drive

Fair point, I think both happened about he same time

I do find it somewhat weird considering they’ve just recently launched a new DH bike, new Enduro/Trail bikes etc, to then pull out of racing (mostly).

Those bikes will have been in development for years. The decision to quit racing was probably made when 2023 turned into a failed experiment.

I do find it somewhat weird considering they’ve just recently launched a new DH bike, new Enduro/Trail bikes etc, to then pull out of racing (mostly).

Those bikes will have been in development for years.

The decision to quit racing was probably made during the failed experiment that was the 2023 season.

I have to admit I’ve never lusted after a GT since around 1996 when Peaty had an LTS-DH. Even that was ruined for me when a mate bought one and it was garbage. Then i-drive happened. And continued to happen.

Having a DH team didn’t sway me when I got myself the new GT Sensor and I’m absolutely loving it. I am a bit of a fan of the brand from bmx and MTB. The sensor though is one of the best all round trail bikes I’ve had in recent years. It’s kinda nice having something bit different too.
glad to see privateer is still a thing

There’s a fair amount of speculation that the Continental ex-Nukeproof team and Danny Hart will be on GT frames next season. Maybe there’s no more factory team, but there will be presence on the WC circuit.