GT Grade Carbon Pro in the gravel bike test: Comfortable triangle for lots of driving fun?!

Test / Gravel bike: For the 2020 season, GT is sending an updated version of the already established Grade Carbon gravel bike to the gravel race. Also included is an innovative frame with striking GT features and interesting equipment including Di2 gears.

GT Grade Carbon Pro: The Facts

Frame material: Carbon
Wheel size(s): 700c (650b compatible)
Maximum tire clearance: 42mm / 47mm (650b)
Axle dimensions (v/h): 12 × 100/142 × 12
Mudguard Eyelets: Ja
Luggage carrier eyelets (v/h): Yes / Yes
bottle holder: Down tube up, down tube down, seat tube
Other: eyelets top tube

Weight wheels v/h/total (with tires and brake discs): 1.510g / 1.651g / 3.161g
Weight complete bike without pedals (size M): 8,88kg
Price: € 3.799

GT is generally regarded as a pure MTB forge, but dared to take the step to racing handlebars as a sponsor of the Belgian lottery team at the turn of the millennium. So it was only logical that a few years ago the Grade was presented as a genuine gravel bike that found many fans right away and will receive a comprehensive update for 2020. Of course, the striking "triple triangle" at the transition from the seat stays to the main frame is also included. This feature has been featured on numerous GT bikes since its introduction with the legendary Zaskar Hardtail in the early 90s and has become a trademark.

The seat stays on the new GT Grade are completely decoupled from the seat tube, have an extremely filigree profile and are constructed with a fiberglass core. This combination promises a pleasant flex of the rear end, which should noticeably improve comfort. This not only benefits the driver when things really rumble, but also absorbs smaller vibrations and thus saves energy - especially during longer trips.

The off-road capability of the GT gravel bike is also reflected in the freedom of tyres: 42 tires fit through the rear triangle and fork if standard 28-inch wheels are used. If you want a little more volume, you can also optionally install 650b wheels. Then, according to GT, there is enough space for 47mm tires, but of course the bottom bracket is a bit lower.

You go all the way when it comes to assemblage points. Mudguards are just as possible as a luggage rack at the rear - the fork also comes with a few more eyelets on which the popular Anything Cages can be mounted, for example. Thanks to the two eyelets on the top tube, there is also space for a bag. Last but not least: Three bottle cages fit the main frame of the GT Grade Carbon.

Things get exciting when it comes to the geometry of the GT Grade Carbon: It doesn’t even necessarily affect the frame itself, which finds a good balance with a successful mix of touring suitability and sportiness, but much more the fork. That's right, the fork: With a flip chip, the rider can choose between 55mm and 70mm for the offset. That should mean nothing to many at this point, so a small digression. The offset describes the distance between the front wheel axle and the steering axle. This influences the steering behavior directly and noticeably: With a longer offset, steering impulses are implemented more directly and lively. GT recommends this setting, for example, when fully loaded to compensate for the additional weight and the associated inertia.

The GT Grade Carbon Pro is the top model among the 2020 Grade models: for 3.799 euros you also get a convincing equipment package including Di2 gears, a light wheelset and add-on parts that match the bike both visually and technically. At 8,88kg, the total weight for our test bike in size M without pedals is also perfectly fine.

GT takes an unusual path with the switching group. We have so far found the Shimano Ultegra RX Di2 extremely seldom on complete bikes and now, in times of the GRX Di2, it is likely to be even less in the limelight than before. The key data for a gravel bike are very promising: the rear derailleur has damping that reduces chain slap to a minimum in the field, the performance is typical for Di2, the ergonomics of the levers are convincing. The Ultegra Disc brakes also have sufficient reserves for off-road and downhill passes.

With the 46/30 chainring combination on the FSA crank and the 11-34 cassette, you get a wide range and harmonious, small gear steps. Ideal for long tours and training rides alike - even on steep terrain.

There are no big brand names on the wheels of the GT gravel bike, but we know the combination of Formula hubs and WTB KOM i23 rims from one or the other competitor. This is no coincidence, because despite the generous 23mm inner width of the tubeless-compatible rims, the set is not too heavy and can easily handle thick gravel tires. In the case of the GT Grade Carbon Pro, the 37mm wide WTB Riddler tire is currently one of the most popular all-rounders in the rim well.

I really like the seating area on the Grade with its own 27,2mm carbon post and the Fabric Scoop saddle, which should fit many butts very well. The cockpit is unexcited and fits the overall direction of the bike. The handlebars are not too extreme with a 16° flare.

More tests, products and background information about the Velomotion Gravel Month:

Let's Gravel: GT Grade Carbon Pro

Even at first glance, the GT Grade Carbon Pro stands out from the other gravel bikes in our test field. This is not least due to its usual "triple triangle" design, which is already de rigueur for GT, but certainly also to the other, very individual tube shapes.

Due to the relatively heavily sloped top tube, the GT Grad Carbon Pro is almost reminiscent of a mountain bike. This allows the seat post to show up quite a bit more than it would on bikes with flatter top tubes. Thus, the very good 27,2mm carbon post from our own company can provide a lot of comfort in the seating area. Due to the high front, you still sit comfortably upright on the grades and it doesn't pinch your back even on long rides.

Since the keyword has already been mentioned, let's continue with the topic of driving comfort. Because this is really something to be proud of and not only knows how to convince on hard and turbulent sections, but also absorbs a large part of the bumps and vibrations. This basically ensures a pleasant driving experience, relieves the seating area and does not pass impacts directly on to the driver. The main reason for this comfort is probably the original construction, which not only causes a visual sensation. Because of this, the rear end is completely detached from the seat tube and thus ensures the corresponding performance.

But anyone who thinks that this construction would make the GT Grade a lame duck has, in our opinion, been wrong. Of course you don't exactly get into race mode with the Grade, but you can still accelerate solidly and control it fairly precisely.

But when we talk about steering behavior, we also have to mention the flip-chip feature on the fork, which can be used to change or adjust the offset (see above for explanation). This allows you to align the bike a little more agile or a little more relaxed. The system works relatively well and makes a noticeable difference, especially in terms of handling. However, you have to be aware that you are not going to change the basic orientation of the bike here, but simply do a little fine-tuning.

Regardless of the setting on the flip chip, the Grade Carbon tends to get a little nervous at high speeds, especially on not-so-good terrain. Although it is always easy to control with the appropriate effort, it does not radiate the stoic calm of many a competitor.

Other gravel bike highlights in the test: