Description
2017 GT Helion Carbon Expert 9R Complete Mountain Bike
For many of us, the name GT brings back memories of scouring the neighborhood on burly BMX bikes in search of the best curb jumps and parkside playgrounds. Now that we’re all grown up and looking for a new ride, the 2017 GT Helion Carbon Expert 9R Complete Mountain Bike blends that playful abandon we so sorely miss with modern technology built to handle full-sized trails. Possibly best conceptualized as a whip-fast 29er XC bike that can push into burlier territory, the Helion’s 110mm of rear travel and 100mm travel up front soften the bumps just enough without feeling too squishy to go fast.
GT crafts the Helion Carbon with its Force Optimized Construction (FOC) Ultra carbon, which is a weave of lightweight and exceptionally strong high-modulus carbon fibers that results in a balance of lateral rigidity, impact resilience, and minimal weight. This translates to real life as a confident, capable, and responsive ride.
The Helion’s Angle Optimized Suspension (AOS) utilizes a high-mount pivot that helps boost the suspension’s shock absorbing capabilities. It’s paired with GT’s PathLink, which cradles the crankset to limit power-sapping chain extension. Essentially, AOS isolates rear axle travel from pedaling input, which means the Helion can charge over singletrack and jump off the line without any disheartening pedal bob.
A full-suspension cross-country bike
4.3in of Angle Optimized suspension
Moderate geometry balances climbing speed and descending prowess
Carbon construction blends low weight and high stiffness
Shimano drivetrain provides precise gear shifts
2017 GT Helion Carbon Expert 9R Complete Mountain Bike
Frame Material:
FOC Ultra Carbon
Suspension:
Angle Optimized Suspension
Rear Shock:
Fox Performance Elite Float
Rear Travel:
110mm
Fork:
Fox Performance 32 Float SC
Front Travel:
100mm
Headset:
1-1/8 – 1-1/2 in FSA Orbit C-40-B
Shifters:
Shimano SLX rapid fire
Front Derailleur:
Shimano SLX
Rear Derailleur:
Shimano Deore XT Shadow Plus SGS
Crankset:
36 / 26t Race Face Ride
Bottom Bracket:
Race Face
Cassette:
11 – 42t Shimano SLX 11-speed
Chain:
KMC X11
Brakeset:
Shimano SLX M7000
Brake Type:
hydraulic disc
Rotors:
180 / 180mm RT-70 centerlock
Handlebar:
Race Face Ride, low rise
Handlebar Width:
760mm
Grips:
GT Statement Single lock-on
Stem:
Race Face Ride 35
Stem Length:
80mm
Saddle:
WTB Silverado Race SL, Cromoly Rail
Seatpost:
Race Face Ride
Seatpost Diameter:
31.6mm
Wheelset:
WTB STS i23 29in, tubeless compatible
Hubs:
Shimano SLX 7010 centerlock disc
Front Axle:
15 x 110mm Boost thru-axle
Rear Axle:
12 x 142mm thru-axle
Tires:
Schwalbe Racing Ralph Snakeskin TL
Tire Size:
[front] 29 x 2.25in, [rear] 29 x 2.0in
Recommended Use:
cross-country
Manufacturer Warranty:
lifetime on frame
2017 GT Helion Carbon Expert 9R Complete Mountain Bike
GEOMETRY CHART
Helion Carbon Team/Pro/Expert | ||||||||||
110mm Travel Fork | ||||||||||
Seat Tube
(c-t) |
Effective Top Tube
(eTT) |
Fork Offset
(Rake) |
Stand Over | Head Tube
(HT) |
Head Tube Angle
(HTo) |
Seat Tube Angle
(STo) |
Bottom Bracket Drop
(BBD) |
Chainstay
(CS) |
Wheelbase | |
S | 18.1in | 22.8in | 1.6in | 32.4in | 3.5in | 69.5o | 70.5o | 1in | 17.2in | 41.8in |
M | 18.1in | 23.8in | 1.6in | 32.5in | 4in | 69.5o | 70.5o | 1in | 17.2in | 43in |
L | 19.3in | 25in | 1.6in | 33.4in | 4.7in | 69.5o | 70.5o | 1in | 17.2in | 44in |
XL | 20.5in | 26.1in | 1.6in | 34.4in | 5.3in | 69.5o | 70.5o | 1in | 17.2in | 45.2in |