GT Verb Elite (27.5) (2018) - Review

The GT Verb Elite is built on a T6 Aluminium full suspension frame. This frame has a modern geometry with the perfect length to have the rear shocks in it. The geometry also allows for higher ground clearance and better stand over clearance as well. This makes sure the rider and bicycle is safe when pedaling over the roughest of trails.The SR Suntour XCR32 front suspension fork comes with a 12mm travel. This massive travel worked smoothly and the manual suspension lockout helped making the fork rigid and hence accelerates faster on flatter surfaces. The GT All Terra air shock suspension with a rebound controller enables easy landing on downhill trails.

This full suspension MTB is equipped with a 1x1 Shimano Deore drivetrain. Skipping the front derailleur has become the trend in high performance MTB's and the reason for this is to lose the component weight, make gear shifting simpler and yet have a bigger cassette at the rear to fulfill both climbing and acceleration needs. The Rapid Fire Deore 1-Speed shifters were easy to use with quick spring action.

The Verb Elite 27.5” 218, which I test rode came in a full Neon Red frame with Blue and White as secondary colours for text and graphics. The curving bottom bracket gave ample space for the rear shocks component and also made sure the clearance at the bottom bracket is higher. The gloss finish paint job is of top-notch quality with a bright shine to it.

The Shimano BR-M315 Hydraulic Disc brakes were powerful, reactive and balanced to use during the test ride. These brakes are ideal for fast downhill rides and the brake levers needed only 2-3 fingers to engage them.The All-Terra MTB handlebar is 76mm wide and this made sure the rider was open chested and therefore has total control over the bicycle.

The GT Verb Elite rolls on a pair of 27.5” x 2.25” WTB Ranger Comp tires. These tires were heavily treaded with bulky buttons and were evenly spread. The 27.5” circumference made sure the tires rolled fast on the trail. The All Terra MTB specific saddle was ergonomically designed to make sure the rider's sit bones is perfectly placed on the widest points of the saddle.