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First Look | GT Sanction Pro, New Product Line-up for 2016

Dan Atherton along with GT Factory racing have been developing the Sanction race bike for a while now. Originally seen only as his prototype race bike at first, then finally developed into the Sanction Team for this year, this bike is a machine making ripples in the MTB world, as riders are blown away by its trail thrashing capabilities. Now for 2016 GT have extended the range, keeping the Team model and adding an Expert (the cheapest) and this Pro model bang in the middle. We took a look at it at their UK distributors launch and were impressed with the build, although we think that green will be a real love or hate decision for potential buyers!

Equipped with the latest Fox Float X, fitted through the open seat tube.
Equipped with the latest Fox Float X, fitted through the open seat tube.

We hear nothing but good things about the ride of the GT Sanction, but what would be it’s intended use with such aggressive geometry and long wheelbase? We’d put this down as a bike for a rider who isn’t interested in racing up a hill, more like getting to the top at their own pace! But when it comes to descending then that is when this bike will come into its own. These things rip, wanting the terrain to be rough, steep and gnarly: in these conditions a Sanction will reward the rider with incredible DH bike-like handling ability.

WTB Silverado Race saddle fitted to the stealth 125mm KS Lev, only the tallest of riders can run a 150mm dropper in this frame, due to the shock position.
WTB Silverado Race saddle fitted to the stealth 125mm KS Lev, only the tallest of riders can run a 150mm dropper in this frame, due to the shock position.
The fantastic plush Fox 36 forks hold in Shimano SLX hubs laced to Stans Rapid rims fitted with Maxxis High Roller 2 tyres.
The fantastic plush Fox 36 forks hold in Shimano SLX hubs laced to Stans Rapid rims fitted with Maxxis High Roller 2 tyres.
The adjustability of the Fox 36 is always a bonus.
The adjustability of the Fox 36 is always a bonus.

As for the suspension platform of the Sanction, it’s a kind of derivative of a single pivot, so hard hitting bumps should be soaked up with ease and big maintenance issues should never be an issue with the lack of complex bearings and linkages. The only problem we can some riders having with the design of the seat-stays is that of the shock being in the way for riders a bit shorter in the leg who would want to upgrade to a 150mm dropper.

You certainly won't fail to stop with the big SLX 203mm rotors and brakes. Shimano 11/42 XT does the driving.
You certainly won’t fail to stop with the big SLX 203mm rotors and brakes. Shimano 11/42 XT does the driving.
External cables with GT's great cable holds keeps things simple and gives ease of maintenance.
External cables with GT’s great cable holds keeps things simple and gives ease of maintenance.
The drive is taken care of up-front by Raceface's Aeffect cranks and 32 tooth chainring. By the looks of GT's chain device with bash-ring this bike means business!
The drive is taken care of up-front by Raceface’s Aeffect cranks and 32 tooth chainring. By the looks of GT’s chain device with bash-ring this bike means business!
Shimano SLX brakes, a safe bet for a middle model bike, effective and reliable.
Shimano SLX brakes, a safe bet for a middle model bike, effective and reliable.
The cockpit comprising of Rcaeface Chester 780mm bars and 40mm stem, now that's aggressive style to match the bike!
The cockpit comprising of Rcaeface Chester 780mm bars and 40mm stem, now that’s aggressive style to match the bike!
Oversize bearings and links are the Sanction's plus points, with low maintenance being a real bonus.
Oversize bearings and links are the Sanction’s plus points, with low maintenance being a real bonus.
This is one long, low raked out puppy, aggressive looking, lean and mean, we're just not sure about that colour!
This is aggressive looking, lean and mean, we’re just not sure about that colour!

Geometry

Size S M L XL
Chainstay Length 439 mm 439 mm 439 mm 439 mm
Headtube Angle 66° 66° 66° 66°
Seattube Angle 74,5° 74,5° 74,5° 74,5°
Seattube Length 450 mm 470 mm 485 mm 510 mm
Wheelbase 1157 mm 1186 mm 1215 mm 1244 mm

Price: €4599.00 (£3399.00)

Website: gtbicycles.com

Words and photos: Jim Buchanan

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