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Pro Bike Check: Martin Maes’ 2015 GT Sanction

Last season, Dan and the young shredder Martin Maes were testing a jet black prototype machine that appeared to be a scaled down version of a 200mm travel Fury downhill bike. So it came as no surprise when GT announced their new Sanction, a longer, lower, meaner beast than their current do-it-all bike the Force. The Sanction was designed to be a full-on Enduro World Series race bike, able to be pedaled but with the emphasis firmly on ridiculous descent speeds. With a long front-center combined with a short, 35mm stem and a long wheelbase, the bike is very stable at high speeds and over broken ground. We check out Martins Sanction.

The 165mm travel Sanction closely resembles the Fury DH bike, just with 55mm less travel
The 165mm travel Sanction closely resembles the Fury DH bike, just with 55mm less travel
Maes is part of the FOX RAD program and his shock feels super active in its initial travel.
Maes is part of the FOX RAD program and his shock feels super active in its initial travel.
A full XTR drivetrain puts the power down.
A full XTR drivetrain puts the power down.
Team GT chose to run big Mud King tyres to cut through the dust and grime.
Team GT chose to run big Mud King tyres to cut through the dust and grime.
The Fox 36RC2 was a popular choice among racers this year.
The Fox 36RC2 was a popular choice among racers this year.
A 35mm PRO Atherton Star Series is used with the long top tube. Maes runs a Shimano shifter on the left side of the bar to control seat post height.
A 35mm PRO Atherton Star Series is used with the long top tube. Maes runs a Shimano shifter on the left side of the bar to control seat post height.
The bike's low main pivot has also been positioned to keep the bike very active.
The bike’s low main pivot has also been positioned to keep the bike very active.
Maes and Atherton, a force to be reckoned with.
Maes and Atherton, a force to be reckoned with.

Words: Trev Worsey Photos: Manne Schmitt

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