GT's Angle Optimized Suspension (AOS) - thoughts?

[PjT]

Hi all,

 

I am currently on a hardtail and considering the move to a dual.

 

What are your thought about the GT's Angle Optimized Suspension concept?

 

There is also the ""moving BB".

 

Would you say it brings forth extra maintenance / risk / wear compared to the other suspension designs out there (for eg. Giant Anthem, and Scott etc.)??

 

Any comments / experience on this appreciated!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZhSLXAUtRI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PjT]

No news is usually good news...not sure if its the same for "no replies on a forum" ? ;-)

[Matchstix]

Bit overly complicated but interesting design. Depends on the model year and if spares are available

[PjT]

Jip. Is quite a complicated design.

2018 model.

Suppose the best is to get in touch with GT dealer re spares availability.

[Blokeonabike]

To me it looks like the whole area around the rear shock and BB will easily gather dust and more importantly mud? This might results in the build up of mud when riding in those conditions that will again result in damage to the shock itself as well as the need to frequently replace bearings in the surrounding area. It might even restrict the suspension movement.

 

The "moving BB" will also mean that your saddle hight (From seat to BB) will change throughout your ride, especially when pedaling resulting in discomfort or even future knee problems.

 

I didn't really do any research on this, but that's just my take on it.

[Jewbacca]

hahaha

 

All the armchair experts will chime in on this because they, of course, know way more than the guys at GT, who have been designing bikes for years.

 

The Helion I rode felt rad! There was a frame in the classifieds I really wanted but took too long to pull the trigger.

 

The one I tested certainly felt absolutely awesome. 

 

3 sets of pivot bearings, same same as many other bikes.

 

The answer from me is a solid 'the bike rides amazingly well'. Re maintenance, GT is a pretty big bike brand, those in the know will be able to confirm whether Omnico still bring them to SA,which would mean replacement bits shouldn't be too difficult to get.

 

If the price is right, go for it. The 29er Helion I rode was designed for 'fun xco' or light trail. Which IMHO is exactly what most of us need.

[DieselnDust]

GT abandoned that suspension concept. It wors very well and very efficient at reducing bob but one draw back was the ever changing saddle to pedal distance. The have since gone back to a Horst link design (GT was one of the original users of Horst Leitner's design till Specialized went and bought it and patented it forcing others to license it.)

I think you will enjoy but Omnico isn't big on 27.5 bikes so I doubt they brought many into SA and therefore spares may be a challenge. Best to give Omnico a call and enquire about spares availability. looks like they at least have the bearings

[PjT]

Thx for all the reply so far....appreciate it.

 

Must be honest...didn't consider the bb-to-seat distance and the effect it might have. Already the knees are not firing on all pistons.

 

The one I am interested in is in fact a 29er. Will get in touch with Omnico on Monday to find out re spares.

[Alouette3]

What brand specific spares do most bike frame actually need besides a warranty type claim?

Most bearings are of fairly standard sizing and the likes of Enduro can be sourced from a good LBS. Only other spare I can think of is the derailleur hanger maybe? If you replacing entire pivots or triangles, then your brand or riding has some bigger problems.

[Grease_Monkey]

What brand specific spares do most bike frame actually need besides a warranty type claim?

Most bearings are of fairly standard sizing and the likes of Enduro can be sourced from a good LBS. Only other spare I can think of is the derailleur hanger maybe? If you replacing entire pivots or triangles, then your brand or riding has some bigger problems.

Pretty much spot on with this post. Just check bearing sizes - you can get most through Bearing Man at half the price of bike specific brands as Enduro (and the same quality). And make sure you have 2 to 3 hangers on hand. Other than that warranty stuff, but if it's a second hand bike it does not apply anyway.

[Alouette3]

The one difference between Bearing Man units and say Enduro, is that the Enduro is a full complement bearing while the others have a cage. I've used both without problems, Enduro will just give you better life if looked after.

 

To be honest a lot of bike shops use the cheap ones in their service any way. Just walk into bearing supplier and ask for those sizes, they will ask if you fixing a bike... these are the ones we supply to the shops

[BMXER]

Never been a fan of GT full suspension bikes. Primarily due to the number of new models GT have brought out over the years. Simply tells me they haven't got it right yet. They have made countless changes over the years.

[DieselnDust]

The one difference between Bearing Man units and say Enduro, is that the Enduro is a full complement bearing while the others have a cage. I've used both without problems, Enduro will just give you better life if looked after.

 

To be honest a lot of bike shops use the cheap ones in their service any way. Just walk into bearing supplier and ask for those sizes, they will ask if you fixing a bike... these are the ones we supply to the shops

 

 

Full compliment bearings are horrible. There's no space for sufficient grease. I much prefer the caged type. You can pack in 3x as much grease and that shows in longevity

[BaGearA]

Full compliment bearings are horrible. There's no space for sufficient grease. I much prefer the caged type. You can pack in 3x as much grease and that shows in longevity

Yes but full compliment are for high force low speed situations like your linkage

 

Caged are for lower load and high speed like wheels

[DieselnDust]

Wheel bearings are taking a lot more load. Full compliment is OK. One grain of dirt will stuff them up quickly. The kind of load that goes through our bikes is nowhere near the kind of loads caged bearings are designed for. Caged also generally have better seals and more expensive

[Knersboy]

What brand specific spares do most bike frame actually need besides a warranty type claim?

Most bearings are of fairly standard sizing and the likes of Enduro can be sourced from a good LBS. Only other spare I can think of is the derailleur hanger maybe? If you replacing entire pivots or triangles, then your brand or riding has some bigger problems.

Hmmm, using GT as an example. Mate of mine had an old GT 26er full suspension. That bike had a flex plate at the bottom of the bb as part of the suspension design. That plate used to k@k quite regularly, and eventually he couldn’t get spares.