The 2010 GT Outpost, out the Recreational XC Series

GT is one of the bigger bike firms and has a nice 2010 product line up. The GT Outpost is one of GT's entry-level bikes and comes with a 6061, Triple Triangle, with Dirt Worthy Geometry, disc compatible with removable hanger frame set. All the main tubes are butted, the down tube being tapered and squashed where it connects to the head tube and bottom bracket.

The back end is plain-gauge, so it racks up in weight but the GT Outpost rides lighter than its near to 12 kilo overall weight. It has rack mounts, two bottle mounts, a quick-release seat pin collar, down tube routed cables and GT's familiar Triple Triangle frame design The finish is quality and it comes in two colors Blue-Light Grey and Black-Light Grey.

Plugged into the front is a SR Suntour M3000, alloy crown fork. It has 75mm of travel courtesy of the external coil spring system. The fork feels supple in the first centimeters of travel but ramps considerable after that. The ramping is necessary to stop bottoming.

The fork comes with and unthreaded steerer so a steel Aheadset is used, matted with a plain black GT ATB, threadless 25 degree rise with four bolt alum face plate stem. The handlebars are no-name steel with 20mm rise, and 6 degree bend, anatomically sized and the grips are GT Dual Density ATB – comfy, but on the long side. A black alloy micro adjust seat post holds a lush GT Custom MTN with anatomic pressure relief saddle. This is comfy and gives the GT Outpost a race look with its blue and white detailing. It doesn't wear well, however.

GT is a big Shimano fan and the GT Outpost comes with Shimano ST-EF50 8 speed EZ fire shifters/brake levers, a rear Shimano Acera derailleur and Shimano C-050 front derailleur. Top marks for the alloy 8 speed cassette with QR on the rear wheel. The brakes are Radius linear pull brakes and although they don't look much they have a positive feel.

The position on the GT Outpost is more racer than trail cruiser, the frame features have the same race-proven geometry and reinforcement that's made GT a clear favorite. Although the GT Outpost comes with some no-name parts, they're still well made and strong, which sums up the bike as a whole.