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Interesting, I heard from a guy who was quite high up in Giant for 15+ years that they were pushing hard to get the Jewetts and Lief Rogers a few years back but missed out. Apparently they like the pair enough to circle back a few years later
From what I've seen they are "pausing" the brand, whatever that means. Maybe try to sell it off, who knows.
Seems odd that they’re releasing all these riders immediately after dropping the new Phoenix. Curious to see who BK picks up in the next few months
they actually say that CSG (Cannondale) will be handling all CS. I read that as any warranty etc. issues...at least for the time being
What is Jakob too old for him now?
Is Bernard Kerr the UK version of our P Diddy, looks like it. Is his new nickname going to be B Kiddy??
No doubt the likes of Brage and Danny Hart will pick up a good deal elsewhere if they haven’t already but what about Wyn? He finally had a good thing going after years of second rate sponsors. I really hope one of the big brands has some budget to keep him doing what he does.
Danny landing at Norco
Brage will do some sick viking shit like forge a bike out of fuckin Swords or something and put a set of Bombers on it. Hell yeah!
If PON were planning to sell it they probably wouldn't be clearing the inventory and turning off the lights.
Phil mentioned in the video that they already turned down one offer (from a, presumably now former, employee) to buy it and keep it running. It's being shelved and who knows whether we see it again.
five bucks says he’ll find a way to stay on
They're putting him into cryogenic hibernation, to be awakened in the year 2055 when GT returns.
Heartbreaking news on GT. My son's first bike hookup and "support" was from GT. They are such a tight-knit crew (the actual people that work there). Steve Spencer (Coach), who Phil mentions, is one of the most beloved and well-liked people in the bike scene by anyone who has ever met him. Just a fantastic person and a genuinely caring guy who I know is hurting right now.
We haven't worked with GT in a couple of years, but my wife and son were both really, really bummed when I just broke the news to them because that group of people were wonderful to work with.
The Grade is an awesome bike! I'm not believing this rumor till I hear it from Wyn. He was just on a podcast talking about how well things are going.
unfortunatley it's not a rumor - https://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2024/12/17/gt-bicycles-pa…
Danny and Minnaar working together should be good. I doubt they’ll mesh.
Often the top rider in a team has to leave for the better - i think this deal was done earlier in year as Stopped seeing jakob in videos as much.
The kids fast and might pop to the top with a Heavyweight team, especially if giant want to get up there.
I must have missed something. What happened?
Intercourse
Owners of GT went under in 2001, GT came back, Robinson and Powerlight didn't. From memory, I think that the same owner also owned Schwinn at the time too.
huh weird, I usually notice when that happens.
Brage X Skog sykkel would be a legendary combo of Norwegian huck-yeah.
Some people said GT actually went away when Richard Long passed in 1997, as he was the heart and soul and driving force of the company, who shaped it into what it was in its glory days. I tend to agree, even if the last part of the 90's was pretty good rider-wise and bike-wise, with good results and good innovation. Apparently one thing that made GT different to other brands was the fact that Richard Long, the head honcho, would travel all year long across the country and talk to the dealers, learn from their needs and take notes. After he died, GT was sold to an investment group which also owned Schwinn and eventually went bankrupt. Then they were picked up by Pacific, who sold them to Dorel, who sold them to Pon.
But GT kinda became sadder and sadder even after their resurgence. They kinda never got their mojo back, even if, again, they did have some interesting bikes and successful riders. Remember when Jill and Bryn were dropped, just like a finger snapping? There is no empathy for riders and racers in the corporate world and this is why it can be important to support a brand which is still controlled by people who ride and are connected to the sport, not just f'ckin' suits.
I can't help thinking about all the brands. I am sure there is a place for GT, Schwinn and Mongoose, but maybe I am just naive. Oh, and I somehow always hoped Iron Horse will be back at some point in some way. One ore sad thing I'd like to mention in this brands-being-passed-here-and-there-like-basketballs thing: Syncros. Syncros was THE hardcore component brand in the early days of MTB, with some fantastic products and excellent quality. GT bought them, due to their financial troubles and turned them into... a house brand. They went bankrupt together, then landed at Ritchey, as their more, erm, muscular brand, then were sold off to Scott, where they are now and still a house brand with little to none identity left.
Fingers crossed for all of these brands and, more importantly, for the people who work(ed) there. I hope GT will see the light at the end of the tunnel somehow, someway...
I will now close this rant with moist eyes and dust off the GT's I hoarded this lifetime.
Peace,
Mx
I always felt bad for Jakob, felt like he never meshed with Bernard. Almost like he was uncomfortable being around him. Dane and Ryan seemed sweet with Bernard but whenever JJ was on camera he gave an awkward smile and would sorta walk away. Wonder if Daner will leave with him cus he didn’t meantion anything on his (JJ) ig post
Apparently both Jewetts spotted on Giants recently, as reported a few pages back. So plenty of room at PFR now for some junior females!
I really doubt Isak has the financials to support someone like Brage in his endavours. But, that would be cool. Although it'd be fun to see him back on something like Devinci like the olden days when he was rippin' with The Chainsaw.
Just off a German MTB Site..
https://www.mtb-news.de/news/scott-sram-schurter-vertragsverlaengerung-…
I think GT had great stuff on the late 90s and long after Richard passed away as well. Still in the 90s, STS and Zaskar that had a ton of success, 2000's the i-drive, late 2014+s the Sanctions beast that shaped enduro, Forces and Sensors that won so many races, not to mentioned the released of the gravel Grade 10 years ago (!!!) - latest version was bike of the year 2024 on a couple of magazines.
Even the GT Factory Team/Barj/Phill and Wyn + his projects have helped it kept relevant in MTB.
King is dead long live the king.
I hope for the best to all the riders and staff.
someone already said this.
but.....B-Kiddy?
Kasper Woolley making the switch from enduro to downhill on the YT Mob.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDuUVGLt10_/?igsh=MWNicmlkNTE1OWtvcg==
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