$2900
30.3 pounds
5.5 inches of rear wheel travel
GT, (800) RIDEAGT
Full test: August 2007 (Click here to order this issue)

Highlights: Few rear suspension designs have stood the test of time as well as the GT i-Drive (Specialized's Horst Link and any single-pivot rear suspension are the other mainstays that comes to mind). The i-Drive continues to evolve. You won't find the obtrusive eccentric of the first versions with their alignment dots on the frame and sag tools to get the suspension dialed. Today, a simpler version isolates the bottom bracket from the main triangle and rear swingarm. Floating the bottom bracket is GT's way of keeping the rear suspension from being actuated by pedaling and braking forces.

Best quote: "The i-Drive, a system we have liked all along, continues to impress. It pedals great in or out of the saddle and loves to be hammered through rocks, ruts and roots."

Bottom line: An enterprising rider could buy the i-Drive 5 1.0, disassemble it and sell all the parts at a bicycle swap meet for a hefty profit. But who would want to do that? The i-Drive 5 1.0 is the closest thing to a perfect i-Drive that GT has offered to date. This bike eliminates the weak spots we mentioned in past tests and it does it at a price that is unbelievable. The i-Drive 5 1.0 is the most expensive bike in the i-Drive 5 line up, and it is also the best value of the bunch. Invest wisely.