$5000

46 pounds

9-inch rear wheel travel

GT, (800) 645-5806

Maxi test: September 2005

Highlights: GT's goal with the Internal Transmission 1 (IT-1) was to increase drivetrain durability, reduce unsprung weight (weight directly connected to the wheel or swingarm affecting suspension performance), increase drivetrain reliability, and improve pedaling performance. GT also wanted to address the issue of wheel path with their internal transmission bike. The IT-1 has seven or nine inches of rear wheel travel, and they wanted it designed to handle a variety of terrain hits without losing speed or affecting handling. The internal transmission is housed in the center of the frame and uses a Shimano Nexus eight-speed transmission with a gear range broad enough for climbing quick ascents and gaining speed on descents.

Best quote: "On flats and downhills, the IT-1 pedals smoothly with minimal pedal feedback for a nine-inch travel bike."

Bottom line: The 2005 IT-1's geometry makes for a nimble-handling ride that would be fun at any mountain resort or downhill bike park. A gravity fiend couldn't ask for a better component spec, and the internal transmission, although very unconventional, performed flawlessly. GT developed the IT-1 with these goals in mind: increased drivetrain durability, center weight distribution, optimized suspension performance, and decreased maintenance. They met all of their goals, except that maintenance is tricky, because it's an unfamiliar technology.