Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a legendary downhill machine: the 2014 GT Fury Elite Downhill MTB. This bike isn't just a mode of transportation; it's a purpose-built instrument engineered to conquer the most challenging descents. Whether you're a seasoned downhill veteran or an aspiring gravity enthusiast, understanding the nuances of this bike will help you appreciate its design and capabilities. So, let's break down everything that makes the 2014 GT Fury Elite a standout choice for tearing up the trails.

Overview of the 2014 GT Fury Elite

The GT Fury Elite was designed with one thing in mind: speed. This downhill mountain bike is built to handle the rigors of steep, technical terrain, providing riders with the confidence they need to push their limits. From its robust frame to its carefully selected components, every aspect of the Fury Elite is optimized for performance. Let's dive into some key features.

Frame and Suspension

The heart of any mountain bike is its frame, and the GT Fury Elite boasts a hydroformed alloy frame designed for maximum strength and durability. The frame geometry is optimized for downhill riding, featuring a slack head angle for stability at high speeds and a long wheelbase for enhanced control. This combination ensures that the bike remains composed and predictable, even when tackling the most demanding trails. The frame is engineered to withstand the immense forces generated during downhill runs, providing a solid and reliable platform for the rider.

The suspension system is another critical element of the GT Fury Elite. The bike features a RockShox fork and rear shock, offering plush and responsive suspension performance. With generous travel, the suspension soaks up bumps and jumps with ease, keeping the wheels planted on the ground for maximum traction and control. The suspension components are adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune the bike's feel to suit their riding style and the specific demands of the terrain. The RockShox suspension ensures that the Fury Elite can handle everything from small chatter to massive drops, providing a smooth and controlled ride.

Components and Features

The components of the 2014 GT Fury Elite are carefully selected to complement its frame and suspension, ensuring optimal performance on the downhill track. The bike features a reliable drivetrain, providing smooth and precise shifting even under heavy load. Powerful disc brakes offer exceptional stopping power, allowing riders to maintain control in any situation. Durable wheels and tires provide excellent grip and puncture resistance, ensuring that the bike can handle the rigors of aggressive riding. The component package as a whole is designed to provide riders with the confidence they need to push their limits and tackle the most challenging trails.

Key Features and Specs

Let's get into the nitty-gritty details. The 2014 GT Fury Elite is packed with features that make it a top contender in the downhill arena. Understanding these specs will give you a clearer picture of what this bike is all about.

Frame

• Material: Hydroformed alloy
• Design: Downhill-specific geometry
• Durability: Built to withstand high-impact forces

The hydroformed alloy frame is the backbone of the Fury Elite, providing a strong and reliable foundation for aggressive riding. The downhill-specific geometry ensures that the bike handles predictably at high speeds, while the frame's durability ensures that it can withstand the rigors of the trail. The frame is engineered to provide a balance of stiffness and compliance, allowing riders to maintain control while minimizing fatigue. The hydroforming process allows for precise shaping of the frame tubes, optimizing strength and weight distribution for maximum performance.

Suspension

• Front: RockShox Domain Dual Crown RC, 200mm travel
• Rear: RockShox Kage RC, 220mm travel
• Adjustability: Rebound and compression damping

The RockShox suspension components provide plush and responsive performance, soaking up bumps and jumps with ease. The generous travel ensures that the bike can handle even the biggest hits, while the adjustable damping allows riders to fine-tune the suspension to suit their riding style and the terrain. The dual-crown fork provides exceptional stiffness and control, while the rear shock offers smooth and consistent performance throughout its travel. The suspension system as a whole is designed to provide riders with maximum confidence and control on the downhill track.

Drivetrain

• Shifters: SRAM X7
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM X9
• Cassette: SRAM PG-950, 11-26, 9-speed
• Crankset: RaceFace Respond, 36T

The SRAM drivetrain components provide smooth and reliable shifting, even under heavy load. The wide-range cassette ensures that riders have the gears they need to tackle any climb, while the RaceFace crankset provides efficient power transfer. The drivetrain is designed to withstand the rigors of downhill riding, providing riders with consistent performance and durability. The SRAM X7 shifters and X9 rear derailleur offer precise and responsive shifting, ensuring that riders can maintain their momentum on the trail.

Brakes

• Type: Avid Elixir 5, hydraulic disc
• Rotors: 200mm front and rear

The Avid Elixir 5 hydraulic disc brakes provide exceptional stopping power, allowing riders to maintain control in any situation. The large rotors ensure that the brakes remain cool and consistent, even during long descents. The brakes are designed to provide a progressive feel, allowing riders to modulate their braking force with precision. The hydraulic system provides consistent performance, regardless of weather conditions, ensuring that riders can rely on their brakes when they need them most.

Wheels and Tires

• Wheels: Alex Supra BH
• Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF, 26 x 2.5"

The Alex Supra BH wheels are durable and reliable, providing excellent performance on the downhill track. The Maxxis Minion DHF tires offer exceptional grip and puncture resistance, ensuring that riders can maintain control in any terrain. The wheels and tires are designed to withstand the rigors of aggressive riding, providing riders with the confidence they need to push their limits. The Maxxis Minion DHF tires are a popular choice among downhill riders, known for their excellent grip and predictable handling.

Riding Experience

So, what's it like to actually ride the 2014 GT Fury Elite? In a word, exhilarating. The bike's downhill-specific geometry and plush suspension provide a stable and controlled ride, allowing riders to tackle even the most challenging terrain with confidence. The slack head angle and long wheelbase ensure that the bike remains composed at high speeds, while the generous suspension travel soaks up bumps and jumps with ease. The powerful disc brakes provide exceptional stopping power, allowing riders to maintain control in any situation.

Handling

The handling of the GT Fury Elite is one of its standout features. The bike's geometry is optimized for downhill riding, providing a stable and predictable feel. The slack head angle allows the bike to track straight through rough terrain, while the long wheelbase enhances control at high speeds. The bike is easy to maneuver, allowing riders to navigate tight corners and technical sections with confidence. The handling is responsive and precise, providing riders with a direct connection to the trail.

Suspension Performance

The suspension performance of the GT Fury Elite is another key factor in its overall riding experience. The RockShox suspension components provide plush and responsive performance, soaking up bumps and jumps with ease. The adjustable damping allows riders to fine-tune the suspension to suit their riding style and the terrain. The suspension is designed to provide a balance of support and compliance, allowing riders to maintain control while minimizing fatigue. The suspension performance is consistent and reliable, ensuring that riders can count on their bike to perform in any situation.

Overall Impression

Overall, the 2014 GT Fury Elite is a top-performing downhill mountain bike that offers an exceptional riding experience. The bike's downhill-specific geometry, plush suspension, and reliable components make it a standout choice for riders who demand the best. Whether you're a seasoned downhill veteran or an aspiring gravity enthusiast, the Fury Elite is sure to impress. The bike is confidence-inspiring and capable, allowing riders to push their limits and tackle the most challenging trails with ease. If you're looking for a downhill bike that can handle anything you throw at it, the 2014 GT Fury Elite is definitely worth considering.

Who is this Bike For?

The 2014 GT Fury Elite is ideally suited for a few different types of riders. Let's break it down:

• Downhill Enthusiasts: If you live for the thrill of descending steep, technical trails, this bike is right up your alley.
• Gravity Riders: Riders who frequent bike parks and love catching air will appreciate the Fury Elite's robust suspension and durable frame.
• Experienced Mountain Bikers: While beginners can certainly ride this bike, its capabilities are best utilized by those with some experience and skill.

Conclusion

The 2014 GT Fury Elite Downhill MTB is a serious machine built for serious riders. Its robust construction, advanced suspension, and thoughtfully selected components make it a top contender in the downhill world. If you're looking for a bike that can handle the toughest descents and help you push your limits, the Fury Elite is well worth considering. Happy trails, and remember to always ride within your limits! This bike offers a blend of performance, durability, and adjustability, making it a versatile option for a wide range of downhill riders. Whether you're racing against the clock or just enjoying a day at the bike park, the GT Fury Elite is sure to deliver an unforgettable riding experience.