GT signs Kyle Strait

by Karl Burkat
Feb 3, 2012 at 4:55

GT Bicycles announced today the 2012 roster for the Wingmen team, a collective of riders that redefine mountain biking. Captained by pioneer Hans Rey, new additions and shifts in the team continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible on two wheels.

“The GT Wingmen are a versatile group of free riders that redefine how we compete, communicate, and chronicle mountain biking,” said Mark Peterman, Global General Manager GT Bicycles. “These unique athletes showcase our continued commitment to progressive riders and the mountain biking lifestyle. This year’s roster will continue to push the envelope of what we’ve seen in mountain biking.”


Additions to the Wingmen roster include Kyle Strait and Kenny Belaey. Strait has held top positions at some of the most prestigious freeride events, and has demonstrated his versatility at UCI World Cups around the world. Belaey, the former multi-time Trials World Champion, is an innovator and visionary in the sport. These riders will be joining the team of Hans Rey, Tyler McCaul, Dave Watson, Dave Smutok, and East Coast MTB advocate Lars Tribus.

Kenny Belaey to also rock GT in 2012


The GT Wingmen will be riding the Ruckus DJ, La Bomba, Distortion, and Force. A collection of bikes inspired by the athletes’ riding styles will debut later this year, along with a special project to commemorate Hans Rey’s 25th anniversary with GT.

http://www.gtbicycles.com/
Must Read This Week

103 Comments

  • + 91
flag melonhead1145 (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:02)
 GT are really stepping up their game this year. I cant wait for the season to get into full swing, lots of new teams and new riders. Exciting stuff
  • - 92
flag Devinallan000x (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:07) (Below Threshold) show comment
 this is b.s
  • + 4
flag timfrancis (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:11)
 They're really upping their game hey! And the most ridden brand this season will be...
  • + 14
flag chyu (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:32)
 They got the DH team, now Slopestyle, GT is now podium contender.
  • + 11
flag kickitpinkbike (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:48)
 how the hell in this b.s?
  • + 5
flag mountainbart (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:55)
 "Bull Shit"? yeh really awesome to see GT with the new teams!
  • - 39
flag evan-pelham-rider (Feb 3, 2012 at 6:50) (Below Threshold) show comment
 GT is sketch
  • + 22
flag kickitpinkbike (Feb 3, 2012 at 7:19)
 GT is as awesome as the moment your parent realized your an idiot.
  • - 17
flag DIRTESANCHEZ433 (Feb 3, 2012 at 7:43) (Below Threshold) show comment
 MERICA
  • + 5
flag kickitpinkbike (Feb 3, 2012 at 7:52)
 anda? your point?
  • - 14
flag norcovpsshore (Feb 3, 2012 at 9:01) (Below Threshold) show comment
 Doesnt matter who they have on their team, bike will still look like trash
  • + 11
flag DIRTESANCHEZ433 (Feb 3, 2012 at 9:05)
 your an idiot^^^^^

its better than your bike. and GT makes a legit bike
  • - 4
flag jordanreeder69 (Feb 3, 2012 at 9:06) (Below Threshold) show comment
 yaa punk ^
^
  • - 11
flag norcovpsshore (Feb 3, 2012 at 10:27) (Below Threshold) show comment
 DIRTESANCHEZ433, youve probably never ridden a GT. My point is it looks ugly as hell. Better than my bike? hahahha
  • + 9
flag DIRTESANCHEZ433 (Feb 3, 2012 at 10:56)
 Actually I rode for gt when I raced bmx. So jokes on you. And it's a great lookIng bike that's for sure. And a gt is way better than your bike
  • + 11
flag suicidedownhiller (Feb 3, 2012 at 10:58)
 Catfight! Meow! GT has a stacked rider list this year, stoked!
  • + 2
flag mountguitars (Feb 3, 2012 at 11:04)
 i smell blood!
  • - 1
flag DHnewboy (Feb 3, 2012 at 11:35)
 i love you DIRTESANCHEZ! MERICAN BLOOD
  • + 7
flag jono21 (Feb 3, 2012 at 14:58)
 Have GT won the lottery or something? How can they afford this? Awesome news tho!
  • + 3
flag Mcgeezy (Feb 3, 2012 at 16:30)
 People Riding Gay Transformers.... wow.... (neg prop me puss)
  • + 3
flag immacaroni (Feb 3, 2012 at 16:43)
 im jumping on the band wagon and saying the gt is gonna be the greatest and best looking bike because they got big name pros to ride them (pure sarcasm).....i still think they are shit and I will never ride one. i cant wait for the day for schwinn starts making dh bikes and signs some big name riders and watch all the people flock to a pos schwinn and call it an amazing machine.
  • + 3
flag lennyandcarl (Feb 3, 2012 at 18:05)
 "Haha, you think that's a Schwinn."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUC9hygkhME
  • + 5
flag sean-a-e Plus (Feb 3, 2012 at 18:36)
 Does it really matter what your riding and how it looks? The wheels still turn so those guys are all going to shred regardless.
  • + 1
flag Devinallan000x (Feb 3, 2012 at 21:57)
 you guys take this stuff to close to heart .
alot of mix ups this year tho .
should be interesting
  • + 4
flag joshbb (Feb 4, 2012 at 0:48)
 no gt have not won the lottery... they just happen to be one of the biggest bike brands in the world
[Reply]
  • + 20
flag maxmiddelhauve (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:03)
 Wow Kyle Stait and The Athertons.. A Powerfull Mix
  • + 5
flag Joebohobo (Feb 3, 2012 at 10:55)
 and beaumont !!
  • + 2
flag HMBA106 (Feb 3, 2012 at 14:37)
 Mccaul
  • + 5
flag Daemongrad (Feb 3, 2012 at 15:03)
 yeah, maybe havin a stacked team will employ more useful feedback for the designers and builders of the frames
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag newfdh (Feb 3, 2012 at 12:29)
 To those that bash GT.... Have you ridden one? The Idrive pedals very well, its snappy, light, and quiet. The GT haters are the same people that hate on Kona or other traditonal designs without ever riding one; but as soon as Sam Hill or someone that the sheeple all love rides one, they thing the bike is the dopest shizz around. Everyone hated on the demo until Sam got on one. Design makes a difference but geometry is everything. Looks mean nothing. Except you will think you are cooler.
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag bplatte (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:21)
 So Zink and Strait are both going to be using carbon DH bikes this year. This is kind of blowing my mind a little bit.
  • + 3
flag amacdonald (Feb 3, 2012 at 16:32)
 And Semenuk
[Reply]
  • + 8
flag Rockurshoxoff95 (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:04)
 GT is really getting a stacked group of riders this year !
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag FSJHunter (Feb 3, 2012 at 6:28)
 Awesome crew for Kyle to be with...
[Reply]
  • + 6
flag Sarkons (Feb 3, 2012 at 10:36)
 GT's making wise choices, picking the best of the best!
  • + 1
flag merlinmarlee (Feb 3, 2012 at 12:02)
 you got it mate
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag b-mack (Feb 3, 2012 at 23:06)
 Hmm. This is stepping up to be a great team and all, but I still have trouble dealing with the fact that GT and all the other companies collected by Pacific are just funneling our money into China. Back in the day, GT was a grassroots team, with all the owners, designers, and company based out of So-Cal. I lusted after a GT Zaskar when I was in college....all that ball burnished, triple-triangled, MADE IN THE USA goodness. GT is, sadly, a mere shadow of what it was...really only a name, a couple of designers left from the old days, and a giant Wallyworld based conglomerate sucking up all the profits and shooting them overseas. Even if they manage to collect up all of the best pros in the world and take every podium from here to eternity, I would still rather my hard earned scratch go to a smaller company, run by real riders, who reflect and stand by the lifestyle I live. Keep it in the family.
  • + 1
flag wbuckzbery (Feb 6, 2012 at 10:27)
 real riders and not sell outs still work for GT. Why do so many people think that because its made in china its not going to work. you small minded chat room retards make me laugh. Its your i won't pay that much attitude that made it leave the USA.
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag session99 (Feb 3, 2012 at 7:05)
 kyle was insane at the race busting out some fat whips narly
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag chillzrace (Feb 3, 2012 at 7:42)
 GT is trying to take over the game again like they did in the 90's. When they had Furtado, Lopes, Peat, Watson just to name a few.
  • + 4
flag cglasford (Feb 3, 2012 at 7:55)
 they'll need to step up their product line, mediocre at best, I was surprised with the athertons and now straight! well things can only go up for them, I wish them well
  • - 10
flag hillatoppa (Feb 3, 2012 at 9:31) (Below Threshold) show comment
 Step up their product line??? I don't think Kyle, or the Athertons really care about the product line dude...
  • + 4
flag ButtonPusher (Feb 3, 2012 at 10:47)
 you can put together as good of a team as you want, but if you don't sell bikes, eventually you'll have no team and no distribution...
  • + 3
flag riccardoleumann (Feb 3, 2012 at 16:13)
 Im sure all these athletes are working with GT to step up their bikes
  • + 4
flag hillatoppa (Feb 3, 2012 at 16:14)
 It's all business- neither the Athertons or Kyle signed with GT because of their product line (so being 'surprised' is pretty naive).
  • + 1
flag cglasford (Feb 9, 2012 at 6:59)
 Oh I know it's business but the athertons always talk about wanting to ride the best bikes in the world and i feel you need to be on a quality rig to be at the top of the heap and GT isn't bringing that right now, IMO much better rides out there
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag matbar20 (Feb 3, 2012 at 9:21)
 GT seems to be working toward world domination again! Hans Rey alone does not a team make :-)

http://www.bikefat.com/
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag raysauce (Feb 15, 2012 at 13:31)
 Sounds cool but I still believe that its not all about the bike and more about the rider. I have seen guys riding no name brands and still be competitive I have a bike like this and I am competitive at my level http://www.2wheelbikes.com/sx40-mountain-bike.html
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag cwtrials (Feb 3, 2012 at 8:17)
 Kenny Belaey is one of the most amazing trials rider's I've ever seen, not just in comps, but has put out some amazing street vids and can rock the mtb too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioaTIMB8vIg
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag bmxerjosh1 (Feb 3, 2012 at 8:13)
 talk about a dialed team. trek may be in a run for their money this year for who will have the better team
[Reply]
  • + 6
flag EddyDave (Feb 3, 2012 at 6:04)
 Wow. What a crew!
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag nocker (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:14)
 Kyle's the man! Great rider, down to earth attitude, and genuine nice guy. Couldn't ask for a better rider to represent your company! Good luck Kyle!!!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag galliwasp (Feb 3, 2012 at 12:45)
 "Kenny Belaey to also rock GT in 2012" Split infinitive. Ha! Moving on.

Right on, Kyle. Danny Hart has some new competition in the whip department.
  • + 1
flag mj46 (Feb 4, 2012 at 11:39)
 kyle straight can hardly be described as "new" competition, been around as a pro rider for a lot longer than danny hart...
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag offtheedge (Feb 3, 2012 at 9:32)
 trek and gt ruling gravity............look out for schwinn in 2013
  • + 2
flag Daemongrad (Feb 3, 2012 at 15:09)
 That would be the illest comeback ever!!!!
  • + 1
flag NedFred (Feb 4, 2012 at 15:01)
 I saw a shwinn at canadian tire... doest that pretty much makes it a walmart brand?
  • + 1
flag Daemongrad (Feb 6, 2012 at 5:03)
 yeah.. sadly it is so.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag alexsin (Feb 3, 2012 at 7:20)
 Quite an amazing group of riders they've put together. Feels a little insular as Vancouver hasn't seen or heard much from the GT brand in years. I guess they're doing huge business somewhere!
  • + 4
flag deeeight Plus (Feb 3, 2012 at 9:09)
 That's because the canadian distributor for many years now, Genesis Cycles... are total morons. They don't bring in the top models of road or XC bikes, they don't bring in many sizes of some things they do bring (Peace 9r bikes in SS and Geared versions were imported in the MEDIUM size only), changing the product spec on models they did bring in because they thought the dealers wouldn't notice and they could line their pockets better (the Avalanche 2.0s a few years ago, a $900 price point bike were getting cranks you saw on $400 bikes). Look at the GT website for the USA and Canada in a couple browser tabs, flip back and forth and you'll quickly see huge holes in the lineup for canada.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag BikeTrials (Feb 3, 2012 at 10:50)
 GT, Cannondale, Iron Horse, Schwinn, Mongoose, and Sport Chek are all owned by the same company: The Pacific Group, which seems to be doing pretty well these days.
  • + 2
flag thevondals (Feb 3, 2012 at 11:45)
 so what your saying is the Pacific Group has a average line of products at best?....
I couldn't imagine bucking up for any of those products...maybe Cannondale if it was half the MSRP...Nah...
  • + 1
flag phobospwns (Feb 5, 2012 at 8:17)
 You're wrong. They are all owned by Dorel, a huge conglomerate. GT, Cannondale and Mongoose fall under the CSG (Cycling Sports Group) umbrella now, which is a separate, IBD specific group. As far as vondals goes, he's probably nuts for some other "average like of products", like Trek and Specialized, whose marketing better suits his personality. To each their own.
  • + 1
flag thevondals (Feb 5, 2012 at 19:17)
 actually im still liking your Huffy with the banana seat i stole from you....boo-hoo
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag jcopple (Feb 3, 2012 at 6:44)
 Look to pick your GT up in Canada at Sport Chek this season. I'm not kidding, the kid who just sold a pair of Crocs is going to assemble your bike.
  • + 1
flag timmins (Feb 3, 2012 at 8:27)
 yea, low end GTs. They sell to LBS as well. you wouldn't ba able to find anything $1000+ at sportchek
  • + 4
flag deeeight Plus (Feb 3, 2012 at 9:11)
 No different than Jamis selling their low end models to Sportschek. Just because its a sporting goods store doesn't automatically mean they cannot hire people who know how to assemble/fix bikes. I know quite a few people who claim to be bike mechanics who work almost exclusively in IBD/LBS shops and who's work I would never trust to be done correctly.
  • + 1
flag jcopple (Feb 3, 2012 at 10:01)
 Sorry but I was a GT dealer until this year. They're selling the whole line-up at Sport-Chek.
They gave us the option of remaining a dealer but you cant compete with Forzani's buying power and pricing.
  • + 2
flag jcopple (Feb 3, 2012 at 10:09)
 I would also agree deeight.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag gerry2004uk (Feb 3, 2012 at 6:13)
 Massive investment by GT for this year.Lets hope they don't go bust with all the wages they will have to pay !
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Graku (Feb 4, 2012 at 5:12)
 It seems that GT wants to be riding the wave. It will cost quite a bit because the competition is "yesterday" and today there are more roosters in the henhouse.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag jwarn (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:00)
 wingmen team sounds awesome
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag panzer103 (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:04)
 Damm GT who else are you going to get!
  • + 2
flag wolfe38 (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:10)
 me
  • + 2
flag kickitpinkbike (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:48)
 bahahahaha nooooooooo
  • + 1
flag wolfe38 (Feb 3, 2012 at 15:06)
 hahahaha. i'm a silly jokester EH?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag togood2die (Feb 3, 2012 at 6:29)
 Wow... off Pivot? Just last year they were saying what a great team they made!
Frankly, I see this as a good move. Kyle is tha MAN.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Trotter (Feb 4, 2012 at 14:03)
 The future is bright @GT. Having been a fan since the '90s I so wish I could afford a Fury. Have to make do with my ageing but faithful Dhi. Go GT.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag hillbillyhero (Feb 3, 2012 at 16:42)
 GT is not buying anything, or anyone, Dorel is.
http://www.dorel.com/product.htm
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag goxbigxorxgoxhome (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:08)
 GT is gettin serious now !
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Novakkki (Feb 5, 2012 at 0:55)
 Anyone else think GT's aren't that good looking bikes? Wonder what their roster think about the gear..
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag tristan1486 (Feb 3, 2012 at 15:33)
 GT has really been saving their money just waiting to jump on some good riders
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag epavichthesavage (Feb 3, 2012 at 10:45)
 GT signs....Everyone!
GT world domination!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag RobbyBriers Plus (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:47)
 GT signs with the Athertons.
GT signs with Kyle Strait.
My LBS will focus mainly on GT.

What's up GT? Need for domination?
  • - 1
flag RobbyBriers Plus (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:50)
 Oh and my best friend rides a GT Force as well now.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag UncleCliffy (Feb 3, 2012 at 7:12)
 Dave Watson AND Lars Tribus?!? Cool!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag browner (Feb 3, 2012 at 9:51)
 I want GT to resign Peaty like the old days, then this year would be complete.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag surgesunday (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:42)
 Damn!!! What a power house...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag HardingO (Feb 3, 2012 at 7:34)
 They've got one hell of a team now!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag madbiker786 (Feb 7, 2012 at 8:21)
 dont forget Gee Atherton!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag JonGales (Feb 4, 2012 at 1:36)
 GT us just on fire for 2013
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag afunnyusername (Feb 7, 2012 at 7:29)
 2011 GT Ruckus 7.1 frame (NEW)
4 SALE***$1,200 BUCKS
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag LTmtb (Feb 3, 2012 at 17:52)
 They forgot to mention that they'll be riding the Force.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag PoeticThreeD (Feb 3, 2012 at 15:28)
 I'm stoked to see how this new roster is gonna perform this year.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag rocnriderider (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:23)
 Gt going big...Good news!

Edit : Dave watson ???
  • + 1
flag skatodd (Feb 3, 2012 at 7:39)
 Watson has been on the GT program for a couple seasons now. A legend and a great brand ambassador.

http://www.hansrey.com/HansReyJordanAdventure.pdf
  • + 1
flag gtfan (Feb 3, 2012 at 9:09)
 the dude that flew big over roadies head?yeah!
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag marinlmasher (Feb 3, 2012 at 8:25)
 Financial numbers don't add up. Trek and marin doing well doing well. QUICK SIGN ANY MOUNTAIN BIKERS THATS EVER WON SOMETHING
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag Biggups (Feb 3, 2012 at 6:23)
 Thats a smart move for gt. Straight exactly what they need, great all around rider and give them a pressence at slope style events. He serious with the racing also.
  • + 10
flag woolin Plus (Feb 3, 2012 at 7:41)
 Slopestyle Tyler McCaul has been on GT for awile.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ROCKYmtnBOY (Feb 3, 2012 at 5:05)
 one at a time...
[Reply]
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