Let's dive into the 2014 GT Fury Elite, a downhill mountain bike that was built to conquer the most challenging terrains. If you're a thrill-seeker or a seasoned downhill rider, this bike might just be your perfect match. We'll explore everything from its frame and suspension to its components and overall performance, so you can get a comprehensive understanding of what makes the 2014 GT Fury Elite a standout choice.

Overview of the GT Fury Elite

The GT Fury Elite was designed with one goal in mind: speed. Built upon a hydroformed alloy frame, this bike is both durable and lightweight, offering the rider excellent control and responsiveness. The frame geometry is optimized for downhill riding, featuring a slack head angle and long wheelbase to provide stability at high speeds and through rough sections. The bike's design reflects GT's commitment to performance, ensuring that riders can push their limits with confidence. The Fury Elite is more than just a bike; it's a precision instrument crafted to excel in the demanding world of downhill mountain biking. Whether you're tackling steep chutes, navigating rock gardens, or launching off jumps, the Fury Elite is engineered to deliver a smooth, controlled, and exhilarating ride. Its robust construction and carefully selected components make it a reliable partner for riders who demand the best in terms of performance and durability.

Frame and Fork

The GT Fury Elite's frame is constructed from hydroformed alloy, which provides an optimal balance of strength and weight. Hydroforming allows engineers to manipulate the shape of the tubing, creating a frame that is stiff in key areas for power transfer and compliant in others for improved comfort. The frame features GT's Independent Drivetrain suspension system, which isolates the drivetrain from the suspension, ensuring that pedaling forces do not interfere with the suspension's ability to absorb bumps. This results in a smoother, more efficient ride, especially on technical trails where maintaining momentum is crucial. Up front, the bike is equipped with a high-performance suspension fork, typically a RockShox Boxxer or Fox 40, offering 200mm of plush travel. These forks are designed to handle the rigors of downhill riding, providing excellent small bump sensitivity and the ability to soak up large impacts with ease. The combination of the hydroformed alloy frame and the premium suspension fork makes the GT Fury Elite a formidable machine on any downhill course.

Suspension System

The heart of the GT Fury Elite is its Independent Drivetrain (iDrive) suspension system. This system is designed to isolate the drivetrain from the suspension, meaning that pedaling forces have minimal impact on the suspension's performance. This ensures that the rear wheel remains active and responsive, even when you're pedaling through rough terrain. The iDrive system uses a floating bottom bracket, which moves with the suspension, reducing chainstay growth and pedal kickback. This results in a smoother, more efficient ride, allowing you to maintain momentum and control in challenging conditions. The rear suspension typically offers 200mm of travel, providing ample cushioning for big hits and soaking up rough terrain. The combination of the iDrive system and the rear shock, such as a Fox DHX RC4 or RockShox Vivid, delivers a plush and controlled ride, allowing you to tackle the most demanding downhill courses with confidence. The suspension system is a key component of the Fury Elite's performance, ensuring that you stay planted and in control, no matter what the trail throws your way.

Key Components

Brakes

The braking system on the 2014 GT Fury Elite is designed to provide reliable stopping power and precise modulation. Typically equipped with hydraulic disc brakes from brands like Shimano or Avid, the Fury Elite ensures consistent performance in all weather conditions. These brakes feature large rotors, usually 203mm in diameter, to dissipate heat and maintain braking power on long, steep descents. Hydraulic disc brakes offer superior stopping power compared to mechanical brakes, allowing you to brake later and maintain more speed through corners. The levers are designed for ergonomic comfort, allowing you to maintain a secure grip and modulate the brakes with ease. The combination of powerful calipers, large rotors, and ergonomic levers makes the braking system on the GT Fury Elite a crucial component for confident and controlled downhill riding. Whether you're scrubbing speed before a tight corner or making emergency stops, the brakes on the Fury Elite provide the performance you need to stay in control.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain of the 2014 GT Fury Elite is built for reliability and performance on the downhill course. Typically featuring a SRAM or Shimano setup, the drivetrain is designed to withstand the rigors of aggressive riding. A single chainring up front simplifies shifting and reduces the risk of dropped chains, while a robust rear derailleur and cassette provide smooth and precise gear changes. Chain guides are often included to further prevent chain drops, ensuring that you can focus on the trail ahead without worrying about mechanical issues. The drivetrain components are chosen for their durability and performance, ensuring that you can maintain speed and momentum on even the most challenging terrain. The combination of a single chainring, reliable rear derailleur, and chain guide makes the drivetrain on the GT Fury Elite a dependable and efficient system for downhill riding.

Wheels and Tires

The wheels and tires on the 2014 GT Fury Elite are selected for their strength, durability, and grip. The wheels are typically built with robust rims and hubs, designed to withstand the impacts and stresses of downhill riding. These wheels are often tubeless-ready, allowing you to run lower tire pressures for improved traction and reduced risk of pinch flats. The tires are typically high-volume, knobby tires from brands like Maxxis or Schwalbe, providing excellent grip on a variety of surfaces. These tires are designed to offer a balance of rolling speed and cornering grip, allowing you to maintain momentum and control in all conditions. The combination of strong wheels and grippy tires makes the GT Fury Elite a confident and capable machine on any downhill course. Whether you're navigating loose gravel, rocky terrain, or muddy conditions, the wheels and tires on the Fury Elite provide the traction and support you need to stay in control.

Riding Experience

The riding experience on the 2014 GT Fury Elite is nothing short of exhilarating. The bike's geometry and suspension system work together to provide a stable and controlled ride, even at high speeds and on rough terrain. The slack head angle and long wheelbase inspire confidence, allowing you to tackle steep chutes and technical sections with ease. The Independent Drivetrain suspension system ensures that the rear wheel remains active and responsive, providing excellent traction and control. The powerful brakes offer reliable stopping power, allowing you to brake late and maintain speed through corners. The overall feel of the bike is one of confidence and control, inspiring you to push your limits and explore new terrain. Whether you're a seasoned downhill racer or a weekend warrior, the GT Fury Elite offers a riding experience that is both challenging and rewarding. The bike's performance and reliability make it a trusted partner for riders who demand the best.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent suspension system for smooth and controlled rides.
• Durable frame construction for long-lasting performance.
• Reliable components for consistent performance.
• Stable geometry for confidence-inspiring handling.

Cons

• Can be expensive compared to other downhill bikes.
• May require regular maintenance to keep the suspension system in top condition.
• The weight may be a concern for some riders, although it is reasonable for a downhill bike.

Who is this bike for?

The 2014 GT Fury Elite is designed for downhill enthusiasts who crave speed and control. It's an excellent choice for experienced riders who frequent bike parks, participate in downhill races, or simply enjoy tackling challenging terrain. The bike's robust construction and high-performance components make it a reliable option for those who demand the best in terms of performance and durability. While it may be more expensive than some other downhill bikes, the Fury Elite offers a level of performance and reliability that justifies the investment. If you're looking for a bike that can handle the rigors of downhill riding and provide a smooth, controlled, and exhilarating experience, the 2014 GT Fury Elite is definitely worth considering.

Final Thoughts

The 2014 GT Fury Elite Downhill MTB is a capable and reliable machine that is sure to impress even the most discerning riders. Its combination of a durable frame, high-performance suspension, and reliable components makes it a top choice for downhill enthusiasts. Whether you're racing down a mountain or hitting the bike park with friends, the Fury Elite will provide you with the confidence and control you need to tackle any challenge. While it may require some investment and maintenance, the rewards are well worth it. If you're serious about downhill riding and want a bike that can keep up with your ambitions, the 2014 GT Fury Elite is an excellent option.