Hey guys! Let's dive into a detailed look at the 2014 GT Fury Elite Downhill MTB. This bike was a serious contender back in its day, and even now, it can still shred with the best of them. We'll break down everything from its frame and suspension to its components and overall performance. Whether you're a seasoned downhill rider or just curious about older models, this review has got you covered.

Overview of the 2014 GT Fury Elite

The 2014 GT Fury Elite was designed for one thing: tackling the most challenging downhill courses at blistering speeds. GT, a brand known for its innovation and performance-driven designs, equipped this bike with a hydroformed alloy frame, giving it a robust yet relatively lightweight structure. The frame's geometry was fine-tuned for stability and responsiveness, crucial for navigating steep descents and technical features. One of the standout features was GT's i-Drive suspension system, which aimed to isolate the drivetrain from suspension forces, providing a smoother and more efficient ride. This meant you could pedal through rough sections without excessive energy loss. The bike came stock with high-end components from brands like Fox, Shimano, and RaceFace, ensuring reliability and performance. Overall, the 2014 GT Fury Elite was a well-rounded package that catered to serious downhill riders looking for a competitive edge. Its durable construction, advanced suspension system, and top-tier components made it a force to be reckoned with on any mountain.

Frame and Geometry

The heart of any mountain bike is its frame, and the 2014 GT Fury Elite doesn't disappoint. Constructed from hydroformed alloy, the frame strikes a balance between strength and weight. Hydroforming allows for complex tube shapes that optimize stiffness and compliance in different areas of the frame. This means the bike can handle the brutal forces of downhill riding while still providing a comfortable and controlled feel. The geometry of the Fury Elite was specifically designed for downhill performance. A slack head angle (around 64 degrees) provides stability at high speeds and helps the bike track confidently through rough terrain. The low center of gravity further enhances stability and makes the bike feel planted on the trail. Short chainstays contribute to the bike's agility, making it easier to maneuver through tight corners and technical sections. The i-Drive suspension system is a key element of the frame design. It's designed to isolate the drivetrain from suspension forces, which reduces pedal bob and improves pedaling efficiency. This is particularly important in downhill racing, where even small amounts of energy loss can make a big difference. The frame also features ISCG mounts for chain guide compatibility, ensuring that your chain stays put even on the roughest descents. Overall, the frame and geometry of the 2014 GT Fury Elite are well-engineered for the demands of downhill riding, providing a stable, responsive, and efficient platform for tackling challenging trails.

Suspension System

The suspension system on the 2014 GT Fury Elite is a crucial component that contributes significantly to its downhill capabilities. The bike features a Fox Float X2 rear shock, providing 210mm of plush, controlled travel. This shock is known for its adjustability, allowing riders to fine-tune the suspension to their specific needs and preferences. Adjustments include air pressure, rebound damping, and compression damping, giving riders precise control over the bike's feel on the trail. Up front, the Fury Elite is equipped with a Fox 40 fork, offering 203mm of travel. The Fox 40 is a top-of-the-line downhill fork renowned for its stiffness, responsiveness, and ability to soak up big hits. Like the rear shock, the fork is highly adjustable, allowing riders to dial in the perfect settings for different terrain and riding styles. The combination of the Fox Float X2 rear shock and Fox 40 fork provides a balanced and capable suspension system that can handle everything from small bumps to massive drops. The i-Drive suspension system further enhances the performance of the suspension by isolating the drivetrain from suspension forces. This reduces pedal bob and improves pedaling efficiency, allowing riders to maintain momentum through rough sections. Overall, the suspension system on the 2014 GT Fury Elite is well-designed and executed, providing a smooth, controlled, and efficient ride on even the most challenging downhill courses.

Components

The components on the 2014 GT Fury Elite were carefully selected to provide optimal performance and reliability. The drivetrain consists of a Shimano Saint rear derailleur and shifter, known for their durability and precise shifting performance. The Shimano Saint groupset is designed specifically for downhill riding, with features like a short cage derailleur to minimize chain slap and improve ground clearance. The crankset is a RaceFace Respond DH, providing a strong and reliable platform for power transfer. The brakes are also Shimano Saint, offering powerful and consistent stopping power in all conditions. Saint brakes are known for their excellent modulation, allowing riders to control their speed with precision. The wheels are DT Swiss EX 500, a durable and lightweight option that can withstand the abuse of downhill riding. The tires are Maxxis Minion DHF, a popular choice among downhill riders for their excellent grip and cornering ability. The cockpit consists of a RaceFace Atlas handlebar and stem, providing a comfortable and controlled feel. The saddle is a WTB Volt, a comfortable and supportive option for long days on the trail. Overall, the components on the 2014 GT Fury Elite are well-chosen and provide a balanced combination of performance, reliability, and durability. From the Shimano Saint drivetrain and brakes to the DT Swiss wheels and Maxxis tires, every component is designed to withstand the demands of downhill riding and provide riders with a competitive edge.

Riding Experience

The riding experience on the 2014 GT Fury Elite is nothing short of exhilarating. This bike is built for speed and control, inspiring confidence on even the most challenging downhill trails. The slack head angle and low center of gravity provide exceptional stability at high speeds, allowing riders to stay composed through rough sections and technical features. The i-Drive suspension system effectively isolates the drivetrain from suspension forces, reducing pedal bob and improving pedaling efficiency. This allows riders to maintain momentum and power through rough sections without excessive energy loss. The Fox Float X2 rear shock and Fox 40 fork work together to provide a plush and controlled ride, soaking up bumps and big hits with ease. The adjustable suspension allows riders to fine-tune the bike's feel to their specific needs and preferences, ensuring optimal performance in all conditions. The Shimano Saint brakes provide powerful and consistent stopping power, allowing riders to control their speed with precision. The Maxxis Minion DHF tires offer excellent grip and cornering ability, inspiring confidence in turns and on off-camber sections. Overall, the riding experience on the 2014 GT Fury Elite is one of speed, control, and confidence. This bike is designed to excel on the most challenging downhill courses, providing riders with a competitive edge and an unforgettable experience.

Pros and Cons

Like any bike, the 2014 GT Fury Elite has its pros and cons. Let's break them down:

Pros:

• Excellent Suspension: The Fox Float X2 and Fox 40 combo provides a plush and controlled ride.
• Stable Geometry: Slack head angle and low center of gravity inspire confidence at high speeds.
• Reliable Components: Shimano Saint drivetrain and brakes offer excellent performance and durability.
• i-Drive Suspension: Isolates drivetrain for improved pedaling efficiency.
• Durable Frame: Hydroformed alloy frame is strong and lightweight.

Cons:

• Weight: Downhill bikes are generally heavy, and the Fury Elite is no exception.
• Age: Being a 2014 model, some components may be outdated compared to newer bikes.
• Availability: Finding one in good condition might be challenging.
• Maintenance: Downhill bikes require regular maintenance due to the stresses they endure.

Who is this bike for?

The 2014 GT Fury Elite is ideal for experienced downhill riders looking for a capable and reliable bike. It's also a good option for riders on a budget who want a high-performance downhill bike without breaking the bank. However, it may not be the best choice for beginners or riders who primarily ride trails other than downhill. It is important to consider the age of the bike when making a purchase decision, as some components may be outdated compared to newer models. This bike is perfect for you, guys, if you want to enter the world of downhill and are seeking a reliable and affordable choice.

Conclusion

The 2014 GT Fury Elite Downhill MTB is a capable and reliable bike that can still shred with the best of them. Its advanced suspension system, stable geometry, and durable components make it a great choice for experienced downhill riders and those on a budget. While it may be an older model, it still offers excellent performance and value. If you're looking for a downhill bike that can handle the most challenging trails, the 2014 GT Fury Elite is definitely worth considering. Happy shredding, guys!