GT Force 27.5 User manual

GT USA
Cycling Sports Group, Inc.
1 Cannondale Way,
Wilton CT, 06897, USA
1-800-726-BIKE (2453)
www.gtbicycles.com
GT EUROPE
Cycling Sports Group Europe, B.V.
Hanzepoort 27, 7570 GC, Oldenzaal,
Netherlands [phone]
[e-mail]
GT UK
Cycling Sports Group
Vantage Way, The Fulcrum,
Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NU
[phone]
[e-mail]
2019
Force / Sensor
WWW.GTBICYCLES.COM
© 2018 Cycling Sports Group
Force /Sensor Owner’s Manual Supplement
134937 Rev. 1
READ THIS SUPPLEMENT AND YOUR
GT BICYCLE OWNER’S MANUAL. Both
contain important safety information. Keep
both for future reference.
Owner’s Manual Supplement

Safety Messages
In this supplement, particularly important information
is presented in the following ways:
Indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may result in
death or serious injury.
NOTICE
Indicates special precautions that
must be taken to avoid damage.
The following symbols are used in this manual:
Symbol Name Description
NGLI-2
NGLI-2 synthetic grease Apply NGLI-2 synthetic grease.
CRB-GEL
Carbon gel Apply carbon gel (friction paste) KF115/
2
Medium-strength
removable thread lock Apply Loctite® 242 (blue) or equivalent.

1
134937 Rev 1.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement
CONTENTS
Safety Information....................................2-6
Technical Information.......................... 7-19
Replacement Parts .............................20-21
Tightening Torques ....................................22
Maintenance ................................................... 23
Notes .....................................................................24
GT Supplements
This manual is a “supplement” to your
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual.
This supplement provides additional
and important model specific
safety, maintenance, and technical
information. It may be one of several
important manuals/supplements
for your bike; obtain and read all of
them.
Please contact your Authorized GT
Dealer immediately if you need a
manual or supplement, or have a
question about your bike. You may
also contact us using the appropriate
country/region/location information.
You can download Adobe Acrobat
PDF versions of any manual/
supplement from our website:
http://www.gtbikes.com.
Contacting GT
GT USA
Cycling Sports Group, Inc.
1 Cannondale Way, Wilton CT,
06897, USA
1-800-726-BIKE (2453)
Cycling Sports Group Europe B.V
Mail: Postbus 5100
Visits: Hanzepoort 27
7570 GC, OLDENZAAL, Netherlands
Tel: [phone]
Fax:[phone]
International Distributors
Consult the following websIte to
identify the appropriate GT Dealer for
your region.
Your GT Dealer
To make sure your bike is serviced
and maintained correctly, and that
you protect applicable warranties,
please coordinate all service
and maintenance through your
Authorized GT Dealer.
NOTICE
Unauthorized service,
maintenance, or repair parts can
result in serious damage and void
your warranty.

2
134937 Rev 1.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement
SAFETY INFORMATION
Important Composites
Message
Your bike (frame and components)
is made from composite materials
also known as “carbon fiber.”
All riders must understand a
fundamental reality of composites.
Composite materials constructed
of carbon fibers are strong and
light, but when crashed or
overloaded, carbon fibers do not
bend, they break.
For your safety, as you own and
use the bike, you must follow
proper service, maintenance, and
inspection of all the composites
(frame, stem, fork, handlebar, seat
post, etc.) Ask your GT Dealer for
help.
We urge you to read PART II,
Section D. “Inspect For Safety” in
your GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
BEFORE you ride.
You can be severely injured,
paralyzed or killed in an accident
if you ignore this warning.
Inspection & Crash
Damage Of Carbon
Frames/Forks
After A Crash Or Impact:
Inspect frame carefully for
damage (See PART II, Section D.
Inspect For Safety in your
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual. )
Do not ride your bike if you see any
sign of damage, such as broken,
splintered, or delaminated carbon
fiber.
Any of the following may indicate
a delamination or damage:
· An unusual or strange feel to
the frame
· Carbon which has a soft feel or
altered shape
· Creaking or other unexplained
noises,
· Visible cracks, a white or milky
color present in carbon fiber
section
Continuing to ride a damaged
frame increases the chances of
frame failure, with the possibility
of injury or death of the rider.

3
134937 Rev 1.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement
Intended Use
The intended use of
all models is ASTM
CONDITION 4,
All-Mountain.
Understand your bike and its
intended use. Using your bike the
wrong way is dangerous.
Please read your GT Bicycle
Owner’s Manual for more
information about Intended Use
and Conditions 1-5.
Servicing
This supplement may include
procedures beyond the scope of
general mechanical aptitude.
Special tools, skills, and knowledge
may be required. Improper
mechanical work increases the
risk of an accident. Any bicycle
accident has risk of serious injury,
paralysis or death.
To minimize risk we strongly
recommend that owners always
have mechanical work done by
an Authorized GT Dealer.

4
134937 Rev 1.
Maximum Fork Length
Maximum Fork Length is an important frame safety testing specification for front
suspension mountain bikes. You must observe the measurement when installing
headset parts, headset adapters, installing and adjusting a fork, and selecting
replacement forks.
To Center Of
The Fork Axle
From
Bottom Of Frame
Head Tube
Maximum
Fork
Length
You must select a replacement fork not only based on head tube diameter but the
critical factor of frame maximum fork length
Do not exceed maximum fork length. Exceeding the MAXIMUM FORK LENGTH limit
can overload the frame causing it to break while riding.
Your retailer MUST follow and observe this specification for your bike. For Maximum Fork
Length specifications for GT bicycles, see www.gtbikes.com.
You can be severely injured, paralyzed or killed in an accident if you ignore this
warning.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement

5
134937 Rev 1.
Tire Size x Maximum Width
Observe the Tire Size x Maximum Width for your bike found in the
“Specifications” page of this manual.
Mounting the wrong size tires can result in the tires hitting the fork or frame
when riding. If this happens, you can lose control of your bike and you can be
thrown off, a moving tire can be stopped because it touches the fork or frame.
Do not mount oversized tires, ones that rub or hit the fork or frame, ones that
result in too little clearance, or ones that can hit the fork or frame when the
suspension is fully compressed or when riding.
Take care that the tires you select are compatible with your bike’s fork or frame
design. Also, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations of your
front fork and rear shocks.
When you are considering tires for your bike consider...
The actual measured size of a tire may be different than its sidewall marking.
Each time you mount a new tire, take the time to inspect the actual clearance
between the rotating tire and all parts of the frame. The U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires at least 1/16” (1.6 mm) tire clearance
from any part of the bike. Allowing for lateral rim flex and a wheel or rim that
is out-of-true will likely mean choosing a rear tire that provides even more
clearance than the CPSC recommends.
Ask your dealer for the right tires for your bike and its particular components!
You can be severely injured, paralyzed or killed in an accident if you ignore
this warning.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement

6
134937 Rev 1.
Minimum Seat Post Insert
Make sure at least 100 mm of
the seat post is inserted into the
frame at all times.
Failure to insert the seat post at
least 100 mm can place a very
high stress on the seat tube top
tube junction causing the frame to
fail while riding.
Remove the seat post. Measure
100 mm from the bottom of
the seat post. Use a permanent
marker to mark the post at 100
mm.
When adjusting the seat post
height in the seat tube, never
adjust the seat post so that the
line you mark is above the top
edge of the seat tube.
You must also be aware that
bicycle seat posts are permanently
marked by the manufacturer with
a “minimum insert” line on the
seat post itself. You must not rely
on this marking as an indication
of the proper minimum seat post
insertion depth.
You can be severely injured,
paralyzed or killed in an accident
if you ignore this warning.
Rear Shocks
Select only compatible shocks
and forks for your bike. Do not
modify your bike in any way to
mount one.
Have your shock or fork installed
by a professional bike mechanic
Riding with the wrong rear shock
can damage the frame. You
could have a serious accident.
Make sure the total travel, eye-
to-eye length, and stroke length
of the rear shock you select meet
the “Specifications” listed in this
manual.
When selecting different shocks
or forks for your bike, make sure
that the shock or fork you select is
compatible with your bike’s design
and how you will use your bike.
You can be severely injured,
paralyzed or killed in an accident
if you ignore this warning.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement

7
134937 Rev 1.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Specifications
Item Specification
Model Force Sensor
Wheel Size 27.5 in 29 in
Rear Travel 150 mm 130 mm
Head Tube UPR: 1-1/8 in, LWR: 1-1/2 in
Headset Integrated, 1-1/8 in - 1-1/2 in
Bottom Bracket: Type/ Width BSA / 73 mm
Front Derailleur N/A
Seat Post: Dia./Binder 31.6 mm/ 34.9 mm
Min. Seat Post Insert 100 mm
Tire Size x Max. Width
(measured) 27.5 in x 2.5 in 29 in x 2.35 in
Max. Fork Length 550 mm 540 mm
Rear Shock: Eye-To-Eye / Stroke /
Bushing Width
185 mm x 55 mm
Metric Trunnion
185 mm x 50 mm
Metric Trunnion
Sag (measured at shock) 12.5 mm 12 mm
Chain Guide ISCG 05
Rear Brake: Mount Type /
Min/Max Rotor Dia.
Post Mount / 180 mm
/ 203 mm
Rear Axle: Type/Length Maxle TA / 148 x 12mm,
180 mm Length
Intended Use ASTM CONDITION 4,
All-Mountain
Max. Weight Limit
Total (rider+all equipment): 305 lbs / 138 kg

8
134937 Rev 1.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement
Frame Size S M L XL
Flip Chip Orientation
D Seat Tube Length 400 400 430 430 480 480 520 520
C Top Tube Horizontal 566.46 568 593.27 595 620.09 621 646.9 648
A Head Tube Angle 65.5° 65° 65.5° 65° 65.5° 65° 65.5° 65°
B Seat Tube Angle 76° 75.5° 76° 75.5° 76° 75.5° 76° 75.5°
G Standover 740.4 740.4 750.3 750.3 760.2 760.2 795.1 795.1
H Head Tube Length 102 102 110 110 118 118 126 126
F Wheelbase 116.28 164 1190.60 1192 1218.91 1221 1247.23 1249
M Front Center 730 730 758 758 787 787 815 815
E Chainstay Length 432.4 435 434.4 435 434.4 435 434.5 435
L Bottom Bracket Drop 13.7 20 13.7 20 13.7 20 13.7 20
K Bottom Bracket Height 345.3 339 345.3 339 345.3 339 345.3 339
J Fork Rake 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44
L Stack 587.41 591 594.68 599 601.97 606 609.25 613
M Reach 420 415 445 440 470 465 495 490
Geometry - Force 27.5
A
C
H
I
J
K
F
G
B
D
EM
GROUND
L(+)
P
O
UP
All Specifications subject to change without notice.
Dimensions = millimeter

9
134937 Rev 1.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement
Frame Size S M L XL
Flip Chip Orientation
D Seat Tube Length 392 392 400 400 430 430 480 480
C Top Tube Horizontal 565 567 592 593 619 620 647 647
A Head Tube Angle 65.98° 65.5° 65.97° 65.5° 65.96° 65.5° 65.95° 65.5°
B Seat Tube Angle 76.48° 76° 76.47° 76° 76.46° 76° 76.45 76°
G Standover 750 740 760 760 770 770 805 805
H Head Tube Length 102 102 110 110 118 118 126 126
F Wheelbase 1164.76 1166 1193.07 1194 1121.39 1222 1249.71 1251
M Front Center 731.94 732 760.24 760 788.54 789 816.84 817
E Chainstay Length 433.62 435 433.62 435 433.62 435 433.62 435
L Bottom Bracket Drop 20.86 27 20.78 27 20.7 27 20.62 27
K Bottom Bracket Height 356.56 349 356.72 349 356.8 349 356.9 349
J Fork Rake 51 51 51 51 51 51 51 51
L Stack 583.86 587 591.97 595 598.54 602 605.36 609
M Reach 424.91 420 449.86 445 474.8 470 499.75 495
Geometry - Sensor 29
A
C
H
I
J
K
F
G
B
D
EM
GROUND
L(+)
P
O
All Specifications subject to change without notice.
UP
Dimensions = millimeter

10
134937 Rev 1.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement
Rear Shock
25% Force Sensor
SAG 12.5 mm 12 mm
Consult the rear shock’s owner’s manual in order to set the recommended SAG.
The orientation of the Flip Chip does not influence SAG.
SAG
O-Ring
Rear Shock
Link
Flip Chip
NOTICE
Mount shocks in orientation shown:
reservoir/controls forward and facing up
as shown. Consult your GT Dealer.

11
134937 Rev 1.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement
Flip Chip Orientation
1. Place the bike in a workstand.
2. Support the rear wheel to prevent
swingarm dropping when shock is
disconnected.
3. Remove the lower shock mounting
bolts.
4. Change the Flip Chip orientation in
the frame sockets. See inset.
5. Install and tighten the shock bolts to
the specified torque.
Setting
The orientation of the Flip Chip will change the bottom bracket height, head
tube angle, seat tube angle. Resulting changes to the values can be found in the
“Geometry“ section.
2
8 N·m
UP
Shock Bolt
Shock Bolt
Chip
marking
faces out
Socket
Lo position Hi position

12
134937 Rev 1.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement
2
5 N·m
2
5 N·m
2
5 N·m
Link Assembly
Connecting the Link
To prevent mis-alignment and/or potential damage, follow this assembly order
routine:
1. Connect link to frame with the LockR pivot.
2. Connect the rear shock, make sure the smooth side of the spacers face the
shock. Only finger tighten the bolts.
3. Connect the seat stay, make sure the small end of the spacers face the bea-
rings. Only finger tighten the bolts.
4. In a cross-pattern, tighten all bolts to the specified torque in increments.
small end
Spacers
Bearings
smooth side
small end

13
134937 Rev 1.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement
Inspection
• The condition of the bearings, should be inspected periodically. These are
normal wear parts so plan to have them replaced as they wear-out.
• To inspect the bearings, disconnect the link to expose the bearings. Rotate the
inner race of each bearing with your finger. The rotation should feel smooth
without binding. Each bearing should be fixed securely in the opening. Check
to make sure each circlip is seated in the grooves. The front bearings should be
seated against the inner lip.
• Inspection frequency should be based upon how and where you ride.
Evidence of damage would be excessive play, visible wear, or corrosion of
bearings.
• If you find any damage to the parts, discontinue riding until all the parts
(bearings, pivot axles, spacers) can be replaced. This will help prevent damage
elsewhere.
• Do not re-use removed bearings; if removed replace all bearings with new
ones.
inner lip
Bearings
Bearings
Circlip
Circlip
grooves

14
134937 Rev 1.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement
• When connecting the seat stays to the chain stay, make sure the small end
of spacers face the bearings . The flat side of the spacers should face out, as
shown.
• When tightening the axles, insert the 5 mm hex key completely into the
axle to prevent damage when turning the bolt.
• Always clean and re-apply the specified thread lock to the bolt threads.
• Tighten with a torque wrench to the specified torque.
Dropouts
2
7 N·m
Pivot Axles
small end
Spacers
Bearings
Chain Stay
Seat Stay

15
134937 Rev 1.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement
• The condition of the bearings, pivot axles, and spacers should be inspected
periodically. These are normal wear parts so plan to have them replaced as
they wear-out.
• To inspect the bearings, remove the pivot to expose the bearings. There are
two bearings in each dropout. Rotate each bearing with your finger. The
rotation should feel smooth without binding. Each bearing should be fixed
securely in the opening. Check to make sure each circlip is seated in the
groove.s
• Inspection frequency should be based upon how and where you ride.
Evidence of damage would be excessive play, visible wear, or corrosion of
bearings.
• If you find any damage to the parts, discontinue riding until all the parts
(bearings, pivot axles, spacers) can be replaced. This will help prevent
damage elsewhere.
• Do not re-use removed bearings; if removed replace all bearings with new
ones.
NGLI-2
NGLI-2
Bearing
Circlip
Bearing
Circlip
grooves

16
134937 Rev 1.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement
LockR
Be sure to support the bike or swingarm to prevent personal injury or bike
damage when removing/disconnecting linkages of an axle.
To remove the LockR from the frame:
1. Loosen the screw 4-6 turns using a T25 Torx key.
2. Tap head of screw with a rubber mallet to un-seat the wedge bolt located on
the opposite side..
3. Remove the screw and wedge bolt from the still installed axle.
4. If it did not come out with the screw, insert a 5 mm hex key and turn to free
and remove it. If wedge still sticks insert a wooden or plastic dowel into the
drive side and drive it out.
5. To remove the axle itself, on non-drive side, insert a 6 mm hex key into the
axle on the non-drive side and and turn counter-clockwise until it can be
removed.
To install the LockR from the frame:
1. Disassemble and clean all parts of the LockR axle. Do not install it assembled.
Inspect the parts for damage (burrs, scratches, deformity, wear). Replace the
entire LockR assembly if any damage is found.
2. Apply a light coating of a high-quality bicycle bearing grease to all parts.
3. Align the linkage and bearing and insert the threaded end of the pivot axle (1)
into the non-drive side.
4. Tighten the inserted pivot axle to 1 Nm using a 6 mm hex key fitted torque
wrench from the non-drive side.
NOTICE
Use a calibrated torque wrench. Exceeding 1 N·m will result in permanent
damage to the LockR pivot system.

17
134937 Rev 1.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement
Unthread &
tap mallet
dislodged &
remove
4
3
Insert 5mm &
turn to free
5mm
3
Remove
6mm
Unthread
Remove
1
T25
NGLI-2
5 N·m
5 N·m
1 N·m
NGLI-2
1 N·m
NGLI-2
NGLI-2
DO NOT INSTALL ASSEMBLED

18
134937 Rev 1.
EnglishForce / Sensor - Owners Manual Supplement
• Before installing a new hanger, be sure to clean any dirt or debris on the
dropout with a nylon brush (old toothbrush).
• Inspect the area for any damage.
• Lightly grease the dropout surface.
• Always clean and re-apply the specified thread lock to the bolt threads.
• Tighten with a torque wrench to the specified torque.
NGLI-2
2
2 N·m
KG0006N02 (Standard)
KG0007N02 - (Direct Mount)
Hanger Replacement
Bolts
Hangers