After racing the Trans-Provence in France and couple years ago, GT product manager Todd Seplavy noted some differences in the European mountain bike scene. In particular the XC crowd, who tackled big mountain riding on shorter travel bikes that were equally capable ascending as descending.
That got him thinking. Admittedly, the XC race market is shrinking, and the hardcore, calorie-counting set are mostly going to race hardtails anyway. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a ton of people riding XC on a daily basis, and for that, the new Helion (pronounced ‘heel-eeon’ and not ‘hell-yun’) looks to imbue a capable trail bike with XC performance.
To get that blend of fun and raciness, they gave it a slightly slacker head angle, lower BB and longer top tube. And, of course, 27.5” wheels. Why 27.5″ wheels for a cross country bike? Lots of reasons…
Twenty nine inch wheels have come to dominate XC racing, but GT thinks in some cases the middle wheel size is better. Why? Because rolling speed is only part of the equation. They wanted something that was equal parts fun, able to accelerate quickly and have really good descending properties. It’s not just about being fast in a straight line, it’s a combination of reducing inertia and reducing braking time, increased agility and more geometry options (lower standover, shorter chainstays, tighter suspension package, etc.), particularly at the smaller frame size range. That means better fit for a wider range of rider heights. Oh, and it’s lighter.
They adapted their AOS (Angle Optimized Suspension) linkage design from the 2014 Force and Sensor to work in a shorter travel, 110mm setting. AOS works by isolating the drivetrain from the suspension, much like their original I-Drive for longer travel bikes. The difference here is it’s biased toward going up hill rather than downhill, making pedaling much more efficient. The PathLink, which is the main rocker, uses a new LOCKR expanding axle system that’s lighter and stiffer than before.
Like the other models, the Pathlink rocker is forged as two halves then welded together. That lets them shape the inside to reduce weight without the added time and expense of extensive machining.
The bikes come with remote controls for the rear shock since it sits so low on the frame. Most Fox equipped models get CTD versions with their newer, lower profile remote. Others spec different shocks with lockout only.
While the suspension focuses on keeping things fast and efficient, the geometry adds the fun. A size medium frame has a 69.5º head angle, 606mm ETT, 325mm BB height and 1090mm wheelbase. So, slacker than a typical XC bike, which lets you be a little more aggressive in the descents. The longer top tube helps keep the front wheel out in front on steeper drops, too.
They’re also stocked with nice, wide 740mm handlebars across the range.
Other features include full length housing with external runs for brakes, shifting and rear shock remotes. Given the shorter travel and design intentions, none of the models are spec’d with a dropper post.
Rear brakes get GT’s standard replaceable direct mounts so you don’t have to worry should you strip a threaded insert.
One notable spec choice comes on the Carbon Pro – it gets the e*thirteen oversized EX Cog on the cassette with a single front chainring to give the bike wider range on a Shimano-equipped drivetrain. We’re stoked to see some of these hop-up kits get used in an OEM spec!
ALLOY GT HELION
The alloy models get all the same features of the carbon frames but in less expensive builds. The top model still sees a respectable build, and they trickle down to some very affordable options.
Even the tube shaping mimics the carbon versions pretty closely.
The top alloy models also share the carbon bikes’ 12×142 rear thru axle, but bottom two models switch to a standard quick release.
MODEL SPECS AND PRICING
Full carbon models get carbon fiber front triangles and rear ends, alloy bikes are all alloy. Claimed weights are 2,241g for medium carbon frame (w/o shock) and 2,825g for medium alloy frame (w/o shock). Alloy bikes come in XS through XL, Carbon are Small thru XL. They come stock with 110mm travel forks, but you could run a 120mm fork, too. Spec highlights are:
Helion Carbon Team $7,499
– not available in US
– Fox 32 FACTORY Float/CTD suspension with Boost Valve rear shock & dual remote lockouts
– Stan’s Crest rims with DT 240 hubs
– XTR 1×11 full group
Helion Carbon Pro – $4,999
– Fox 32 Float/CTD suspension with Boost Valve rear shock & dual remote lockouts
– XT 1×10 drivetrain w/ e*thirteen oversized cog (US, S. America, Asia)
– XT 2×10 drivetrain (Europe)
– XT brakes
Helion Carbon Expert – $4,099
– Rochshox Reba RL w/ remote lockout
– Fox CTD BV shock w/ remote lockout
– Stan’s Rapid rims and sealed hubs
– XT/SLX drivetrain
– SLX brakes
Helion Alloy Pro – $3999
– not available in US
– Fox Float/CTD suspension with dual remote lockout
– XT drivetrain
– Maxle rear thru axle
Helion Alloy Expert – $3,199
– Fox 32 Float/CTD suspension with dual remote lockout
– XT/SLX mix
– Maxle rear thru axle
Helion Alloy Elite – $2,349
– Rockshox XC32
– X-Fusion shock
– WTB tubeless wheels
– Deore/SLX mix
– QR rear axle
Helion Alloy Comp – $1,549
– SR Suntour Raidon air fork w/ lockout
– X-fusion shock
– Alivio 3×9 drivetrain
– Shimano disc brakes
– QR rear axle
Frameset also available for European markets. Look for availability in late summer/early fall.
