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Bicycles Online > Hybrid Bikes > GT Traffic Bike Review
GT Traffic Hybrid Bike Review
GT got it's start with BMX and mountain bikes and builds some of the best and most durable bikes in the world. GT Traffic is now helping to establish GT as one of the best overall bike manufacturers in the world. 
GT classifies their Traffic bikes into their "Fitness/Commuter" category while I have seen other retailers classify these bikes as "Comfort Bikes".
In some cases some bike categories (like hybrids) are not clearly defined and in other cases manufacturers and retailers use the latest marketing terms for their bike categories. Although, you sit in a comfortable upright position on this bike, I consider this bike to be a true Road/Mountain Hybrid bike rather than a comfort bike.
GT Traffic Features at a Glance: All GT Traffic bikes have GT Traffic 7000 series aluminum frame with hydroformed PG top tube, Internal cable routing, forged drop-outs, GT Traffic rigid fork with hydroformed alloy legs, V-brake bosses, rack and fender eyelets, alloy steerer. Most of the other key components are dependent on the specific model.
The biggest differences in the GT Traffic models are with the number of gears, the Shimano Nexus internally geared rear hub (in the Traffic 2.0 model) and the overall quality of the components.
Note: As of 8/1/2010 the 2010 GT Traffic 3.0 is selling for $450 (new) at Performance Bike with free shipping options. See the 2010 GT Traffic 3.0 for the latest price and customer reviews.
REI also carries the GT Traffic, including the 2.0 (with the internally geared rear hub). See GT Traffic at REI for REI's selection of GT Traffic selections.
GT Traffic Model Comparisons:
The 2010 GT Traffic series has 4 price/component levels in addition to gender specific models. The 4 primary levels and are based on the drivetrains (number of gears) and component quality and the price goes down as the level goes up (with the Traffic 1.0 being the high end (most expensive) and the Traffic 4.0 being the low end (least expensive).
Some of the key differences are that the Traffic 1.0 (currently only available at Performance Bike) has a 27 speed drive train, the Traffic 2.0 has the innovative Nexus internally geared rear hub with an 8 speed drivetrain, the Traffic 3.0 has a 24 speed drivetrain and the Traffic 1.0 has a 21 speed drivetrain.
In addition the GT Traffic models 1.0 and 2.0 come with 700x35c tires where the models 3.0 and 4.0 come with 700x40c tires.
See the specifications below or the Performance Bike or REI links (above) for their automated comparison feature to see the specific details on the other components.
About-Bicycles Review:
At the time of this review, it can be a little difficult to find all GT Traffic models online (new) (and even more difficult to find them offline). Once you have found the price/component level that meets your needs, the GT Traffic is an excellent hybrid (comfort, commuter, flat bar road) bike (choose your category).
If you are looking for a more traditional bike with traditional derailleurs, then go with the Traffic 1.0 (27 speed), 3.0 (24 speed) or 4.0 (21 speed).
If an 8 speed drivetrain will meet your needs and you're willing to be on the leading edge of technology, go for the Traffic 2.0 with the maintenance free, Shimano Nexus internally geared rear hub.
I believe that the GT Traffic is one of the best hybrid bikes available online and I can easily recommend the GT Traffic as one of the best hybrid bikes in its price range.
Customer Reviews:
The GT Traffic is new for 2010 and there were no customer reviews at the time of this writing.
See the GT Traffic 3.0 Reviews at Performance and GT Traffic Reviews at REI for the latest prices and customer reviews.
2010 GT Traffic 1,2,3,4 Features and comparisons:
| GT Traffic 1 .0 (Performance Bike Only) |
| Regular: $899.99 |
| FRAME: GT Traffic 7000 series aluminum frame with hydroformed PG top tube, Internal cable routing, forged drop-outs with chainstay disc mounts, removable derailluer hanger and all braze ons, GT TT bumpers |
| FORK: GT Traffic rigid fork with hydroformed alloy legs, V-brake bosses, rack and fender eyelets, alloy steerer |
| 27-speed drivetrain featuring Shimano Deore shif |
| CRANKSET: Shimano Deore 48,38,28 w/ shimano chaincase |
| BOTTOM BRACKET: Shimano Cartridge sealed |
| PEDALS: Steel cage, alloy body |
| FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Alivio FD-M411 |
| REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Deore |
| SHIFTERS: Shimano Deore 9spd Rapid Fire |
| CHAIN: KMC HG-53 |
| Rims: Alex ACE-17 Double Wall Alloy Trekking, 36h w/ Stainless Eyelets; |
| Front Hubs: Shimano Non-series disc w/ Pinhead locking skewers |
| Rear Hubs: Shimano Non-series disc w/ Pinhead locking skewers |
| Cogset: |
| Spokes: |
| Nipples: |
| TIRES: 700x35c Schwalbe Roadcruiser w/ puncture protection and reflective sidewalls |
| Front BRAKES: Tektro Auriga Comp Hydraulic |
| Rear BRAKES: Tektro Auriga Comp Hydraulic |
| LEVERS: Tektro Auriga Comp Hydraulic |
| HANDLEBAR: GT Alloy MTB Riser Bar w/ 25.4 Clamp |
| STEM: GT Exclusive Alloy Ahead type w/Pinhead locking ahead cap |
| HEADSET: 1 1/8" sealed mech |
| GRIPS/TAPE: GT Dual Density Comfort design |
| SADDLE: GT Traffic saddle with integrated tailight |
| SEATPOST: GT design alloy seat pillar |
| CASSETTE: SRAM 9-speed 11-32 |
| RACK MOUNTS: Yes |
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| GT Traffic 2 .0 |
| MSRP: $749.99 |
| Frame: GT Traffic 7000 series aluminum frame with hydroformed PG top tube, Internal cable routing, forged drop-outs with chainstay disc mounts, removable derailluer hanger and all braze ons, GT TT bumpers |
| Fork: GT Traffic rigid fork with hydroformed alloy legs, V-brake bosses, rack and fender eyelets, alloy steerer |
| Shimano Nexus 8-speed drivetrain |
| Crankset / Chainwheel: SR Suntour SP-42, crank for internal hub, 42t |
| Bottom Bracket: Cartridge sealed |
| Pedals: Steel cage, alloy body |
| Front Derailleur: NONE |
| Rear Derailleur: NONE Internal |
| Shifters: Shimano Nexus 8spd trigger |
| Chain: KMC 610 Rust Buster |
| Rims: Alex ACE-17 Double Wall Alloy Trekking, 36h w/ Stainless Eyelets |
| Front Hub: Alloy with Pinhead locking skewer |
| Rear Hub: Shimano Nexus 8speed internal w/ 22t cog |
| Cog set: 22t nexus cog |
| Spokes: Stainless steel 14 gauge |
| Nipples: Brass CP |
| Tires: 700x35c Schwalbe Roadcruiser w/ puncture protection and reflective sidewalls |
| Front Brake: Direct pull, with 110 mm arms |
| Rear Brake: Direct pull, with 110 mm arms |
| Brake Levers: Shimano BL-IM65 for Nexus |
| Handlebar: GT Alloy MTB Riser Bar w/ 25.4 Clamp |
| Stem: GT Exclusive Alloy Ahead type w/Pinhead locking ahead cap |
| Headset: 1 1/8" sealed mech Ahead |
| Grips: GT Dual Density Comfort design |
| Saddle: GT Traffic saddle with integrated tailight |
| Seat Post: GT design alloy seat pillar |
| Seat Clamp: Pinhead locking seat binder |
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| GT Traffic 3.0 |
| MSRP: $499.99 |
| Frame: GT Traffic 7000 series aluminum frame with hydroformed PG top tube, Internal cable routing, forged drop-outs with chainstay disc mounts, removable derailluer hanger and all braze ons, GT TT bumpers |
| Fork: GT Traffic rigid fork with hydroformed alloy legs, V-brake bosses, rack and fender eyelets, steel steerer. |
| Shimano 24-speed drivetrain |
| Crankset / Chainwheel: Suntour CW9-XCC 48, 38, 28 w/ chaincase |
| Bottom Bracket: Cartridge sealed |
| Pedals: High Impact nylon Comfort |
| Front Derailleur: Shimano C102 |
| Rear Derailleur: Shimano Acera 8spd |
| Shifters: Shimano EF-50 Rapid Fire plus 8spd |
| Chain: KMC HG-40 |
| Rims: Alex ACE-17 Double Wall Alloy Trekking, 36h |
| Front Hub: Alloy with Pinhead locking skewer |
| Rear Hub: Alloy Freehub, Pinhead locking QR |
| Cog set: Shimano Hyperglide 8-speed 11-32 |
| Spokes: Stainless steel 14 gauge |
| Nipples: Brass CP |
| Tires: 700x40c Schwalbe Roadcruiser w/ puncture protection and reflective sidewalls |
| Front Brake: Direct pull, with 110 mm arms |
| Rear Brake: Direct pull, with 110 mm arms |
| Brake Levers: Shimano EF-50 |
| Handlebar: GT Alloy MTB Riser Bar w/ 25.4 Clamp |
| Stem: GT Exclusive Alloy Ahead type w/Pinhead locking ahead cap |
| Headset: 1 1/8" sealed mech Ahead |
| Grips: GT Dual Density Comfort design |
| Saddle: GT Traffic saddle with integrated tailight |
| Seat Post: GT design alloy seat pillar |
| Seat Clamp: Pinhead locking seat binder |
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| GT Traffic 4.0 |
| MSRP: $399.99 |
| Frame: GT Traffic 7000 series aluminum frame with hydroformed PG top tube, Internal cable routing, forged drop-outs with chainstay disc mounts, removable derailluer hanger and all braze ons, GT TT bumpers |
| Fork: GT Traffic rigid fork with Steel straight taper, V-brake bosses, rack and fender eyelets, steel steerer. |
| Shimano 21-speed drivetrain |
| Crankset / Chainwheel: Suntour CW9-XCC 48, 38, 28 w/ chaincase |
| Bottom Bracket: Cartridge sealed |
| Pedals: High Impact nylon Comfort |
| Front Derailleur: Shimano C102 |
| Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus 7 |
| Shifters: Shimano EF-50 Rapid Fire plus 7spd |
| Chain: KMC HG-40 |
| Rims: Alex Z-1000 Alloy Trekking, 36h |
| Front Hub: Alloy, bolt on |
| Rear Hub: Alloy for freewheel, bolt-on axle |
| Cog set: Shimano Hyperglide 7-speed 11-32 F/W |
| Spokes: Stainless steel 14 gauge |
| Nipples: Brass CP |
| Tires: 700x40c Schwalbe Roadcruiser w/ puncture protection and reflective sidewalls |
| Front Brake: Direct pull, with 110 mm arms |
| Rear Brake: Direct pull, with 110 mm arms |
| Brake Levers: Shimano EF-50 |
| Handlebar: GT Alloy MTB Riser Bar w/ 25.4 Clamp |
| Stem: Alloy Adjustable Quill type 30 degree rise |
| Headset: 1 1/8" sealed mech Ahead |
| Grips: GT Dual Density Comfort design |
| Saddle: WTB GT exclusive w/ waterproof cover |
| Seat Post: GT design alloy seat pillar |
| Seat Clamp: Bolt type |
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