Pantera might be a Brazilian heavy-metal band to most, but if you are a follower of the GT bike brand, you’ll appreciate its historical significance.
GT has now transformed the Pantera with an improved electric pedal-assist architecture, which is much slicker in appearance than the first hardtail e-MTB they attempted in 2017.
In a market where e-MTBs show no sign of tapering demand, GT has decided to target an under-serviced niche: pedal-assisted 29er hardtails.
The new Pantera is available in three specification grades, with all versions built from 6061 hydroformed aluminium and features boost-hub spacing at both the front and rear axles.
A clean aesthetic hides the presence of Shimano’s new STEPS battery and motor system in the lower downtube and bottom bracket. In terms of battery capacity and motor output the Pantera features 250W of power output.
If you are a rider who is not going to use your e-MTB as a pseudo shuttle vehicle, to climb and descend black routes multiple times in a morning, the Pantera hardtail is a choice alternative. This is the perfect e-MTB for those riders who wish to roll enormous distances, mostly on jeep tracks or long, winding climbs - without paying a premium or having a heavy-servicing burden.
GT will be launching the Pantera with a range-topping Bolt variant, which features a 120mm RockShox Judy fork, Sram SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and Schwalbe Nobby Nic Performance tyres, with a generous 2.35 volume.
This Bolt model retails for £3000 and has a specification which should enable singletrack-descending capability. It does not, however, feature a standard dropper seatpost, although there is stealth cable routing provided in the frame design, for an aftermarket upgrade.
The mid-grade Pantera is named 'Current' and features a slightly downgraded fork option: SR Suntour’s XCM32-DS, which is coil-sprung. It also features less gears, running a Shimano Alvio 9-speed drivetrain and priced at £2600.
For those who wish to have an all-terrain commuter bike, with the efficiency and lower maintenance of a hardtail but the energy assistance of an e-MTB, there is the Dash. Its front fork is reduced to 100mm and there is a Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain. The Dash prices at £2200.
