This bike is a disaster; I have had a gt 3 2012 for 4 months now I had to have it serviced nearly every 4 weeks and even had a breakdown whilst cycling on the road the rear derailleur just folded into it self the best part of all this they would not replace there part nor would they return it so that I may attach a photo of their failed product. Changing gears is a nightmare it will work for a day or two after you had it serviced then its back to its normal jumping. Don’t even think about putting the bike on a proper dirt trail as I don’t think it will you will come back on it.
The services are not cheap either. By the next services I would have spend more on maintenance cost then the cost of the cycle, I have been using the cycle for training for the 94.7 road race and the only off road cycling I have done was on northern farm defiantly not heavy off-road conditions. In short this is my first mountain bike and my first race and the lesson learned is buying cheap and you get despicable quality
Submitted by
SGP495
a Downhiller
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2011
Strengths: -Good Looking
-Nice tires (Maxxis Moobsters 2.35 and 2.10 - Now discontinued )
-Nice saddle (WTB)
-Very strong and good looking frame (always loved the triple triangle design)
-Nice GT grips (same as high end GT bikes)
-Cool stickers (nice look like I said although I'm sick of all the squares)
Weaknesses: -Rear derailleur isn't good (constantly jumping gears)
-Front derailleur almost went off after I took a couple jumps and did some medium/intense trail riding. I still can't adjust it right 4 months later.
-The pedals aren't good either (left one broke 2-3 months after I bought the bike. I believe I took a 2ft drop on flat)
-Brakes are a nightmare (constantly squealing and I need to adjust them every 2-3 ride.
-The fork is horrible, it says for "recreational trail riding" on suntour's website. That explains a lot! I tried a RS Judy year 1999 and it was way, way better.
-I couldn't find any info on the rims at all? I guess it says a lot but apparently they are alexrims if I'm not mistaken since I took off all the those stickers..don't like yellow squares.
-The crank isn't any good obviously since it's made by suntour.
-The 9 speed cassette is decent though but nothing special either.
-All the cables went off at some point, almost crashed.
-The hubs? Well I was scared thinking about it.
-The tubes are so skinny..I changed them both for puncture resistant after getting 5 or 6 flats.
Bottom Line:
I thought I'd get something better for 600$CAN but now I'm realizing that this bike is made of basic components that are worth nothing. The only thing good about this bike is the frame. I wish I knew that before, I would have probably just got myself a used bike for 700$CAN and it would rock. Everything is such a rip off in Montreal/Canada..
I suggest you to not take any jumps and don't do anything with it except "recreational trail riding" or you will end up having to waste money.
It sure is a good bike for a noob though. It will introduce you to mountain biking and all that stuff. But don't pay more than 500$ for it.
Bike Setup: I changed the saddle for THE one's but I won't change anything else. Was thinking about changing the brakes and other stuff but I'd rather get a better bike than waste my money to change literally all the components.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Longeezy
a Weekend Warrior
from arlington tx
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2011
Strengths: the frame feels very solid, lockout fork and is great for any noob that wants to take it to the next level
Weaknesses: it can use a better fork but it works for the price of the setup, the wheels can be better also, and a bit on the heavy side
Bottom Line:
I ride 1-2 times a weeks and I ride as hard as I can which also involves whipping out hard and hitting roots hard and let me tell ya this bike can take a beating and the components on it can get the job done, i would recommend this bike to any new rider
PS WEAR A HELMET ALWAYS
Submitted by
Colby
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2011
Strengths: Great looks in white, I going to say excellent entry into an addiction lol. For a first rig, its amazing.
Weaknesses: I despise the fork, and stock pedals.
Bottom Line:
I am hooked. I hit the trails daily and can't stop. Buying my wife the same bike this weekend.
I highly suggest this bike for your first. Plenty to upgrade if warranted but my skillz lack so no need. Great one for loosing your MTB cherry.
I personally think the value is excellent if new is what you want.
No 5 rate for cheaper components but when in perspective for price point its probably the best.
Similar Products Used: N/a Walmart mongoose isn't even comparative.
Bike Setup: Forte pedals. Soon RockShox or similar fork. Hubs etc. So much wanting and dreaming.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
InsomN
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2011
Strengths: This is the GT Avalanche 3.0 Hydro Disc 2011 model.
The Tektro Auriga Comp Hydro break set up is extremely satisfying after beding in the pads.
Shimano Deore 24 speed with the SR SunTour PFF drive chain is smooth and responsive.
The overall Ride and feel of this bike exceed's the price of £500. The Price to performance ratio really makes this bike worth the purchase.
Weaknesses: The XCM V3 SunTour Forks are comfortable but do bottom out on rough trails. Also the lock out is on the forks rather than on the handle Bars, small fault but nothing major.
The Tektro Auriga break levers feel great but are the piston is easily ripped out in the event of a crash (as i unfortunatly found out :P) easily poped back in but unless fixed properly (New piston head washer fitted) the break can feel quite squishy and unresposive with out putting more than two finger breaking into effect.
Bottom Line:
Overall a great Mid range hard tail that is perfect for any one looking to make the step up from that first rig they bought.
Submitted by
Mdcbiking
a Downhiller
from Walnut Creek, California, United States
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2011
Strengths: The Frame is probably the srongest part on my bike but everything ele is pretty good too. Some people dislike the shocks on this bike but if you take care of them properly they work fine.
Weaknesses: The derailluer(Shimano Alivio) is horrible. I definately recommend a chainstay or replacment for anyone who owns this bike because the derailluer is loose and really scratches the frame. The disc brakes can really start rubbing after awhile and it gets annoying. Try not to get any wd-40 on them!
Bottom Line:
All-in-All it's worth the price and buy. I reccomend it to anyone who is a beginner and likes to go fast and get dirty in the Open Space.
Bike Setup: Gt Avalanche 3.0 Frame, Race Face Atlas am riser bars, Race Face Sniper lock on grips, Azonic Barretta stem, Sram x-5 derailleur, Race Face Dunce seat, all other products included on bike.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
ZigyRat
a Weekend Warrior
from Suffolk, VA, U.S
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2011
Strengths: Frame is solid (but very heavy)
Shifter and derailer seems good.
Weaknesses: Suntour XCM V3 forks are weak, I know its only a mid grade bike but these forks are really cheap, they bottom out at full travel just hitting larger bumps on the sidewalk!? Even when I have them locked out, they still have a small amount of travel and bottom out on every little crack, like metal to metal bottom out! VERY, VERY CHEAP!
The Tektro Disc Brakes are also very Cheap, the discs warp Rediculously easy and the pads need to be adjusted constantly. I,ve only had the bike for a few days and have only ridden it on the street right around the naborhood So, imagine what a nightmare its going to be once its out on an average trail?
Bottom Line:
I used to be an avid mountain biker but have been away from it for 4 or 5 years. I've gotten the itch again but don't want to drop 1k+ just yet.
After reading a lot of the reviews here and other sites I thought this bike was about the best in my price range and would be a good buy on a good Mid grade bike.. Trust me when I say, It's not! The components that they are pushing off on bikes today are trash. When I bought my Gary Fisher back in 2002 It had Manitou elite 6 shocks (very sufficient) those were considered the mid grade forks then.. Suntour and RST were the junk department store brand of forks, now their trying to tell everyone that they are much more of a quality and reliable brand, I bought into it.. BS! they are still junk just like they were back then.
It seems to me like they have created a whole new level of cheap components and in turn are now calling the old cheap components the new Mid level components and pricing them as so.
Bottom line: Unless your ready to spend 1200 plus on a "decent" Mountain bike or hunt something used down on ebay at a decent price, you might as well buy a bike at a box store for 100-200 bucks and get the same quality as a bike like the GT Avalanche 3.0 or equivalent.
I have decided to return the GT and look for something good but used on ebay.
Submitted by
ihaveagibsonsg
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2011
Strengths: Over all best package deal for the money.
Weaknesses: You get what you pay for so there's no weaknesses considering it's better out fitted than any bike in this price range.
Bottom Line:
People are complaining about the fork not being that good for the brakes being subpar but face it, you're getting an adjustable fork and a bike with disc breaks + a 24 speed for under 400$. No other manufacturer can touch that. I purchased a Trek 3700 for 400$ and it was falling apart. I sold it to a close friend and purchased the GT for 50$ less and got a true mountain bike. This GT has made me love biking all over again and now I ride everyday. I might of only had it for a few months but I've put over 800 miles on it and there's no faults to report. I love this bike and my next bike will be a GT full suspension.
Submitted by
PeloNZ
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2010
Strengths: Sturdy frame and drivetrain
Weaknesses: Brakes (Tektro IOX cable discs) - warped discs, mis-aligned pads, difficult to set up correctly.
Bottom Line:
This is my first real mountain bike, and I have had endless fun hitting the single tracks around NZ. I have had no problems with this bike, apart from the brakes needing constant adjustment nearly every ride.
On this bike I have taken fast trails, flown down hill, hit ~1 metre air jumps, and raced in amateur XC without having any breakages or major maintenance issues.
I also use it as a 100km+ commuter during the week, using slick tyres, which the Avalanche also handles with aplomb.
I can recommend this bike to anyone on a budget who wants to get into recreational MTB.
If you can afford it, go for a more expensive model with better brakes. They have been the only disappointment for me.
Submitted by
Mitchell Pleasure
a Weekend Warrior
from Herndon, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2010
Strengths: good gear shifter, great frame, strong breaks, tires can take a lot of wear and tear, and the chain doesn't fall off at all.
Weaknesses: front fork doesn't absorb hardly any impact
Bottom Line:
It is an amazing bike for the novice. Once the components start to deteriorate you should upgrade to a higher end type of components. The frame is very sturdy
Submitted by
Jimmy John
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, Washington
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2010
Strengths: Frame,crank arms,handlebars,wheels
Weaknesses: Fork, brakes,pedals
Bottom Line:
I have ridden close to 1000 miles on this bike on all terrains.the fork is low quality just doesn't work the greatest. i have not replaced anything on this bike but would like to replace the pedals and brakes soon. if you are on a budget are a beginner buy this bike!
Submitted by
PanicStrickenToo
a Cross Country Rider
from Glasgow, Scotland
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2010
Strengths: This is for the 2009 disc version with the 8 speed on the back. Feels very capable. very active handling. Looks great, frame good. the cable disc brakes have given me no problemsGreat starting point
Weaknesses: The Suntour forks aren't super, retail you can buy them for £40 so take a wild guess. howver, they didn't break on me, and still worked when I finally replaced them after a year of use. Pedals were terrible. If I'd had any pride I'd have haggled for something decent. took them off and binned them before I even rode the bike. Suntour Chainset is heavy, but has given no problems. changed the grips for lizard skins after a month because the originals moved a bit when jumping.
Bottom Line:
This was a very entry level bike. Cost me £325. If you break something on it, it's probably cheap to replace if you replace with like. The bike is easily ood enough in the suplied spec to keep you interested and make you upgrade it. The frame has a lot of people saying good things. If I had the choice again I'd buy it again, but I would haggle those terrible pedals from the offset. the rest you can replace at your leisure. I'd have no issues recommending this bike to a friend. Did i mention that it looks cool?
Similar Products Used: This was my first proper mountain bike
Bike Setup: Manitou R7 Elite forks, Shimano Deore hollowtech II chainset, Shimano M540 pedals, lizard skins grips, all else current;y stock. replacing saddle, stem, and rear deailleur very soon!!
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Muddy_Pedals
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego California, USA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2010
Strengths: The frame! You can definitely trust the geometry of the avalanche. All the components are stock, but they are decent enough for an entry level rider. The disc breaks are awesome.
Weaknesses: Low end components...
Bottom Line:
This bike mobs like butter. Just watch out if you plan on taking 6 foot drops down vertical trails. Dont wanna go over the handle bars...
Hi,
I recently bought a GT AVALANCHE 3.0 2011 and I don't like the color . Does anyone have an idea on how much it will cost me? I don't want a very cheap paint job but some dec Read More »
I bought this same bike for 400$ because it was the only XL one I could find, and its 'like new'.
Did I get ripped, good deal, or fair price?
EDIT:Cant post pics yet.
Read More »
I have a 3.0 avalanche and currently has sr suntour xcm hlo v3's and i want to replace it with rockshox recon gold rl.
here are the specs
Model Recon: Gold RL
Application/T Read More »
