Strengths: excellent frame geometry,well built and will take the abuse!
Weaknesses: I suspect that the original componentry was lackiing, in that everything other than the original frame had been upgraded...
Bottom Line:
I love the GT geometry... this is only one of the GTs that I have owned...I have found that the original componentry is generally lacking...particularly referring to BB and headsets! ...But, they are well designed frames and worthwhile to build up as custom bikes and I rank mine among my all time favorites!
Similar Products Used: I have owned many MTBs over the past 20 years...mostly custom configured hardtails.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi EXP, all Shimano XT..Kore stem ....
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Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Yuba City, CA, 95991
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2008
Strengths: Great geometry, lightweight, looks nicely made.
Weaknesses: Developed a crack where the downtube meets the headtube, but I did get 10 years of hard riding (occasional jumping and large drop-offs) out of it, so I'm not complaining.
Bottom Line:
Good bike if bought new, but I wouldn't buy a used one.
Bike Setup: Rock Shocks Judy SL, XT/LX mix, Mavic rims. Installed disc brakes recently by using a clamp-on adapter for the rear caliper.
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Submitted by
brad sidilau
a Cross Country Rider
from nashua nh,usa
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2007
Strengths: Light, fast and waaaaaay bombproof. I swear I can climb up a wall of ice with it. Great for weekend riders or better, a-bit heavy to race
Weaknesses: --Snaps and creeks, but as an old-school BMXer knows, all you do is lube the entire setpost down from the clamp!!!! Whala! (or you just use it as trail warning signal! --pedals are HIGH maintinence but still clip in (WD40 rocks) --stock seatpost clamp is just K-Mart --Rear V-Brake routing causes a tight radius for cable. --LX stuff is HEAVY
Bottom Line:
I'm a mechanical geek so I upkeep it pretty well. Baught it as a leftover in '99 for 1000 bucks, and have never spent money so wisely. As mentioned i've had/have a few others, but never ride them anymore-the LE is the complete PKG. I even ride it on the road & snow-why not-it works. 8+ years, well over 2000 miles, 3 helmets and MANY MANY crashes later......Check back in another 5 years, or when wheels become square again!
Similar Products Used: trek OCLV, StumpJ and FSR, Cammondale (love the Alum.) and rmember that sweet Girvin fron fork?
Bike Setup: Ready for this---STOCK, yes stock, save the tires, tubes, some cables and pads. Albeit it is past time for chain, rings and a cassette (and new cables, pads etc.$$$) I would REALlY like to change the cranks and rims to lighten it up; (I'm 5 11", 215 lbs. 38 yrs old)
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Submitted by
SHANNON FALCONER
a Racer
from AMHERSTBURG ONTARIO CANADA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2000
Strengths: SOLIB BIKE FOR RIDING
Weaknesses: IF YOU RIDE AND RACE AS MUCH AS ME YOU START CHANGING THE DRIVE TRAIN A FAIR BIT.AFTER 1 1/2YEARS I'VE CHANGED ALL MY RINGS AND DERAILERS.THE XT BRAKES ARE LOOSE IN THE PIVOTS.
Bottom Line:
THIS BIKE IS AWESOME GREAT ENTRY LEVEL BIKE FOR THE MONEY.I HATE TO SEE IT GO,BUT I ACTUALLY CRACKED THE FRAME.RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE SEAT CLAMP.I HAVE BEEN RIDING IT LIKE THIS FOR ABOUT 6 MTHS CAUSE I AM WAITING FOR THE NEXT YEARS FRAME.THE CRACK IS ABOUT HALF WAY THROUGH THE FRAME NOW.THIS WILL BE MY HACKIN BIKE CAUSE I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF GETTING THE ZASKAR LE TEAM 2000 BIKE FROM PRO RIDER GREG RANDOLPH.HOW SWEET THIS WILL BE FOR RACING.
Bike Setup: FULL XT EXCEPT FRONT DER IS LX.MAVIC 221 WITH LX HUBS AND LX CRANKS.JUDY SL FORKS.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Michael Gebhard
a Cross Country Rider
from Logan, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2000
Strengths: The frame and upgradability. Every crash I've been in with this bike, the bike never gets as damaged as I do.
Weaknesses: Sqeaking...I've heard several other people mention this as well- however the squeakiness can be resolved by greasing or oiling the seat post (this appears to be a weakness of a few different GT framesets, however, not a reason to steer clear of the bike at all)
Bottom Line:
This is one of the best hardtails I've ever ridden..I tested a lot of different frames and brands when I bought this one, but the Avalanche LE felt the best. Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that the LE frame is the equivilant of the stock Zaskar frame, same aluminum and geometry. I've upgraded several things to make the bike even sweeter (Crossmax wheelset, USE XCR seatpost, and Specialized geometry comp saddle...etc..) and haven't found anything to complain about, it's an all around good XC bike and short of putting it in a car crusher, I don't think the frame can be destroyed...another big plus is the fact that it's easy to find parts and service for. I'm still running the original Judy SL fork as well. The bike started off around 28 lbs, I've got it down to just below 25 right now. As soon as I change the crankset and front shock, I'll have a relatively light XC racer on my hands. Anyone looking for a really great running hardtail and not able to fork over 2 grand or more for a bike should consider the GT Avalanche or Avalanche LE, you won't be let down. I would certainly put it in the value range of some of the stuff that's selling for that kind of money. Everybody knows the old saying...You get what you paid for- Well, with this bike you get what you pay for and then some. Whatever you end up buying, make sure you get out and have fun!
Similar Products Used: GT Zaskar, Specialized Stumpjumper, Giant Xtc
Bike Setup: originally- XT rear derailleur, LX front derailleur, LX crankset, LX and GT Hubs, Mavic 221 wheelset, WTB tires and seat, XT levers and brakes (rapidfire), Judy SL rockshox...
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Submitted by
Chase
a Cross-Country Rider
from Killeen, TX
Date Reviewed: November 22, 1999
Strengths: Ballburnished Frame Bulletproof
Weaknesses: Narrow Titec Bars
Bottom Line:
This bike has been great for me. I have taken it everywhere and it can handle any terrain (from the east coast (Sugarloaf, MA to the rocks of central TX and everywhere in between). This is a great bike for anyone looking for a strong, reliable, durable cross country bike. I am going to buy a FS bike next (over thirty and my bones ache after 3 hour rides), but this bike will always be in my garage.
Submitted by
Neo
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1999
Strengths: Bike is amazingly strong. It is a great climber and have had no problems on downhills.
Weaknesses: Started to creak and squeak. Broke the WTB seat on my first time out and replaced the WTB Velociraptors tires after a couple of rides in the rain. Basically my grief is with the WTB accessories on the bike.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for cross country and for single track downhill. Could be a bit lighter but I can fix that by upgrading to lighter components.
Submitted by
Jag
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton, Alberta
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999
Strengths: Looks wicked and is incredibly stiff.
Weaknesses: It could be a little lighter.
Bottom Line:
GT has built a beginner racer in the Avalanche LE. The stiffness makes-up for some of the extra weight. Climbs like a mountain goat in heat with the WTB V-Raptors tires. Good bang for your buck. I'll stay with GT for my next bike (Zaskar LE).
I have had a great time with this bike, it's held up and it's still light and fast. So I recomend this to anyone who is a strong x-country rider, i love it and i have been everywhere with it
I've had this bike for 3+ years I've only changed the rims and fork, all original drive train except for the chain. This bike has been ridden very hard and has never failed me except when I was trying to clear a 14 ft gully and I broke the rear hub but it was still ridable, I have a new F/S XCR-1000 but I'm gonna keep the LE because itwill last forever. The bike climbs like a scared cat running up a tree, corners great, and the frame is super stiff. GT has a winner. Long live the Avalance LE
Bike Setup: I've had a Judy XC > Marzocci Z2> Judy SL Mavic Crosslands
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Carreira
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1999
Strengths: This bike is strong, stiff, and inspires confidence. Doesn't rust!
Weaknesses: Some creaking if that kind of thing bothers you. Stock rims are not up to my weight/ riding style.
Bottom Line:
I am fat (220lbs) and like to crash, this bike is strong. So far I have only snapped the manitou fork, the original LX BB spindle, and tacoed the rear wheel (a buddy at the BMX track). I use this bike to race cruiser at the BMX track, for freeride trials (stairs drops etc.) and some basic MTB duty. I would recommend this bike to most anyone who is looking for an all purpose hardtail that isn't flashy but gets the job done! I'll give it 5 stars cause its pretty bomb proof.
Similar Products Used: Various XC, Trials, DH and other bikes. Too many to remember.
Bike Setup: Changed the fork to the Manitou SX-Ti. Azonic double wall riser bar. XT bottom bracket. Various stems, usually a short dh stem. Mavic D-121 in the rear with a 13 guage non-butted spoke.
I am taking a chance that this might not be considered Vintage or Retro by you folks, but here it goes.
I inherited a late 90's GT Avalanche, I believe it to be an LE (XT rear Read More »
