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Submitted by
bigCgt
a Cross Country Rider
from ontario
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | any locally | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | sports store | | Strengths: | Strong frame, decent brakes, gears work fine, what to expect for the money spent | | Weaknesses: | crank (replaced it due to flexing issues) pedals (bearings lasted a month then replaced with wellgo steel pedals)
also changed out the rear cassette and chain along with the crank swap | | Similar Products Used: | old khs alite 1000 | | Bike Setup: | stock except more road friendly wheels, truvativ 5d crank, alivio rear cassette, chain for a 27 speed (narrower then stock) | | Bottom Line: | Im a big guy at 285 pounds and this bike has held up good so far other then the above mentioned parts that i replaced. I take it off small drops, ride over curbs, take it in trails with lots of big roots.
I think it is well worth the $470 canadian I paid for it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jay taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from liverool
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$265.00 | | Purchased At: | jak parker | | Strengths: | great for jumping solid frame bosss suspension | | Weaknesses: | not very fast | | Similar Products Used: | mongoose fireball 08 | | Bottom Line: | a really great bike for going round a quary or woods with mates really good for jumping a proper experiance of a gt mountain bike this is defintaly the bikefor me aged 15 | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jean
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamburg Germany
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Street & DH | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | Mink´s Bike Shop HH | | Strengths: | Very good quality for the price.the Gearing & rapidfire is excellent after alittle time and setting it up like the brakes.Adequate Kenda Tire | | Weaknesses: | Major Weakness are the pedals replaced it at the store!was a freebie from the owner (value at the store 25€ ;)
not all screws are black small detail but it bothers me. :(
| | Similar Products Used: | Felt Q200, Felt Q220,Felt Q620,GT Outpost | | Bike Setup: | New BLACK Pedals, DH Handlebar, Avia Break lever, Koolstop breakpads, teflon coated breakwire, Continental Mountain King 2.4", SKS Removable Dirtgards front and Rear, Style seatring alu. | | Bottom Line: | The Bottom Line is i spend 400€ for the Avalanche 3.0 and about 250€ for tuning it(35€Handlebar, 2x16€ breakpads,20€ breaklever, 30€ dirtgards,2x 50€ Mountainking 2.4, 16€ seatring & more than 30-50€ for div.small parts Style and light)!
And you know what?... It was worth it, it was a cool bike to start with now its my dream bike (tought i will replace a few screw for black ones!;) ).
I ride mostly street and a little bit DH & FR and for my skills now its very good it takes drops from 1,5 meter without even complaining;) ! perhaps not a "pro" bike but its still fantastic for the price and even better tuned!!!
Greetz Jean | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Athens, Ga USA
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort Yargo State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bicycles | | Strengths: | Solid Frame, decent Brakes, relatively light | | Weaknesses: | Low quality front and rear dérailleurs, low-end front fork, flimsy rims, plastic pedals, low-end crank | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Boulder | | Bike Setup: | New double-walled rim, Crank Brothers Candy C SE pedals, new cassette | | Bottom Line: | A great novice bike, but take it on some trails and you'll regret not getting a nicer bike. This is my first (serious) bike, and its been great so far in getting me to and from class, but not so great on the trails. The crank was stripped in a matter of a month, the dérailleurs are low-end (both front a rear), and the front fork is too loose to use off road. I snapped my rear axle after a year and got a nicer double-walled rim. Originally I was planning on slowly upgrading this bike, but I think I'll just buy a Trek 4300. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
craig branderhorst
a Cross Country Rider
from london, ontario, canada
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail works | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclepath | | Strengths: | the frame, the rims, | | Weaknesses: | the shifters suck, and the shocks
| | Similar Products Used: | trek 6800 | | Bottom Line: | its a good bike for crosscountry it works great except for the shifter and shocks | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JL Wright
a Cross Country Rider
from Little Rock, AR, USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Little Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | Lewis and Clark Outfitters | | Strengths: | Excellent frame; it can take a pounding. Decent starter wheels and tires.Suspension on front fork is great for up to medium trails or obstacles (pops curbs like a charm). | | Weaknesses: | Shifting is a little squirrelly till you get it broken in good, then it settles in nicely. A lot of people point out the dérailleur; I haven't had any trouble, but like I said, I broke mine in first. The saddle was really the only thing I didn't like about this bike. | | Bike Setup: | Basic setup, but I added some clipless Shimano SPD pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I did a lot of research before buying this bike. The one constant I saw was that many people who raved about this bike admitted to buying more expensive bikes, then missing their old GTs. If you are an urbanite like I am, this a great deal. If it gets ripped off you're not out thousands of dollars, and it's more than capable of handling city travel like a charm. Off road it's just as formidable as higher end bikes, plus GT has a 5 year warranty on the frame (it used to be lifetime). I live in an area where I commute to work by street on my bike, then I can hit numerous trails scattered throughout the city afterwards (they don't call Arkansas the Natural State for nothing). The Avalanche 3.0 is more than capable of handling either terrain. This is a great bike for the entry level novice to the expert who may not want to risk their high end, super tricked out bikes on everyday travel.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
james crosby
a Weekend Warrior
from manchester
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | delamere forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | evens cycles | | Strengths: | brill frame , nice bike, good springy suspention, smooth ride,good grips, good reliable gearing, | | Weaknesses: | pedals but i replaced then for some DMR V8 pedals and they are ameasing | | Similar Products Used: | avalanche pro | | Bike Setup: | exelent | | Bottom Line: | good bike worth the money and makes riding bery fun | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cameron Stokman
a Weekend Warrior
from waikite valley, rotorua, NZ
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Vegas | | Strengths: | everthing | | Weaknesses: | Chain fell | | Similar Products Used: | Boulder by giant | | Bottom Line: | It is great appart from chain witch is a peice of ?{*&%@##$!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dean Badeaux
a Cross Country Rider
from Kennewick, WA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | ? | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Authority | | Strengths: | Bullet proof frame, easy on the wallet, surprizingly decent tektro disk brakes, a great starter bike for xc. | | Weaknesses: | Plastic Pedals, plastic front derailleur, chain stick under load sometimes, Suntour forks sucks! I broke the right side pedal in half the first summer I got it. | | Similar Products Used: | Iron Horse maverick 3.0, diamondback response sport | | Bike Setup: | X.0 rear derailleur, rockshox pilot 100mm, xt front derailleur, xt shifter/brake combo, avid bb7 disk, race face evolve DH crank, new wheel set. | | Bottom Line: | I've thrown this bike down so many mountains in the last two years and it just won't break. (not that I want it to). The frame is undeniably bad a**. Supper rigid and climbs better then any aluminum hard tail I've ridden. But the stock parts have got to go.
My bike setup hasn't failed at all. And not even GT's top-of-the-line hardtail comes even close to my bike's specs, and it only cost me $450 in upgrades off ebay to make it so.
I recommend this bike to any body who enjoys xc on a decent hard tail for a good price.
Then only reason I won't give it the highest rating is becuase of all the work a had to put into upgrading, and the crappy forks, pedals, and derailleurs that come stock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam Scavo
a Cross Country Rider
from Old Forge, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Cedar Bike | | Strengths: | Good frame,almost identicle to the higher end models, i have upgraded a good number of components. | | Weaknesses: | crankset wore out in a years time, came with cheap wheelset, only 21-speed i upgraded to 24 | | Bike Setup: | mavic x139s, shimano deore components, sdg saddle,avid bb5, | | Bottom Line: | my avalanche is a 2004 i doubt there is any differance, but it is a good bike for the college student who wants a quality bike that they will want to up-grade in the future. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hugo Burt-Morris
a Weekend Warrior
from sydney
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | manly dam, cascades | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | KOM cyclery in cremourne | | Strengths: | it is great for xc and just messing around | | Weaknesses: | The pedals will fall apart and break if you treat them badly and hit them against rocks n stuff
the suspension could be improved if they had a more expensive price it is a bad suspension if they had a rockshox or something it would be gr* | | Similar Products Used: | APOLLO RADIUS | | Bottom Line: | NEEDS better wheels and suspension it is gr8 otherwise
hopefully the giant ac i am getting will be a bit better
people that have just gotten into mtbing should get it
and expeirience shouldnt buy it
get a better bike like the santa cruz v10 or gt it 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail works | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$279.00 | | Purchased At: | Dick's sporting goods | | Strengths: | Thought it had a great price,and not being that experienced in mountain biking, looked like a good bike to me. Has a great frame just like everyone else says, and I have had no problems with any of the stock equipment ont it. I don't push it extremely hard so everything on it is good for me. (even the plastic pedals) | | Weaknesses: | None for me so far. Maybe I have just been lucky so far. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except seat, Men's specific comfort gel seat from Seatguy.com, and cool PA License plate that says Dave (gift from girlfriend/bike partner) | | Bottom Line: | So far I love the bike, I have had no problems with anything on it, and don't think I will. I don't ride anything crazy, just some local trails and street riding. So everything on it works great for my riding. If your looking for a bike that looks great and works good and not gonna hammer it, then this is the bike for you. And if you find it at the right store on sale you can pay less then I did for it, and I thought my price was good. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johannes
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Alpen | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bavaria, Germany | | Strengths: | Stiff as can be | | Weaknesses: | Nothing to feel | | Bottom Line: | I'm using this bike since 1992, for tracks in the Alpen, for CC, but also for biketrecking. It is a great bike GT built.
Thanks to them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from ipswich,qld,australia
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | castle hill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | supercycles | | Strengths: | Tough frame same as avalance pro. Great for upgrading. | | Weaknesses: | derailiers,pedals | | Similar Products Used: | apollo kosiosko | | Bike Setup: | Standard 3 with disc brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I have given this bike a rough time . Mostly cross country with some downhill .Had a few good stacks. Ripped seat and bent hanger every thing else works fine. I bought this bike with the intention of upgrading as the funds become available. So far I have replaced the pedals with shimano ones I had on another bike.and a LX front changer as I had a spare not because they broke. I have seen too many pedals broken in races and I dont want to be one of them.Great value for money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nathan
a Racer
from brisbane,queensland,australia
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | gap cycles | | Strengths: | great XC bike that is lightweight and is good value | | Weaknesses: | the chain can play up and get stuck; seat gets really uncomfortable | | Similar Products Used: | GT palamor | | Bottom Line: | a great hard tale that is good value with good appliances on it; the frame is good design that supports the rider well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PK FLO
a Weekend Warrior
from Layton, Ut
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedersen's Cycle Shop | | Strengths: | Strong frame, ideal for cross-over riders coming from BMX world | | Weaknesses: | gears sometimes slip, stock rims are kinda weak | | Bike Setup: | all stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the cross-over rider. I didn't want to spend much money on a bike, so this GT was a perfect buy for me. Bike can hold it's own on the trail or in the concrete jungle on some aggresive free rides. Good buy, especially for someone without deep pockets.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric hancock
a Weekend Warrior
from colorado springs, co, usa
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Palmer Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$240.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Strengths: | Large tubing, double-walled frame; seems sturdy | | Weaknesses: | Fork works fine for me, but gets ragged on a lot here and other forums, so I guess it's only so-so; fairly low-end drivetrain (hey, $240, whattya want??). | | Similar Products Used: | Only price shopped, didn't find anything of this similar quality in this price range. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except I put on some $10 metal/alum pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Well, I just rode this bike for about 3 hours in North Cheyenne Canyon, SW of Colo Springs. Don't know what all the complaints are about the wheels and fork. Raced downhill on it, doing pretty aggressive drop-offs, jumps, bumps, rocks, stumps etc. The wheels aren't even tweaked on it, brakes don't brush up against the wheels when spinning them at all. I'm 43 now, but rode very aggressively when in my early 30s; this bike is fine for riding single track trails with plenty of rocks and stuff. How well will it hold up? Time will tell, but I do think the frame's pretty good, so I'll gradually upgrade. Probably go with crankset first, as I have no issue with the fork yet, or the Tioga tires and double-walled rims, they did me fine. Rapid fire shifters worked great. Will likely upgrade the rear derailler at some point, not that it messed up or anything. The balance and feel/response of this bike is quite good in my opinion, and I live and ride at 6000+ feet, so there! :) Overall, a great value! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Balousek
a Weekend Warrior
from Madison, WI USA
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | The going to work trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | Budget Bikes | | Strengths: | Frame is awsome, light and tough. The smoothest ride I've ever had on a mountain bike. It is truly a "fun" bike. Very cool rapid fire shifters. | | Weaknesses: | Well the componets are kind of cheap.. The shifting is poor at least uphill. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Boulder | | Bike Setup: | Stock (for now) | | Bottom Line: | Well I bought a Giant Boulder had it for six months and was just very dissapointed with it.. I traded it in for the GT. I ride to and from work everyday on it. I had a GT BMX bike as a kid it was the best bike I ever had till now. This bike is a great work bike. I really enjoy the ride. I havn't done anything extreme just a few bunny hops (imposible on the Boulder) a couple small jumps. I think as a mountain bike I would replace a few things. If your like me looking for a very solid bike that's a blast to ride there is none better. GT still Rocks! The fact that the frame is so bomb makes it the perfect build up bike. You could really pimp this thing out. I am content with the stock parts for now. Maybe later I'll upgrade a few things. For the price and frame I have to give it 5 Chilis | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johnny R
a Weekend Warrior
from Cumming Ga USA
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Authority | | Strengths: | Great feel, good balance | | Weaknesses: | At first the gears were a little slow/sticky when changing but I fixed that easily. | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 Trek Mt. Bike | | Bike Setup: | replaved pedals. Plastic=not cool | | Bottom Line: | This is a very solid bike over all. It has taken some spills and it just keeps on going. Highly recomended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lance
a Weekend Warrior
from worcester,Ma,USA
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | cascades | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Dicks | | Strengths: | Frame, seat, brakes are allright | | Weaknesses: | shifters, bb, front fork, derrailer. | | Similar Products Used: | First Bike | | Bike Setup: | Factory | | Bottom Line: | Even though there are many weaknesses that i've found with the bike, the amazing thing is that its lasted me through one whole year of wear and tear. I use my bike very often, almost 4 times a week for riding on trails or going to school. I've got over 2,000 miles on the bike, and it's still going. Instead of upgrading, i've decided to get a new bike, becasue i am much more educated on the sport of mountain biking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kelly Brevik
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Purchased At: | Sportmart | | Strengths: | Good Cheap Bike, I bought it at Sportmart on clearance for 170.00. | | Weaknesses: | Tires and rims are lower end | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 800 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with GT Bar Ends, and Shimano clip pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the clearance price I paid | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Faulkenberry
a Cross Country Rider
from McKinney, TX USA
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Sister Grove | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | The frame is NICE...fork is low quality, but will get you by until you decide to upgrade. Great price for such a upgrade-worthy frame. | | Weaknesses: | Most of the stock components are worthless...especially the wheels | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock, Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock frame and fork, Mavic Crossmax Enduro wheelset, Shimano Deore LX/XT drivetrain with Truvativ Firex ISIS crankset, Easton bar and stem. | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden a GT road bike for 3 years now, and I've never found a frame that fits me quite as well as that one. With this in mind, I decided to try to find a GT mountain bike: behold, the GT Avalanche 3.0. First, the price is unbeatable for the quality of the frame. But after you quit swooning over the frame, start looking at the rest of the bike. Take my advice...if you buy it out of the box, don't bother putting it together. Instead, strip it to the frame and fork and start shopping for some better components.
Here's some things to look out for. First, the bottom bracket is an old-style cup and cone assembly. This was totally unexpected. You really should have the bottom bracket tapped and faced at your LBS...you never know what kind of threads you'll run into with this cup and cone crap. I happily through the old BB in the trash!
The headset is decent, but not sealed-cartridge. Consider this a future upgrade.
The worst part is that the stock wheelset is unrideable if you want to upgrade to 9-speed. I didn't realize this until I started to work on installing my new 9-speed cassette...this thing has a 7-speed freewheel! So, before I could do anything with my new components, I had to buy a new wheelset. I had planned this anyway, but not so soon! Anyway, no complaints now.
Overall, I don't think you can beat this if you want to build your own bike. I've got a decent XC bike with Deore LX/XT stuff for around 700-800 dollars total! It's pretty hard to buy a comparably equipped bike already built for this price.
I'm giving this bike very high ratings...the only caveat is that you should realize that 5 flamin' chilis does not mean that this bike is ready to ride out of the box. But for me, it definitely earns the peppers! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Downhiller
from Scottsdale, Az, USA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Pemberton trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | sports authority | | Strengths: | All in all this bike rocks... from the adjustable shocks to the frame work. I have been taking this badboy on some switchbacks and single tracks and it has been holding it's own. Belive me i had some "love taps". The frame is awesome. | | Weaknesses: | The plastic pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | 02' trek manitou | | Bottom Line: | bottom line the bike is sic. The bike is holding its own considering that i dish everything at it from steep rocky trails to the concrete jungle. Would recommend bike to anyone that wants to start out on an affordable bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Townsville
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Everywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Toys R Us | | Strengths: | The preload on the forks works really well also the frame is pretty strong and looks great disc compatible too | | Weaknesses: | The bottom bracket sucks ass cranks suck crappy handlebars crappy looking stem crap rear derialleur crap middle derialleur pretty much the frame and forks were the only good thing. | | Bike Setup: | Kona DH Primo stem and oversized bars. Deore f. derailleur
Deore LX r. Derailleur STX cranks (w/stock bottom bracket) mavic 521 rims with XT parralax hubs stock shifters | | Bottom Line: | good frame the parts are ok but im not into standard crap its a great bike to do up i recommend replace the bottom bracket straight after purchase as my bottom b. screwed my frame over and ripped out all the thread.
othre than that its an awsome bike and the smal frame looks like a dirt jumper. definetaly worth the cash.
great bike for new riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shane
a Cross Country Rider
from Ireland
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Still searching | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain reaction | | Strengths: | The frame is super stiff, ease of maintenance/ set up. | | Weaknesses: | Forks, Cranks, wheels, fd. | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6800 | | Bike Setup: | Now using Marzochi 04 MX Comp ETA (these r d buisness), Mavic rims, Shimano XTR Crankset, DMR V8 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | For the money I doubt if you could get a much better frame pretty much all the other components are useless but this just makes it ripe for a build, which is in progress. With the proper gear this bike can take some serious abuse, rides well on and off road and can tackle big jumps just as well as some more expensive machinery. This bike is great for some one starting out who wants a project and likes to DIY their own mods. Got this for about 380 euros, and the 05 model is now out (and isn't really any different) so the 04s r on sale!!! It doesn't get much more of a bargain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe B
a Weekend Warrior
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Waterfall Glen | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$175.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay/kim's bikes | | Strengths: | Great Frame | | Weaknesses: | Most of the components are bottom of the line. | | Similar Products Used: | Old bike was a 1992 trek 820 (pretty much stock) | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Pretty much like everyone else, this is a great build up bike. I haven't pushed it hard at all, so nothing is broken yet. Most of the time it is pulling (a trailer + a 3 year old + a five year old) and it has had no problems. I got a great deal on ebay. The $175 included shipping.
This is a great set up for beginners or someone who just wants a good frame to build up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Mastro
a Weekend Warrior
from Wake Forest, NC-USA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | ask me in 6 months | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$249.00 | | Purchased At: | Dick's | | Strengths: | This bike is worth the money. Looks good, pretty comfrotable and great for a 1st bike. I would reccomend this bike to someone just geting involved with mountain biking. The factory components will do until you grow in your experience and the level of riding you do.
| | Weaknesses: | Upgrads mandatory sooner or later!! Chain problems on trail...pedals suck...Rims kind of weak, and the font tire tube lasted through 2 trails. Doesnt handle tight turns on loose dirt well. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback Respnse | | Bike Setup: | factory...in the process of upgrading now | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for a novice...worth the money...frame is srtong and will most likely have a long life. Upgrade mandatory sooner or later, depends on riders experience and skill level. Not a bike for a seasoned veteran! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zhi ming chua
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | bukit timah and Trek 15 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | soon hock store | | Strengths: | the frame is very strong, crashed a lot of times with some being pretty serious and yet the frame has only minor dents,price is good, quite comfy and nice looking. | | Weaknesses: | the bike is too heavy makes climbing tiring, the rear deraileur (r/d) sux bigtime, chain dropped like 3 times per ride, got a deore LX and it never dropped since...the tires are great for dry weather only, wet conditions and u will slip a LOT of times.i have slipped about 20 times and 2 of them cost me a new r/d and deraileur hangar...:( The handlebar is made of steel instead of aluminium...i dunno about durability but its heavy for sure. | | Similar Products Used: | first bike...gonna get a new 1 most likely a kona caldera. | | Bike Setup: | GT 3.0 avalanche stock, except for the r/d. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is heavy and tough ,a good intro bike for beginners taking on trails or those weekend cyclist.if you decide to buy this, plz fork up the $$$ to get at least a deore LX r/deraileur and save yourself from chain trouble. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Sky
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Wayne
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Franke Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$222.00 | | Purchased At: | EBAY | | Strengths: | Great Frame. XLarge Frame for my 230lbs. Good beginner components to get you on the road. Good beginner shock.
Great bike for the price. | | Weaknesses: | I Wouldn't do any jumps with rims. Afraid they will bend. First trip in woods chain came of a couple of times. Dont' worry you can upgrade. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 800 series back in the mid 90's and a $2000 full suspension cannondale. | | Bike Setup: | Original Frame and the seat. Everthing else new. XT front derauiller, LX Rear, LX v Brakes & levers. lx crank set & bottom bracket, DEORE SHIFTERS,Mavic X225 rims,2004 Judy TT & BONTRAGER CROWBAR HANDLEBAR. | | Bottom Line: | It was what I was looking for the money!!! But i like to build things to their maximum potential. So i upgranded the bike. I think it may be race ready. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Authority | | Strengths: | Solid frame, decent shocks, can take a beating. | | Weaknesses: | Shifting on hills is problematic, chain falls off more than I'd like. Needed to tighten the handle bars after the first non-pavement ride. | | Bottom Line: | For $300 bucks it's great, I'm not the type to spend much more on a bike, but it is tough, is good on trails, but I feel it could need a lot of work if it is worked too hard on higher level trails. The biggest issue is the shifting, but after a while you learn how the bike will react on certain terrains, hills. It's worth the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Owosso mi usa
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | bike stop sales | | Strengths: | Frame is very strong | | Weaknesses: | pedals, forks, derailer. | | Similar Products Used: | haro vg1 | | Bike Setup: | stock except clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great bike for the price i got a real steal brand new for under 200. so that is what i call the most bang for your buck!!!if you want an excellent bike for your money this is the bike for you if you are a weekender. you can upgrage as you go | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Orlando Rivera
a Cross Country Rider
from Lima,Lima,Peru
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | mala | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$410.00 | | Purchased At: | MAVIL | | Strengths: | The Frame seems to be strong,the seat, the brake disc system
,it is a light bike, and a fair suspension | | Weaknesses: | the rims and the acera front der. is like crap , the shifter could be better | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4300, bianchi ocelot, ironhorse maverick | | Bike Setup: | avalanche 3.0 frame with avalanche 2.O comp. SYNC excalibur fron suspension, disc brakes , acera front der. alivio rear der. | | Bottom Line: | I have to change the Cartridge Bottom Bracket becase the default option lasted 1 month , the frame is ok , it deserves better componets. In cross country it works well , only need more patience with the acera der.
Good bike for that price , soft ride and cheaper than other with same spec. A good choice for beginers and weekend warrios, but ask for better componets , alivio will be fine | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Jones
a Downhiller
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Pigeon Mountain Downhill trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Planet Cycles, Highland Park | | Strengths: | Frame, tires, good seat, handlebars and stem. SR Suntour X60 suspension is awesome for 2 meter jumps. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals, the Acera derailleurs and the rims. | | Similar Products Used: | Avanti Hotdog, Avanti Montari Disc, Progear KX-80 and Comet AT. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi monstertriple Bomber suspension, Panaracer 26x2.5" tires, Specialized Downhill seat, Truativ downhill handlebars, red handlebar grips, Alex double-wall rims, Alivio derailleur, Magura HS33 Hydraulic rim brakes.Metal TorqueGT flat pedals, XT hubs, Shimano chainwheels, truativ cranks | | Bottom Line: | Very good frame, takes alot of beating,i mean ive done 3 meter jumps with this thing and the frame is still tops, but the rims gave way on the first jump and the forks screwed up on the 7th odd landings.Buy this bike if you want the strongest frame in its class. Change the rims, suspension and pedals as soon as you can though coz they suck bigtime. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SOUL_JAH
a Weekend Warrior
from toronto,Ontario. Canada
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | The Bikezone | | Strengths: | nice solid frame
wicked on uphill climbs
smooth shifts when changing gears | | Weaknesses: | rst shocks- GOTTA GO,same with the plastic pedal | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike for the novice rider.Handles good on the dirt,and on the street and easy to maintain.My advice,get rid of the rst shocks,and the cheap pedals.other than that this is a fairly decent bike for the price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FLiKsTa
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Purchased At: | Goldcross Bikes @ Knox | | Strengths: | This is my first serious bike, i am only 15, i haven't tested it to its full potential as yet but i have heard this frame is very strong, the shifter is pretty good, you can change gear anytime, while pushin up a hill or flying down a mountain no probs as long as you dont try to change more than a gear or two at a time. brakes are fine, i did tighten them slightly. | | Weaknesses: | the pedals are pretty poor (any suggestions for new pedals?) , the rims are weak, i havent even pushed it hard yet and both rims are bent. I've had problems with the rear derailleur, but i think it just needs to be tuned. i am not qualified to do this. I think the worst part of this bike is the forks - the RST CAPA CL's - only tiny bumps are absorbed, do a jump, bunny hop or take a drop and your bones will do the dampening. | | Similar Products Used: | None as i said this is my first serious (if you can call it serious) bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | the bike costs $AUD500, which is about $US300. i got it at a clearance sale and only paid $AUD380 ($US230). bargain eh? i am not an experienced rider but i can tell you this bike does have its shortcomings. the thing is you can throw it around and not worry about breaking expensive parts !! :) this bike can be a good starting point to build on because as i said the frame is strong and the same frame is used in $AUD1600 ($US950) GT bikes !!!!
Bottom Line : good starting point for a beginner. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Davidson
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, Oregon, United States
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$259.00 | | Purchased At: | Kisslers cyclery | | Strengths: | Realy strong frame with excelent uphill handling | | Weaknesses: | Without a chain gaurd, the chain will sometimes come off the third gear | | Similar Products Used: | Gt Palomar, Fuji Odessa, Ironhorse Maverick | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money and is great for people who like to bike trails on the weekends. This bike can handle almost anything. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Myers
a Cross Country Rider
from Mercersburg Pa USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$249.00 | | Purchased At: | dicks sporting goods | | Strengths: | rides smooth and is lightweight and has a lot of potential to be a nice bike | | Weaknesses: | rear rim has bent a little bit, the seat is a little uncomfortable and the plastic pedals suck, and my sprocket has bent and i had to bend it back with a hammer | | Similar Products Used: | none just started ridin mountain bikes im a bmxer | | Bike Setup: | stock, and gettin ready to put schwinn moab bars,and wellgo platform pedals on it. | | Bottom Line: | good bike put it needs a good bit of work after u buy it, and definately needs metal pedals. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County, CA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Love riding any trail! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$199.00 | | Purchased At: | Sportmart | | Strengths: | Solid and good geometry frame | | Weaknesses: | Lower end components, but in line with the price of the bike | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300, Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock except changed seat to Serfas RX and pedals to Weyless B-37 MX Flat Pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a good entry level hardtail bike for a beginner like myself who just wants to get a taste of mountain biking and then decide whether or not to stay with it and upgrade to perhaps a full suspension bike. The bike rides pretty solid and stiff, but the handling is nice and precise. The front fork will work fine for trails up to the intermediate level, but obviously not for the big drops or extreme downhill stuff. One major complaint is the shifting on the bike is not very precise and often the gears will slip and skip, especially if you are pedalling hard or going uphill. Of course, keep in mind, for the money you are getting the lower end shifters and Acera rear derailleur. The brakes are also not very crisp and you need to squeeze down quite a bit to feel the braking.
Bottom line is that this bike is a great value for a beginner bike, but you will soon outgrow this bike if you continue to stay with the sport. Overall, taking away the money factor, this is only a fair bike to get you going on the trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Praks
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bukit Timah Nature Reserve | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$235.00 | | Purchased At: | Tay Bicycles | | Strengths: | The ENTIRE BIKE TOTALLY ROCKS, EVERYTHING!!! The Fork Rules | | Weaknesses: | Tyres Suck | | Bike Setup: | Modified Suspension, Changed Pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike totally rocks, ideal for a beginner and damn cheap to0!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nolan
a Weekend Warrior
from Inglewood, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Summit | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle shop in Big Bear | | Strengths: | Frame will last. Great dollar value for starter level bike that you can from the shelf to the trails. Shifting is decent if your not a hardcore rider. | | Weaknesses: | Will need to upgrade some components as I go. Nothing major because I knew what I was getting. | | Similar Products Used: | Several misc bikes that all broke within the first year. | | Bike Setup: | All stock for now but will be changing out the rims, add disc brakes and possibly the handlebar. Still undecided if any changes will be made at all! | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the price! You can trust the frame and attack the trails without fear. For a hardtail, it handles well and doesn't disappoint! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shane Macey
a Cross Country Rider
from thunder bay ont
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | shuniha mines | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclepath | | Strengths: | Umm the frame hasent bent yet | | Weaknesses: | lets see both rims have bent the gears skip and you go flying off . The socks are shi**y . damn thing a safty hazzard | | Similar Products Used: | None so bad | | Bike Setup: | stock but the rims and seat and new shocks | | Bottom Line: | Its crapp spend a little more money and get a better bike becuase this one blows. this bike has spent more time broken then i have spent riding it dont bother with GT | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shepherdscloak
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Worth
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Oshman's | | Strengths: | Frame | | Weaknesses: | Fork, derailleur. | | Similar Products Used: | None. Newbie. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | You get what you pay for...essentially I found a great starter cycle with excellent potential. I'll change out everything but the frame eventually. For now, though, it's a great ride. Fantastic company that is constantly at the head of where cycling is going. Grab a GT, get on board, enjoy your ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Woods
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenfield, Ma
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Strengths: | Good all around bike, first mountian bike I've owned, good buy for the money | | Weaknesses: | Shocks could be better, shifting is not the greatest | | Bike Setup: | I changed handle bar to the klien strattum graphit, I like the straight bar better looking to upgrade to disk brakes | | Bottom Line: | good bike bike for the beginner like me, but spend alittle more and get yourself a bike with better equipment, | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Bargain Basment | | Strengths: | Frame, brakes, rapid fire shifters, pretty comfy seat. Great weekend warrior/newbie bike. | | Weaknesses: | Forks (but you get what you pay for). Grips left a lot to be desired. | | Similar Products Used: | Before this I had a very old DiamondBack Accent. There is really no comparison. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, new grips, bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike to see if I would enjoy mountain biking. Before I bought it I test rode a lot of bikes at a bunch of shops, I went with this because I felt it was the best bang for the low end buck.
After a month of riding it I feel I made the right descision, the bike is fun to ride and can take some punishment. This bike has made riding bikes fun again, which is what all lower end bikes should strive to do.
GT has made, what I consider, an outstanding beginer bike that can get you riding for a pretty low admission. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shane
a Cross Country Rider
from thunder bay ont canada
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle path | | Strengths: | Its great I think that everyone should have one.The breaks are strong, the shocks are good nice and bouncey. | | Weaknesses: | None expect for the peadles there plastic | | Similar Products Used: | none fist mountain bike | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Its very good buy one. now I tried the avalach 2.0 with disk brakes I dident like it at all.Its very light weight . The shifer are good becuase you can shift more then one gear at a time with out it messing up. What are you doing still reading go out and buy one. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. Oh ya it looks good to. fist timers should buy it very resonable priced. $600 CAD after tax | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Webster Groves, MO USA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Cannonball River in MN | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Purchased At: | BICYCLES OF KIRKWOOD | | Strengths: | Nice handling; good brakes | | Weaknesses: | The shifting isn't as sharp as I'd like | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hard Rock; Trek 4300; Giant Rincon | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | I really love this bike. It is the most fun riding I've had in years. I test drove a bunch of bikes, but this one was the most fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andre
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Tempe Bicycle | | Strengths: | Very light, strong, smooth ride! Top of the line. | | Weaknesses: | None really. | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 GT Saddleback | | Bike Setup: | Factory Default | | Bottom Line: | I've previously owned a GT Saddleback and even 3 years after purchase it still rides amazingly smooth. It's almost as if you are floating, not really riding a bike that's how smooth it is. Well, I needed a second bicycle for a family member and that's when I checked out the Avalanche. For only $240 (on sale) this bicycle rides even SMOOTHER than the Saddleback which is surprising! Because I've never had a smoother ride. The bike is really lightweight but constructed very well. It stops on a dime and shifts effortlessly into gear. For the price range (under $400) I would challenge anyone to find a better hardtail than this.
Of course you can't hit the massive rocks and big drops on the extreemly difficult trails, but you couldn't with any other bicycle under $600. If you just want a real smooth ride over almost all normal terrain this is for you. BTW the seat and the ride really is comfortable. This bicycle is the 2003 version of the 2002 Aggressor (Both $300 GT bicycles). You will see that everyone has had nothing but massive praise for the aggressor 2002 line and this 2003 version easily improves on that theme.
You will not find a better hardtail than this under $400. I challenge anyone to prove me wrong. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gumpf
a
from Brisbane AUSTRALIA
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Strengths: | The frame is actually a very good, although the price of the package doesn't quite reflect how good it is. I bought it with the idea to just replace parts with better components. | | Weaknesses: | The stock forks suck (RST Capa CL)
The rims are crap and so is the drivetrain. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4100 (Demo'd)
Giant Rincon (Demo'd) | | Bike Setup: | GT Avalanche frame, Marzocchi MX-COMP Air forks, Velocity Deep V rims, XT Hubs, San Marco Race Gel Saddle and soon an XT/LX drivetrain mix. | | Bottom Line: | As I said, I initally bought the bike since I needed a new bike, but didn't have the initial funds to go directly to a better more expensive bike.
Buy it if you need a basic bike that can do most things at a passable level, and then upgrade as required since the frame on this ROCKS!!
Only 3 chilis coz I've replaced almost everything that came stock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shane scrimager
a Cross Country Rider
from santa barbara
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | jesesita | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$249.00 | | Purchased At: | copelands | | Strengths: | the frame should last a long time. for the price it shifts and fells pretty good. | | Weaknesses: | i'll be replacing the wheels, stem, handlebars, shifters, shocks, pedals, and derailluers. it was a christmas present. the good thing is for less than most bikes i'll have all the components of my choice instead of a factory's standard issue. | | Similar Products Used: | this is a replacement for my wrecked santa cruz heckler with marzocchi JR T's, it's going to take some getting used to... | | Bike Setup: | factory, it works fine. from experience i know it won't last when i start kicking the crud out of it on the hill... | | Bottom Line: | want to try mountain biking and don't want to spend thousands? start here and work your way up to better components. use that time to learn what you like and don't like and custom build your bike around your experience. you can't go wrong and won't be wasting your money on a trend... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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