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Submitted by
basharteg
a Cross Country Rider
from Grover, WY
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Spruce Hollow | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Als | | Strengths: | I reviewed this bike 6 years ago, and I'm still riding it. The Frame is as good as GT is reputed to be. I've changed switched the pedals egg beaters and the cranks to XT. I also upgraded the front derailer to XT. But I'm still rocking the Judy fork and the avid brakes. This bike is awesome. Been riding it for over 6 years, changed the drive train twice. | | Weaknesses: | Rear hub finally snapped about 3 years ago. I replaced it with an XT hub, had the rim replaced because I couldn't part with the Syncros Big Box rims. Replaced the moto raptor tires with a specialized set two years ago. I wore the others out. | | Similar Products Used: | been so long since I bought the GT, I've forgotten | | Bike Setup: | All XT drive train and cranks, otherwise still stock. Avid disk brakes have been maintenance free for 6 years. | | Bottom Line: | What can I say? I've used it hard for 6 years, and it still is everything I need. That's value. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Schofield
a Cross Country Rider
from Cardiff, UK
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | roquebrune circle | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunset, Cardiff | | Strengths: | wieght, frame rigidity, build quality, Avid cable brakes outstanding | | Weaknesses: | hubs!! Both front and rear Formula, both bearings pitted within 12 months. I know we get a lot of rain in Wales but..... | | Similar Products Used: | Marin | | Bike Setup: | Standard except for wheels. Formulas disintegrated and replaced with Hope XC with Mavic 317 rim. | | Bottom Line: | Great balance, small model suits my build. Shimano gears incredibly robust. Can't say enough good things about the Avid disks - low maintenance, incredible stopping power, good feel. Clipless pedals give me some nervous moments. Liked the bike so much I bought a second from Halfords!! Great value at £500. So I have one blue and one black/silver. Very disapointed with the hubs. Halfords replaced under warranty, but will never knowingly buy anything from Formula again. Looked at the Avalanche 0.0, but it had Formula B4 brakes - got to be a disaster!
Now looking for good condition 2001 Avalanche or Aggressor for my daughter (must be xs) | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jamie knight
a Weekend Warrior
from taunton england
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | a bike shop | | Strengths: | good brakes good frame (untill it broke ) good handaliny | | Weaknesses: | weak dropouts (mine snaped after 3 weeks ) | | Similar Products Used: | loads of hartail
| | Bike Setup: | starderd apart from crud cacher | | Bottom Line: | realy good bike till it broke but then gt are giveing me a ruckus so is ok i sopose | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mathieu B
a Cross Country Rider
from Laval, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all around | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Multi sports | | Strengths: | First thing i did whnen i bought this bike is I change the shock For a Marzochi Bomber Z1. With it its a great bike handle good. | | Weaknesses: | The damn clip pedla took me two month to understand how to get my feet off those clip and let my bike go. Got some scrars to proove it !!! | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike
Great Brakes
Handles great
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kelly
a Cross Country Rider
from grover, wyoming
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | spruce hollow | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Al's | | Strengths: | Frame is great; climbs well and screams downhill. Components have been good, by and large. XT drive train lives up to product's reputation, Deore cranks and shifters work fine, they could be XT for all I can tell. Bike handles really well for a larger frame. | | Weaknesses: | I'm not a really big guy, I go 5'9 165 and this bike kind of gets away from at times. I think it may be preferable for large guys, but this is a little gripe because on the whole this bike works great under me. | | Similar Products Used: | diamond back sorrento | | Bike Setup: | stock set up. But a nice foamy cover on the rock hard seat and that was cheaper than buying a new seat. I intend to replace the richie clippless with Times. I still have a scar on my chin thanks to those damn richies. can't get in and out of them quick enough. | | Bottom Line: | Every other bike I looked at with rocshoc fork and disc brakes was over one thousand. this bike looked great and had decent components, so I took a chance. Glad i did. This is an excellent bike. I cant' imagine upgrading it without buying a bike for 2,000.00 or more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan W
a Weekend Warrior
from West Chester, OH
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ceaser Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | West Chester Cyclery | | Strengths: | Climing, Price with nice components,Weight, Avid disk brakes are amazing. | | Weaknesses: | Not many i can tell so far. | | Similar Products Used: | I tried out many full suspension bikes like jamis and Giant until I settled on a hardtail.(Limited Budget) | | Bike Setup: | Only things I have swaped was the stock saddle and the stock clipless pedals to times. | | Bottom Line: | This is the first really nice bike that I have had. Last bike was a department store Pacific. Never buy them. My fork bent and broke while riding on flat ground. Pissed me off. This bike is 50X better than that as I would hope so. This bike climbs any hill you put in front of it. And the Avids make all decents feel controled and great. The biggest thing that i like about this bike was the price. I see many others have paid less than I but I still think that this bike was a steal. This bike hasn't faltered at anything I give at it. But this bike is best for those long hard rides with hard climbs and long hours. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Schlather
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Greenbelt, Emma Long!!! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | bikesale.com | | Strengths: | Geez, where do I begin? Components are incredible for the price, esp the disc brakes. You could ride the frame through a minefield and not have to worry about it cracking. XT derailleur. Incredible climber, handles downhill extremely well. The pretty colors. | | Weaknesses: | Headset, tires, saddle, bottom bracket. | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR 4000 - not exactly similar, but hey, it's a GT. | | Bike Setup: | changed tires to Panaracer Fire XC Pros. Thinking about changing headset to Chris King Threadless. Changed out Shimano UN-40 BB to UN-72. | | Bottom Line: | This is an updated review from one I submitted back in October. I rode this baby 5 days a week for almost 9 months through some pretty nasty conditions. Right now it's in the shop getting a few fixes.
Let's see, problems: bad chainslap, creaking headset, broken seal on rockshox, regularly broken spokes due to chainslap and badly adjusted derailleur (my mistake though), replaced bottom bracket due to creaking.
The upside is that all the repairs were very inexpensive and most were "normal" maintenance issues so there's nothing to worry about there. Bike's in the shop getting the headset overhauled, rear derailleur adjusted and broken seal on suspension fixed. Total price is less than $20.
I haven't seen this bike anymore online or in the local stores. If you see one though I suggest you snag it as quick as possible. This bike is well worth the $650 it costs and leaves your budget open for upgrades and maintenance costs. I wouldn't be hesitant at all to enter a race with this bike. Also, Fire XC Pros made all the difference when riding this thing. This bike and those tires were meant for each other. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gregor
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara, CA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Bike | | Strengths: | Frameset, included components, brakes | | Weaknesses: | saddle is a little hard | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | Stock bike | | Bottom Line: | If you can still find this bike for sale, pick it up! The frame is bombproof and the components are pretty nice for $650. The Avid brakes alone retail for about $85 apiece. You can't find a better hardtail value out there. It's a nimble bike, climbs well, and stops like a dog hitting the end of it's chain. I use it for XC riding on weekends and I ride it to work a couple times a week. I hadn't ridden in about 8 years and wanted to get back into biking. I researched a lot of bikes and kept coming back to this one. I also need to give props to Cambria Bike: their staff was excellent and gave new meaning to the term 'customer service'. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Schmedley
a
from Baltimore, MD USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | michuax PA USA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | colorado psyclist | | Strengths: | cost, and it's a bike | | Weaknesses: | pick it up | | Similar Products Used: | homegrown xt | | Bike Setup: | stock except for time pedals and terry seat | | Bottom Line: | I can't say enough good things about this bike. For the money I paid, I have beat this bike up and it's hasn't had any problems. In 6 months: 35 rides, 450 miles, 3 sport class x-country races (one at Michuax PA!!) and have yet to have a mechanical other than a few flats. It's HEAVY, but you really don't notice it, because it's well balanced, you can throw it around. I'm not sure what it is (probably the heavy rim's centrifugal force) but this bike cooks down hills without pedaling! Shox and Headset suck, period. I'm getting EKO air cartridge and Chris King headset. otherwise, buy this bike if your tight for $$$. 5 steaming turds both value and overall (remember the price). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johannes
a Weekend Warrior
from Tallinn
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | nope | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Extreme Sport | | Strengths: | Looks, brakes, rims, shimano components. | | Weaknesses: | FRAME FRAME FRAME FRAME SUSPENSION SUSPENSION
AND GT Customer service!!!!!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Scott Peak 1998 (?) | | Bike Setup: | wellgo bmx pedals, vdo cytec 15+ computer. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is nice, handles ok, but i bought the XL frame and i should have went for the M. The suspension leaked and i got it repaired on the final day of the warranty(!).
Then i learned how to do hops on the backwheel and then...
THE FRAME BROKE (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) at the rear!!!!!
It clearly wasn`t my fault because i wasnt ripping the bike hard and i am just a beginner, but the GT customer service told me it is my fault and were very stingy to me, but they told me they will replace the frame but it might take a lot of time, because they don`t have an Avalanche frame and they have to look for it somewhere!It is the beginning of the season here in Estonia and they make me wait my arse off!!!! I still haven`t got a new frame and i might be sitting still for a long time! NEXT TIME I`M GOING FOR A KONA!!!!! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Lintern
a Weekend Warrior
from Oxfordshire, UK
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Dorset coast | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bee-Line Bicycles, Oxford | | Strengths: | Good solid frame, Avid Disks, good standard components | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy for the price but who cares - you get fitter :) | | Similar Products Used: | My first MTB :) (tried Trek 4300,4500,6000, GF Tassajara, Dawes Edge) | | Bike Setup: | Standard except changed the clipless pedals for ordinary ones. | | Bottom Line: | Bought the bike for £680 reduced from £800 last May. The best value, best looking bike I had come across. Feels very solid (specially the saddle! hmmm time for a USE Alien suspension seatpost) and the brakes are excellent. The bike is well balanced and the gears shift smoothly (or they did once I leaned how to change gear properly :) (newbie alert)
Well recomended midrange hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Bengay
a Weekend Warrior
from Provo, Ut, USA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Newbury, SC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Coloradocylist.com | | Strengths: | Good bike for the money!!!! The frame is really good. The components are pretty good. XT rear derailler. | | Weaknesses: | GT hubs, Deore front derailler, seat, tires, tubes, handlebars, Grips, Deore Crankset, nothing a little bit of money can't handle. | | Similar Products Used: | Oldschool GT Zaskar | | Bottom Line: | For the price I bought this bike at I could use the cash I was to spend on it to buy better parts. Some of the components will need to be upgraded but not for a while. Turn this hog into a $1900 by saving the cash for an XT up-grade kit($300) and better shocks($400). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenji
a Cross Country Rider
from places unknown
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | AVALON | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | colorado psyclist | | Strengths: | disk brakes, rugged frame, chain, and price. | | Weaknesses: | BOAT ANCHOR | | Similar Products Used: | york barbells | | Bike Setup: | stock w/carbon-fib bars and post, terry seat, time pedals | | Bottom Line: | 4 months of abuse - So far, so good. While this bike is extremely heavy, I love it. I beat the crap out of it and it asks for more, gearing is great for climbs, just needs a better shock. ehh, for $699, shouldn't complain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Centreville, VA USA
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wakefield / Accotink | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | bikesale.com | | Strengths: | Strong high-quality frame, Avid disk brakes, decent Shimano drivetrain, nice Syncros 2-bolt 6061 seatpost, Ritchey Logic clipless pedals | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy overall, some crappo generic parts (GT stem, Syncros riser bars) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 950 | | Bike Setup: | Answer Orbit stem, Profile Bar None handlebar, WTB Tri-Lite saddle, Panaracer Trailblaster Kevlar, generic seatpost bolt | | Bottom Line: | Very solid and smooth bike. Avid brakes are amazing. Recommend you swap out stem and handlebar (way too heavy and awkward even compared to budget aftermarket alternatives). Rockshox Judy XC is decent performer, but plastic pre-load adjusters and steel steerer are cheesy. Some "freeride" feel to bike (e.g., robust frame, rim & hubs, SDG saddle, 100 mm-travel fork, upright riding position) with corresponding weight penalty. XC-oriented rider like me had to make a few adjustments. However, EXCELLENT VALUE for $650 (or ~$800 if you include my parts substitutions). Great looks to boot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
allan
a Weekend Warrior
from Winder, GA, US
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$759.00 | | Purchased At: | Galyan's | | Strengths: | Great frame, shifts smooth, climbs like a goat, Avid discs are better than the brakes on my car. | | Weaknesses: | Seat is really hard, Judy fork started clicking(but still works great) after a couple of months. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Hybrid and a couple of Wal-mart bikes to see if I liked the sport(mistake). | | Bike Setup: | All stock except for Terry Ti Comfort Liberator seat. | | Bottom Line: | With the GT prices like they are now, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this bike to anyone looking for a quality weekend hardtail. I've put this bike through some abuse, and it keeps coming back for more. No major problems at all so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Street Pro
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilmington DE.
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fair Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Strong Frame,Judy XC fork(Noisy @ first), Brakes, Brake leavers, Wheels Strong & Tough enough for Beginners who can't finesse through Tech Stuff yet. XT/Deore Mix works.
Fast and sturdy on Single track & down hills; this is where the bike is at it's best. | | Weaknesses: | Maybe a little heavy but it builds confidence and leg Strength. Seat post keep sliding(get rid of the quick release) | | Similar Products Used: | Big Sur, Trek 6700 | | Bike Setup: | Fizik Saddle, Raceface Next LP, Easton Bar | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the Price($650.00 on some websites)Frame worth upgrading. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
OTIS
a Cross Country Rider
from Brea
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | rock-it | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$649.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | The disc brakes stop on a dime. Nice frame. Rides smooth | | Weaknesses: | The brakes squeak when they are wet. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for the pedals that I changed from the clipless to regular pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike is really nice. Rides smooth. When going through water the tires kick up alot of water. The brakes squeak when they are wet but that is only minor. The seat isn't bad. This bike is perfect for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Kiberd
a Cross Country Rider
from Pinehurst, NC
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Masebesic, NH | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1199.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycles Etcetera, Salem NH | | Strengths: | Nice bike, lightweight (for what I am used to). The Avid discs are great, stop on a dime. nice color scheme | | Weaknesses: | The brakes squeak when wet. The stock hub is no good, I went through 3 of them in one week, but GT upgraded it for free and I havent had any problems since. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F400 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the new rear hub. Switched to Toe straps for a while, then got me some clipless shoes, I love them and I will never go back. | | Bottom Line: | Too bad GT is going out of business, it will break my heart to see the GT line in my local wal-mart. I hope the new company (Huffy or whatever) can maintain the warranty, if not then I will go back to cannondale or trek. The bike is great, I love it. I have only had it for six months and so far so good. I just hope it stays that way. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenji
a Cross Country Rider
from BALTIMORE, MD
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Colorado Cyclist | | Strengths: | Disc brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Ride Profile too high. Front suspension a little weak. Gonna get air cartidges. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Homegrown XT | | Bike Setup: | See Co. Cyclist. Standard low-end Shimano stuff, Easton Carbon fiber bar and post, Terry ti-, Avid mechanical brakes, tires, and weak ass inter-tubes. | | Bottom Line: | I have only ridden this bike once. After reading the reviews, I put my own seat on. Also, I wasn't crazy about the riser bars, so I out my own on. Both lighter weight, but I'm really not to concerned about this boat anchor. Also, Co. Cyclist sells these thing with 170cm crank arm, so adjusting from a lower ride height and the shorter crank-arm took a bit getting used to.
Today I punished this bike. It was flawless! I pinched a tube in the rear (my fault), I was purposely trying to hammer the rear hub to see how it would hold up. Even with the Deore components, this bike kicks ass! Brakes, gearing, shifting, perfect. I plan on hitting this bike hard for the first year, as Pacific's (Huffy, whatever) warranty appears to be 1 year, so break 'em while you got'em.
Actually, I fully expect this bike hold up well over time, a bit heavy, but so what, the disc brakes are worth their weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
vader punk
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene OR
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | McKenzie River Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$825.00 | | Purchased At: | Paul's (Way of Life) | | Strengths: | SMoooth, Fast, shifts great, just slides in... | | Weaknesses: | on a steep up hill she likes you to find your geer a little faster tahn I'd like but... | | Similar Products Used: | Rode a Fisher, really like the Klein Attitude..but...almost got a full suspension, liked the price for this hard tail.. and did not like the bounce of the full suspension... | | Bike Setup: | Stock - the seat... so far :) Oh.. I got toe straps ... as I have not learned the clip ins... I did pick up some Specialized shoes for the Ritchies... as it stands to rain for the next 3 months... I'll have time to learn the clippies.... | | Bottom Line: | I was riding a steel Schwinn a frined gave to me... this is like a cadillac or Mercedes to me... I rode RIdgline last night, today, and may go again hre in a little bit... I just bought her on Friday.
uphills are amazing... she just digs in and grabs on, if you can keep the pedals moving, she'll go....
down hills are FAST... when I let go of the brakes, it feels liek I am pedaling... I mean she gains momentum FAST!...but stops on a dime.. which did cause me 2 wrecks so far as I am not use to the disc brakes... but I respect them.
I feel spoiled rotten...
Vader_pun ker | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlottesville
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Conte's | | Strengths: | Compared to my old ride, a GT Pantera(mid 90's), this bike is a God. The shock works great despite its noise making. The shifters work well and haven't failed me in emergency situations. The Avid discs are fantastic, can't beat the feel they give you on the trail.(aside form Hayes's) | | Weaknesses: | I am not too keen on the erect riding position. It feels as I don't have enough weight on the front wheel. Other than that I've had no problems. | | Similar Products Used: | My old GT Pantera, which I really don't think you can call similar. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with a Lizard Skin to save my frame. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price. I worry a bit about the warranty but I don't believe I am in danger of killing the frame at 140lbs. I've heard some complain about the componets but untill the let me down I will stay behind them. One would hope Pacific continues the brand name but only time will tell.
I recommend this bike for people like myself, a college student(UVA rocks) that lives near some nice trails, because its a strong bike that doesn't require a lot of maintenance. This keeps you on the trails as much as possible amidst those evil classes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Grantz
a Cross Country Rider
from Burbank, California, USA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hunter's Creek, NY | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Circle Cycle | | Strengths: | It has a sturdy frame for riders in the 200lbs range. Avid disc brakes are the best mechanicals around. | | Weaknesses: | The frame needs to be lighter. Many models in the $1200 MSRP range have considerably lighter frames. The Deore components leave a little to be desired, they should have run TruVativ splined cranks. GT's product manager should have spent more time specing this model. It's mainly spec'd with their Syncros house brand. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Klien Attitude Comp, Univega Alpina 507 | | Bike Setup: | The geometry is comparable with models in it's price range but the frame still runs big due to the triple triangle design. I have the medium (18") but it feels more like a 19" on the trail. The bike works well in most conditions but suffers under extreme punishment, the gears don't always want to shift smoothly. | | Bottom Line: | Out of the box the Avalanche is good bike for the weekend warrior type of rider who isn't looking to spend $2000 on a new bike. I think your money is better spent on a Trek 8000 or similar bike that is spec'd with LX shifters for roughly the same MSRP. Recently, with the demise of Schwinn/GT the market has become flooded with GT's being sold for a fraction of their original cost which makes them a great buy at $700-$800. If you have $1200 to spend, which was this bike's original cost, then I would recommend you buy a Trek, Fisher or Specialized. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Schlather
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | I hit the Green Belt a lot | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | bikesale.com | | Strengths: | Incredibly durable frame, super-light (well, it's light for me cause I'm used to steel frames), disc brakes have sent me over the handle bars more times than I'd like to admit, shocks are incredible, and you've got to love that GT logo on the side. Lovely colors. If anyone has the tech blue color and would like to share any pics with me, I'd much appreciate it. | | Weaknesses: | The tire seems to be a tad bit thin but it hasn't affected the way it rides in any way. Just seems more susceptible to flats. The seat, unless you want a sore rear for about a week until you break it in....or it breaks you in. | | Similar Products Used: | Ummm...quite a few in the $200- range. I guess you could say this is my first "real" bike. Yes, the others were a figment of my imagination. | | Bike Setup: | Everything stock except 2 water cages, changed out the clipless for pedals with toe-clips, came close to buying a new seat but it's starting to get tolerable. | | Bottom Line: | This is an incredible bike. I'm more or less a beginner, but I feel right at home on any trail I ride. I have fallen so many times, done numerous flips over the handlebars, just about bled to death from knee scrapes, been attacked by killer bees, and crashed into an above average amount of trees....but, this bike just has this mystical power to entice me back on the seat for another day of riding (which is impressive despite the non-comfort of the seat). Did I mention that it's still in perfect condition despite the abuse? You just can't beat the price either. Be weary of the warranty though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jan Erlend
a Weekend Warrior
from Norway
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Frame, disk-brakes, syncros rims and handle-bar, judy xc-fork, hubs, looks (mine is tech blue)!!! | | Weaknesses: | European version with LX/deore equipment. A bit heavy for the price. Brakes squeak when wet. | | Similar Products Used: | GT i-drive 6.0, ruckus 1.0, agressor 1.0, trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except kore ahead lite stem. | | Bottom Line: | First I have to say that I changed the stem because I felt the riding-posistion was to "erect" with the original GT-stem. After the change to the Kore, with only 5 degrees rise, I got more of my weight on the front wheel. This made the bike a feel much better, for me at least.
Anyway, the bike is harmonic and comfortable on the singletrack. Climbs work well, and the front-shock removes all bumps when adjusted correctly, espescially in downhill riding. Last but not least, the avid disk-brakes makes you stop anytime you want, in all conditions..
This is a great bike, for all users. If used as a competition bike, I would recommend to change to v-brakes on the back, and to a RS SL front-shock. This would take off about 2.5 pounds of the bike, and make it faster. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larissa
a
from germany
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | sexy, strong looks, solid, stops great, feels comfortable, does exactly what I want iot to when I want it. agile, lighter than my other bikes, and has that full-suspension | | Weaknesses: | haven't found any yet, though the tubes are popped very easily (that's what you get with $12 each superlites!) | | Similar Products Used: |
lots of more expensive but worse bikes at other LBS's, a few cheapos not worth considering
| | Bike Setup: | sock with female seat | | Bottom Line: | trying to talk my friends into getting this bike instead of some $500 bike they think they can afford better... Seriously, for the money, you can't afford to not buy this bike. best value of my life. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jaron
a
from davis, CA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | bikesale.com | | Strengths: | best bike I've ever laid eyes on: frame is solid and light, good compnents, great brakes,fork, bars, awsome wheels, perfect package - especially for the money! | | Weaknesses: | a little heavy once you toss on the brakes, a water cage, etc. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M 800, Joshua F3, Schwinn Rocket 2.0, lots of bikes tested | | Bike Setup: | stock, even same seat, though I have normal platform pedals on it right now | | Bottom Line: | buy this bike. best bike for under $1500 anywhere, let alone half that! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Joyce
a Cross Country Rider
from Essex, England
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Winstanleys | | Strengths: | The Avid discs are spot on and work really well whatever the weather and the frame is nice and stiff and makes for quick acceleration and great all round Riding. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle leaves you a bit raw after a few hours riding, and the cables start scratching the paint off really quickly.The discs screech when wet. | | Similar Products Used: | This was the first bike I've owned for seven years. But all those years ago I had a Kona Explosive and a Cannondale Chameleon | | Bike Setup: | Factory standard | | Bottom Line: | After being out of the scene for seven years I thought I would need to spend a lot more money to get a bike that would put up with the abuse I give it.However after three months the only things I've replaced are inner tubes and tyres( If your not used to disc brakes you tend to go through plenty of tyres).I'm really impressed with the bikes set up and find the ride one of the most comfortable i've had. ( other than the saddle )I got used to the way the bike handles really quickly when other bikes have taken me weeks to get into. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Keller, Tx....Good Ole' USA
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any that I can get on | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$630.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | the frame, shocks, and disc brakes. I'm a big rider at 6'3", 210 lbs. Handles drops great. | | Weaknesses: | That friggin' seat. Change that puppy as fast as you can !!! And as much as I hate to say it, my front disc was bent on a pretty hard crash. It made it thru the rest of the trail, but with a god awful swishing noise. Hopefully my bike shop can true it back to good as new. | | Similar Products Used: | not many....Giant Warp | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for seat. Got a selle italia max flite. keeps my butt happy. | | Bottom Line: | I waited and waited for a good deal to come up on this bike and I'm glad I did. The bike is truly fantastic. Just the component mixture would've cost me as much as I paid for the entire bike. I just hope my bike shop can fix the disc I bent because there is no comparison between v-brakes and discs.....discs rock!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Kenworthy
a Cross Country Rider
from Kokomo, IN, USA
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Town Run Trail Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$825.00 | | Purchased At: | Matthews Bicycles | | Strengths: | Great frame, I love the Avid disc brakes most of the time, and the shifters are very responsive in emergency situations! The disc brakes are a godsend in deep mud! | | Weaknesses: | The seat had to go, and the brakes squeal terribly when really wet, (three feet of water), the Ritchey pedals broke within three months. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock, plus Cateye wireless computer, Wellgo clipless pedals and Specialized Body Geometry saddle | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, although serious conditions push the pedals past their limits and really test the brakes. Being a large rider, (6'1, 205 lbs), I still managed to take 2nd in the my first race, (Clydesdale division)! I'll definately change out the pedals to platforms for extreme mud conditions, but overall, I love it! GT rocks! (My previous GT was a Tequera, that I loved completely up to the point it was stolen!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Morgantown, WV
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Whitetail Cycles in Morgantown | | Strengths: | This bike is a wicked buy. Very good components thru-out. The disk brakes work flawlessly. Easy to tune. This is an awesome bike out of the box. | | Weaknesses: | The only thing that sucks is the seat. Change it out and your ready to roll. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried all the hardtails in this price range. | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock except for the Selle seat. | | Bottom Line: | The guys at the LBS recommeded this piece to me and I'm glad they did. I couldnt have asked for more in a hardtail. Climbs well, front suspension works great, components shift perfectly. After the initial break-in tune ups, i havent seen my bike shop in months. This bike is that good. Definately recommended to anyone. Biking in West Virginia is brutal at times and this thing takes it like its nothing. When your ready for an awesome buy, get this one and pound the ground all day long! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose Tamayo
a Weekend Warrior
from Elmwood Park
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | BIKESALE>COM | | Strengths: | Very good components. Great climber, very nimble. Acid Disk brakes are excellent. They stop in a dime even when wet. The frame is not the lightest out there but it does not flex which is surprising considering my weight. (220 pounds) | | Weaknesses: | Seat. I tried it for 5 minutes and was enough to make me use my old seat that came wiht my Ironhorse Flaggstaff. | | Bike Setup: | Standard components, I switched the standard Ritchtey's that came wiht it (Too stiff) and put my cheap nashbar clipless, which work flawlessly. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, specially for the price I paid.
Thanks GT!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg nemes
a Weekend Warrior
from anta cruz, california
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | wilder ranch santa cruz | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | bikesale.com | | Strengths: | Awesome frame, Great disc brakes, Good shocks ( I keep hearing complpaints about the shocks being noisy but if you just loosen them this should rectify the problem, it did for me anyways )overall good parts on this bike | | Weaknesses: | The seat is horrible, very uncomfortable, thats about all that I can think of | | Similar Products Used: | specialized stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except traded out clipless pedals for generics, since I cant afford the shoes right now, and I also added a computer. | | Bottom Line: | This is an extraordinary bike for the price, The brakes are scary good, it takes a little while to get used to them because they have so much stopping power, the shocks soak up bumps and rocky terrain very easily, I'm very happy that I purchased this bike, it is a great deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
neil
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxvegas, Tennessee in the US of A
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | cedar bluff cycles- can't say enough good things about these guys! | | Strengths: | The disk brakes, drivetrain, Hollowtech cranks, and the seat. yes really. | | Weaknesses: | I have had some issues with seat post slipping downward on bumps. Judy XC is noisy, a nuisance. | | Similar Products Used: | 98 Aggressor. Tried the Kona Caldera, Specializeds, Raleighs, cannondales, and Treks at this price range. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock, however I swapped the clipless pedals for generic toe clips/straps setup. The seatpost quick release had to be replaced twice by the bike shop. | | Bottom Line: | It seems that the seat tube is slightly wider than necessary, but I don't know if this causes the slippage. The bike shop replaced the QR, since the stock QR is crap, and then replaced the new QR with a binder-bolt. Neither QR stopped the downward slipping. THis may have solved the problem, but I need to test it more. THe bike came stock with 27.2mm seatpost, so I might try a 27.4mm if the slipping continues. Hopefully the bikeshop will cover this expense, but it is not their responsibility. I also hope the new GT management will honor the warranty.
If you have this same problem with your GT Avalanche, or whatever, please email me. I want to know what everyone else is doing about this problem, or if they have this problem at all.
3 flaming FECES. It deserves a 4.5 if this problem is rectified inspite of these little quirks.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stuart
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | still searching 4 the ultimate gem | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$744.00 | | Purchased At: | Bonthrone Bikes | | Strengths: | Solid frame, disc breaks are awesome to bring a 95kg 6'3" on 21" frame to a halt....... | | Weaknesses: | Noisy in the front end, it appears to be the shocks. Seat not the most comfy thing ridden. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | LX specs, Judy XC forks, | | Bottom Line: | I am relatively new to the sport, and couldn't have got a more robust, bargain priced 4 the specs machine that I am sure will survive the punishing I intend giving it. Us kiwis like solid equipment ofro our rugged conditions. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio,TX,USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$740.00 | | Purchased At: | Action Bikes | | Strengths: | Great frame and I love the disk brakes. The bike looks like its fast even with me on it. | | Weaknesses: | The seat never made it past the first ride. The Judy XC fork was noisy and didn't have the travel I needed in the fork. Paper thin tubes went flat after less than a mile. The bike was actually heavier than my previous even after making some upgrades. Could not give the Ritchey pedals away | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback Topanga Comp with XT drivetrain and shifters | | Bike Setup: | Replaced fork with Psylo XC. Pulled XT parts from previous bike to replace Deore. New seat. Wellgo Pedals | | Bottom Line: | Could not ask for a better bike for the price. I was able to do several upgrades and still spent less than comparable bikes. The bike is extremely fast on the trails and can handle a rider that is heavier than most. If you are interested in disk brakes, they perform very well on this bike. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a fast and affordable hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Pfeifer
a Cross Country Rider
from Centennial, CO
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | 677 motorcycle trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycle pedl'r | | Strengths: | indestructable frame | | Weaknesses: | cracked rear hub on first ride. brakes and shocks are noisy as hell but work pretty good | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M80 Raleigh M800 Gary Fisher Wahoo | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. needs different components. like new seat and litte better shocks(not noisy) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Racer
from Cripple Creek, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lovell Gulch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | It handels great. The xt rear deraileur is awesome. You have got to love the disc brakes. They'll stop you on a dime. This bike will absolutely fly. | | Weaknesses: | The Judy xc is noisey, but is still incredible. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rock Hopper Pro | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a new seat. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is incredible. It is absolutely flawless. I reccomend this bike for someone who is looking for a solid bike that will take lots of punishment. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guillermo Duran
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, SJ, Costa Rica
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Barrio Jesus, Atenas | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle and Fitness Store (Miami - 305-665-0113) | | Strengths: | Great brakes, hydraulic performance without the hassle of fluids and the need to bleed air out of them.
Solid frame, takes a beating and keeps on going.
Nice styling, agressive looks, looks racy even when standing still | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, crappy Ritcheys don't make me very happy at all, just waiting for them to pop before I upgrade to Time or Shimano | | Similar Products Used: | Old Marin Cr-Mo frames (95-97)
GT RTS-3 (96)
GT i-Drive (3.0 and 4.0)
Giant 2001 full suspension models | | Bike Setup: | Standard out of the box so far.
Not the fanciest of set-ups but definetely functional. | | Bottom Line: | I went to the store with the aim of replacing my RTS-3 with another GT full suspension rig.
Fortunately ran into Greg Hoo, the best bike sales-person you'll ever find on this planet, he allowed me to test as many bikes as I wanted from his store in the Miami area and introduced me to the Avalanche.
After riding it for a while I was sold, the brakes performance coupled with the strong frame had me forgetting about full suspension in a jiffy.
Totally "millitary" bike: function over form, takes a beating and keeps on going, reliable, you can ride it without concern for the bike's safety or finish, allowing you to concentrate on the more immediate perils ahead.
Forget about it if you're into fancy stuff, this bike is not heading to the show room anytime soon, it is just to busy beating the crap out of every rock, log, descent and uphill on its way. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Hanley
a Weekend Warrior
from London, England
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Downhill from the Col de Joux Plane, Morzine in the Alps | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$713.00 | | Purchased At: | www.bonthornebikes.com | | Strengths: | bomb proof frame, responsive ride - it is a dream on singletrack decents and the brakes are over the handlebars good. | | Weaknesses: | Flimsy tubes puncture very easily, also the fork is noisy but these are minor details | | Similar Products Used: | Various Trek, Specialised, Marin and Jamis hard tails | | Bike Setup: | Stock Europe i.e. Deore / LX instead of XT
only change is a Rock Shox suspension seatpost | | Bottom Line: | I am delighted with this bike, it has rekindled my love of cycling. It is a huge improvement on my 1995 Marin. I am sure it is no better than similar bikes from large manafacturers however they didn't come with a $425 off list price discount. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Spirit Bear
a Weekend Warrior
from So. Maine
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Carr Trail Bear Brook State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$990.00 | | Purchased At: | Banagan's | | Strengths: | Mechanical disk brakes are the balls! On par with some hydraulics I hear. Also bomb proof frame (so far). And the splined BB and crank assy. is superior to the old tapers. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes can squeal like a banshee with his ass on fire.
More so when wet. Cable clip on seat stay is cheap plastic that has come loose several times. Nylon ties can cure a rainy day. | | Similar Products Used: | 1995 GT Pantera. Beat the heck out of it, just need to replace entire drivetrain. | | Bike Setup: | Off the rack, but I quickly replaced the crappy seat with a crossbow. The ritchey pedals I use on my long cross country rides. And I slap on lightwieght platforms for cruzin round town or commuting to work. | | Bottom Line: | A hell of a bike for the money.I had been looking to upgrade to disk brakes.They will stop you on a dime. Keep the rotors clean and free of contamination and they will do fine.I'm 205 lbs. 6' 2" and I have yet to use the full capabilities of this bike.Many adventures await! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a Downhiller
from Tempe, AZ
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | After my 1994 Avalanche Got ripped off (whoever ripped it off better have enough money to replace the drivetrain..because I didn't), I bought the 2001 version and have been happy ever since. Bike is a lot heavier than the earlier version, but the weight is worth having a great braking system.
Great GT customer service | | Weaknesses: | No name hubs were a concern to me and rightly so. After about a month of pretty hard riding, the rear hub housing split. GT sent a local dealer a new wheelset with an XT hub to replace. | | Similar Products Used: | Older Avalanche | | Bottom Line: | Great for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Quinn
a Cross Country Rider
from Holmfirh/England
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Halfords Wakefield | | Strengths: | Excellent frame so far given it a bashing for the past two weeks every sigle night for abour 3 hours and it's still in perfect working order the Judy XC fork offers a comfortable ride and the AVID disc brakes are brilliant! | | Weaknesses: | The seat becomes uncomfortable after a while so proper padded shorts are essential for more than an hours ride the XC suspension may offer an extremely comfortable ride but after a bit of punishment it starts to squeak and creak. | | Similar Products Used: | / | | Bike Setup: | / | | Bottom Line: | An extremely efficient bike where the good parts outsway the bad. Even though the suspension makes noises you won't really notice it too much because you'll be having such a good time. The only thing you will notice considerably is the seat it is really uncomfortable after a hours ride. But if you do alot of out of the saddle it won't really matter. The other thing is you may also require gloves or mitts that are well padded because after a while you willl develop blisters without them. But at the end of the day considering i got £200 off an £800 bike through a voucher it really is worth every penny. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland, Ohio
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Vultures Knob | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Century Cycles | | Strengths: | Strong Frame, Avid disks are awesome, Judy XC takes some punishment. | | Weaknesses: | The Seat kills your behind! Get rid of the seat ASAP! Get a Selle Itala Flite. The Ritchey Comp Pedals suck, too tough to get in and out of, I put my M515's back on. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh, other GT's | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for the seat and pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great! It takes a severe punishment and keeps on hitting the toughest trails hard. I seriously beat this bike to death and it refuses to bust on me. Get rid of the SDG Grand Prix Seat and the Ritchey Pedals and your good to go! The Avid's are sweeeeeet in mud! Trust me, you will love this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Fox
a
from Negaunee, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | suicide/connector/cleveland | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Lakeshore Bike, Marquette | | Strengths: | Frame Geometry is great it is super controlable & easy to maneuver over rocks and roots. The Componentry is great for my price range. Durability so far has been pretty darn good. Some good crashes have only injured me not the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Ritchey Pedals, ditch the Ritchey pedals immediately they do not release or clip in easy enough for the type of terrain that this bike was made for. It took eleven stitches
for me to figure this out. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Moab | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for shimano M646 pedals in place of the Ritcheys and bar ends | | Bottom Line: | I have been able to ride this bike over terrain that I can barely walk over. The riding position is perfect so balance is alot easier to maintain. I test rode a bunch of other bike and this one just felt more nimble. Its alos a great hill climber. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal, Quebec
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | Eddy Cycles | | Strengths: | First experience with disc brakes, I just love it and they are easy to ajust. Quick acceleration and it just climbs and climbs great. | | Weaknesses: | Why is canadian version of product coming with Shimano LX instead of the US product coming with a XT model ? Boo!! GT for this. Juddy XC is noisy but efficient for now. | | Similar Products Used: | First serious bike bought, tried Avalanche early 90's model. | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now. Will definatly change the seat... | | Bottom Line: | Just starting to get used to this bike, I must say I'm really enjoying the ride. I just don't understand why the canadian model is downgraded compared to the US model. Some of you would suggest me just to pay for the upgraded components and shut it up, but still it s***ks. That said I'm just falling in love with this bike wich I guess is everyone wish when it's time to pay for one. Good buy for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KP ENDERLE
a Weekend Warrior
from BAKERSFIELD, CA USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hart Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | Snider's Cyclery | | Strengths: | There is no flex to the frame and it is a mountain goat when it comes to climbing. The brakes stop on a dime and the bike is well balanced. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any yet but I've only had it a week and road it twice. I'm kind of worried about the back hub after reading the other reviews. I'm 6', 200 lbs and like to try and keep up with the big dogs so we'll see. Sounds like GT will replace them with no problems. I have noticed the shock making noise but I'm guessing that it is just the springs doing their job. | | Similar Products Used: | I've owned a Marin for the last 10 years and the Avalance is so light and comfortable. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for bar ends and I switched out the seat for a Serpas which makes it seem like I'm riding a dual suspension without the bobbing. | | Bottom Line: | I think it's a great bike. I almost bought the $1,500 dual suspension GT but didn't like the way I bobbed when I pedaled hard. One of the guys that works at the bike shop doesn't even own a dual suspension bike although he has 5 bikes. I figure if he doesn't need one I sure as heck don't. This bike can definitely handle the bigger rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry Gentry
a Weekend Warrior
from New Farifield
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | still looking | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Outlaw Bicycles | | Strengths: | This is a well designed bike. It has a wonderful feel, drawing you to ride it more and more. The bike feels great on the road, and just fantastic on a trail. I haven't ridden and MTB since the late 80s when my Rockhopper got stolen from my garage. My off-road technique needs more work, but I do not fight this bike on the trail. The bike can easily do whatever I can ask of it, I just need to get better at asking. This was a bit of a splurge for me, but I have found it very much worth the investment and, like my Pinarello road bike, I plan to keep it for many, many years. Although not a beginner bike, someone who is developing and knows they will continue with MTB riding should consider making this investment. It will pay off in the long run, instead of trading up with each level you gain in ability. | | Weaknesses: | The disc brakes require tuning on a regular basis. I may be doing this wrong, but I find the discs rub the bushings as I ride. Loosening the bushins gets rid of the rub, but it makes the brakes too loose. The slate blue color is fine, but I would have preferred the GT blue and yellow. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper | | Bottom Line: | Great bike and one that looks like it will last for many years of off-road abuse. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Newport Beach
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Glendora Mountain Road | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Foothill Cyclery | | Strengths: | Mechanical brakes that work better than I could ever imagine. All around looks, rides and feals better than most, if not all bikes in the same price range. | | Weaknesses: | I cracked the rear hub which GT replaced with no charge and they were also nice enought to send me a WTB Laser rim instead of the stock one. However, kinda forced me to buy front laser to match. Judy XC is also too noisy for me and felt like sheet on fast down hills. | | Bike Setup: | Stock cept replaced Judy with Manitou X-vert and rims with WTB Laser. | | Bottom Line: | Bike is so comfortable that I find myself screaming down hills over rattlesnakes and whatever else is in the way. Not to mention mechanical brakes that stop on a dime and have saved my a** many times. Overall, I've crashed and beaten this bike into the ground and it's still in perfect condiction (waiting for more). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roberto
a Weekend Warrior
from Netherlands
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Monterferland | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Local shop | | Strengths: | Awesome frame (sturdy, perfect geometry, cool looks), killer brakes (absolutely amazing for mechanical ones, even better than most hydros), decent chimano components, SPD pedals standard, oil damped front suspension. Coating that can resist a few scratches (unlike the waterbased crap of e.g. the new Giant bikes) | | Weaknesses: | Sqeaky Judy XC: In the beginning it sounded like something broke inside, but I found out it's the metal spring that bends sideways and touches the inner tube under pressure. After 600Km it virtually disappeared. Nevertheless, good fork => smooth ride! | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX Cadex, 2001 Giant XtC Nappa. (NRS really works, but too many joints = losing stability through wear, also the halfpipe shifters made me 'halfpipe' through the gears way too much.) | | Bike Setup: | Changed the standard seat for my old time fav Coda: the stock one cut the bloodflow to some precious parts on speedy XC tracks :) | | Bottom Line: | I think that GT's main focus was to get the frame right and add decent components to end up with a well balanced bike, and yup they did it! This translates into a bike that is very direct, handels exactly like you expect it to do, just begging to be pushed to speed limits (even on the standard Tioga 'mountain goat' tires). Bottom line: excelent ride for the price, bringing back fun into MTB-ing because it really just wants to go... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Felack
a Weekend Warrior
from New Ken
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1044.00 | | Purchased At: | Gatto's | | Strengths: | everything compared to my 99 rebound | | Weaknesses: | i cracked the rear hub but it was replaced no charge no trouble | | Similar Products Used: | my 99 rebound w/ rockshox sid xc salsa gordo rims | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | bike is awsome it works for my northshore trails in the yard. It handles urban freeriding well i just had to tinker around with the rear derailer to get it properly aligned. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Naha, Okinawa
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | A long way from here | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Local bike store in Naha | | Strengths: | Fairly good part set up. Fun to whip around and do stupid things on. Wheelies well. Shifts well (first time using 9speed). Stable to ride on. | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy, but that just adds to the S&M factor. Rockshox fork creaks and squeeks, not good when your riding is all urban and usually late at night. Scares the the little old oba-sans. Seems to be a smaller medium, but that's perfect for my needs. | | Similar Products Used: | Ti Fat Chance, Yo Eddy, Voodoo Wazoo, Specialized FSR and lots of parking lot rides. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Bike parts are too expensive here, and I don't plan on bringin it back to Hawaii with me when I'm done, did replace the wheel set with a Mavic D321 HA and XT hub set, and I'm running a Tioga 2.35 DH tire on the back. Removed the big ring (it just got all bashed). Shimano DX platforms. Black electrical tape that covers up all the silver and red and the many GT stickers. | | Bottom Line: | I like this bike. Totally different from my other bikes. I'm rediscovering the joy of the wheelies and trying to do back tire hops. My only whinge is that the fork makes so much noise. It sounds like creaky bed springs, and if I had the time and $, I'd replace it with a Marzocchi. Haven't been pleased with Rockshox for many years. (leaky Judy cartridges anyone??) The Avid brakes work good, not great. Can't stop quite as well as my XTR V's on a good day. Probably help if I oiled the cables and what not, but I'm lazy these days. Easy to set up and adjust. Noisy when wet. Had the adjustible side strip out on me onthe front unit, so I couldn't move the pad in to@account for wear, so had to replace the whole unit. No user serviceable parts inside. Tried to get some help from Avid, but no such luck.
This bike has been a lot of fun. It's not my ti hardtail, but it's an excellent, solid bike. I was surprised with how well the wheels held up, my last Syncros wheelset lasted one ride. These are still good. Just couldn't resist upgrading. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bloody Shins
a Weekend Warrior
from Louisville Kentucky
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cherokee Park, Waverly Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Derby City Outfitters | | Strengths: | Good components: Rock Shox Judy XC; Avid Disc Brakes; GT frame, of course. Deore XT a plus.
This bike likes to go fast and the Judy XC shock soaks up 1- and 2-foot drops like a piece of italian bread dropped into a plate of olive oil. Really confidence-inspiring tracking and ride through steep, tree root-infested trails. Disc brakes on front and rear wheel provide powerful stopping even through slop. Wide Syncros handlebars make for Cadillac-like power steering, without feeling mushy -- you can whip into sharp turns with ease. | | Weaknesses: | SDQ Grand Prix seat a little uncomfortable (and I'm only 158 pounds, 5'9") and seems a tad too big for the bike. Abruptly shifting through steep hills can cause loud chain-and-gear clanking, but nothing worse. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Schwinn Moab 1; Trek 6700; Kona Cinder Cone.
Schwinn had a really nice feel, Trek had a mushy, clanky ride -- probably not tuned right but GT had the better components. used to ride fiance's old Paramount with steel frame. | | Bike Setup: | Replaced clipless peadals for fatty flats. Paid for it when slipped while climbing a 70-degree hill, slipped and pedals punched three holes in shin. Overall, stock for now. Upgrades could come later... | | Bottom Line: | Don't be swayed by those who say GT's don't have it: This bike can compete. You don't need to spend $2000 to have a good ride. The triple-triangle frame may be a little bulky but it definitely adds stability and strength. I was looking to buy something different; I had a lowly GT Tequesta eight years ago and thought when the time came for another bike, I'd go for a higher-end Trek, Cannondale or Gary Fisher. (Love to ride a yeti or mountain goat, but alas, none are to be found in plentiful supply here.) However, the GT won me over. And, it looks good. That's not a big issue, but it helps when you see it in your house, reminding you of what it's capable of doing, like a fine woman. :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Street-Pro
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilmington DE US.
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Brandywine | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Local | | Strengths: | Syncros Rims, Judy XC fork, Avid CPS disk. | | Weaknesses: | None so far.(maybe a little heavy) | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Killer on climbs and rocky down hills. Accelerates Like something scared ME!!! Breaks saved me 4 or 5 times and counting! Is it Saturday yet? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
P
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham Alabama
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Cahaba Cycles - Oak Mountain | | Strengths: | This bike is a SOLID performer. The Judy XC and the Avid Discs are great. Excellent stopping power, even when wet. The components on this bike are top quality. Sure it doesn’t have the Judy Race like last year, but the 2001 Judy XC is just fine. Upgrade if you need to. The frame gives a great ride. | | Weaknesses: | Rear Hub cracked. GT replaced the entire wheelset. Seat is hard. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Raleigh, and Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the following replacements this month:
Race Face North Shore XS Crank and Rings - ISIS
Race Face BB - ISIS
Mavic D321 CD rims with XT Disc Hubs
Panaracer Fire XC 2.1 tires
Race Face Air Alloy Riser Bar
Race Face Seat Post
XT Front D.
XT Cassette
Chris King Headset
I want to replace the Judy XC with a Psylo SL so I can have the lock-out but the Psylo SL is getting bad reviews. The Psylo Race costs to much. Will wait and see what the 2002 models are like.
Not much left in the way of stock parts! | | Bottom Line: | I've kicked this bike hard for the last 6 months and it hasn't shaken loose at all. Three crashes and the bike is in better shape than I am. The Judy XC and the Avid Discs are great. How great, I'm a big guy, not your average skinny rider. The brakes stop me fine on a quick downhill. I got the X-Large frame too. I have no problem with the bike. The ride is smooth with the Triple Triangle design. GT is just right! I upgraded components not because the stock components were bad, I just like better things. Watch out, the i-Drive 2.0 is next if I can talk the wife into it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Stoll
a Weekend Warrior
from Hoboken, NJ
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The Earth | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | James Vincent | | Strengths: | This is my first mountain bike so I have nothing to compare it against, but I'm in love with this bike. Once I finally got everything setup and adjusted correctly... the Avid disc brakes stop on a dime, the front shock makes roots, logs, and curbs a no-brainer, and I can't believe how fun it is. I felt like I've been doing this for a long time, it's so smooth and easy to handle. I thought I'd have to replace the saddle as road saddles always gave me problems but I didn't have to, it's very comfortable. Fit me better than other bikes I test rode. It feels extremely sturdy. | | Weaknesses: | I had setup problems but they weren't the bike or manufacturer's fault. I can't really comment on weaknesses because this is my first hardtail so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I don't see any yet and I'm very happy I chose this bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode the Raleigh M80 | | Bike Setup: | Added bar ends, but stock otherwise... so far. | | Bottom Line: | For the price, I think you can't go wrong here. It's cheaper than the 2000 Avalanche, but I think that bike had some components that were on the higher end, but rider's raved about that bike, which is why I test rode this one. It's a great starter bike if you can go above $1K. My experienced riding buddy has a Cannondale, and she test rode mine and was impressed with the smoothness and brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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