Avalanche 1.0 is a 6061 butted-aluminum frame with a pressure-formed downtube, a zero-stack headset, disc brakes and 27-gears - an impressive setup for anyone who's ready to start playing in the dirt.
Origonal tires too heavy. Hydrolyics can be troublesome. Shifting can be slow to engage. OEM grips cause numbness. OEM saddle hard and uncomfortable.
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose Tyax Elite
Bike Setup:
2009 White GT Avalanche 1.0. WTB Speed V saddle. Ergo grips. Easton Monkylight XC handlebars. Thompson Elite seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. I dont consider myself a pro but I have been riding for 10+ years and can hold my own. With skinnier tyers you can increase ave speed by 4+mph. I mainly do marathons and enduro rides so ease and speed is key. Fantastic frame equal to bikes twice as much. A+ craftsmanship
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Wilsmore
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: July 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Torquay country side
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
bicycle superstore
Strengths:
compnents - shimano deore, the frame is a great design and is not too heavy. value for money is unbelieveable. Rock Shox with lockout are solid. suits some road riding and trails as well.
Weaknesses:
none found yet, although this bike is somewhat tough to get up hills due to the weight
Similar Products Used:
GT avalanche 2.0 - except the suntour forks on the 2.0 suck.
Bike Setup:
stock with touring tires instead of knobbies.
Bottom Line:
this bike is full of quality (components are awesome!-not to mention the frame!) and can take quite a beating.the frame is very very strurdy. Going along flat road this bike is extremely easy to keep going, keeping the cranks rotating at even pace is easy. due to weight though, its kinda tough to push this baby uphill.
if you can get your hands on one, i would definatly recoommend it... i picked up mine yesterday and took her for a ride and its a real versatile bike that has the total package for a=n affordable price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Hurst
a Cross Country Rider
from York UK Date Reviewed: July 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Most
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
mates rates
Strengths:
Bought this Avalanche 1.0 08 Disk off a mate for £150 for the Excellent Frame and with good parts the GT Avalanche is a great bike, at an amazing price.
Weaknesses:
For £599 none really, but the frame is worth that alone.
Similar Products Used:
Focus fatboy
Bike Setup:
New tubeless Fulcrum Redmetal 3 with Panarace Trailraker (stunning)
Carbon stem and seatpost with sella italia sadle
Hayes 203mm hydrolic disk (awsome)
Easton Vice stem - best i've used
Standard forks for xc are good enough (surprisingly)but xtr shadow long arm rear D coming soon with xt cranks
Bottom Line:
For the money the Avalanche is a good bike, save for the 1.0 for the parts as these all last, but you are buying a class leading frame for the cash. I've used much more expensive frames and to be honest they dont really compare. This is not the lightest bike but not heavy, so... not skitty down hill and not too heavy for going back up. Excellent all rounder and a bike unless your competing will not need to be updated, unless your after the looks then the Fulcrum wheels mentioned are the nuts!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thatbelgianguy
a Cross Country Rider
from wieze belgium Date Reviewed: May 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
the local mtb track
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Strengths:
the frame is about the most rigid one i ever owned
the slx is quit good but i replaced it with a full slc and did brakes to saint
Weaknesses:
upright driving position (just change it to one of those carbonfiber bbb ones :p )
Similar Products Used:
08 and 07 gt avalanche 1.0 disc
Bike Setup:
full slx
saint brakes
SID suspension
slr xc seat
replaced most alu with carbonfiber
mavic crossride wheels ( the real expensive ones )
costum paintjob
Bottom Line:
great bike but ur better of replacing most things with lighter and better looking parts
the frame real strong dont feel it flexing to much but i would recomend 30ft+ jumps not cuz the bike cant have it but cuz most riders cant and it would be a shame to wreck this great piece of bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clifton
a Weekend Warrior
from NZ Date Reviewed: April 13, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Gift
Strengths:
Suspension great, easy to ride small but fast. I dont know why people are saying it is heavy, to me it light! but then again my old bike was heavy....
Weaknesses:
Seat to handlebars very close and keeps you in a sort of nerdy position but not a big deal. Handle bars very wide not recommended for stuffing it in a car.
Bottom Line:
Good bike over all, pros and cons but noting bad about it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven Chebba
a Cross Country Rider
from Brooklyn, N.Y. Date Reviewed: April 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
street
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Larry's Cycle Shop
Strengths:
Rockshox fork never quit, strong frame.
Weaknesses:
Heavy-one would think over time things lighten up yet my 1995 Giant ATX was lighter. Riding position a little nerdy (upright) though flipping the stem solves this.
Similar Products Used:
Giant bicycles
Bike Setup:
Pretty much kept all the factory stuff.
Bottom Line:
A good bike for the money--functional-- but weight is everything and eventually I replaced the Rockshox fork for a rigid and having done this I noticed I am not as tired going long distances, great bike for the street, if you ride the trails use the factory components and whenever something breaks/wears out replace it with something lighter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hellvin
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: March 11, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Quite stiff, feels nice. makes climbs easier.
Stock components are good enough.
mine's the black yellow '08 model...PRETTY!
the only stuffs i've changed are
-brakes to slx (nvr regretted)
-crank to slx (i dont feel that the xt is bttr)
-handlebar to truvativ XR straight
-tyres to maxxis detonators 1.25s
-pedals to the normal platforms one as the spds are not very slippers friendly
-added zoom bar-ends and a topeak speedo
Bottom Line:
My current setup is quicker than public transport to get me anywhere within a 5km radius.
most of my upgrades are mainly for looks but they do make a difference in performance. The tektro brakes still have the best feel among all the brakes i've tried, even bttr then juicys.
My next upgrade should be to a black reba =)
If you simply do XC,trails or mountain, this would be perfect. try not to attempt FR/DH/DJ as the frame and components wasnt made for it, you wont wear your swimming costume to a ball rights?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County,CA,USA Date Reviewed: March 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Santa Ana River Trails
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$679.00
Purchased At:
Performance Irvine,c
Strengths:
Great bike overall. No problems, Have Bontrager 1.5" Hardcase tires, and thorn resistant tubes, traded out the handlebars and stem from my Avalanche 2003 3.0 (shorter in reach and narrower. Shimano cliples pedals, seatpost rack, aftermarket seat, Handlebar ends, No problems at all have commuted everyday since September 2007 to March 2009.
Best bike I have ever had. Broke 3 rear end spokes, (my fault) from big dropoffs (Freeway bridges)onto the street about 10 to 12 inches of concrete. I weigh 190 lbs.
C-ya
Poor free maintenance from Performance of Irvine. I go to Bicycle Discovery in Fountain Valley...great service and prices.
Weaknesses:
Rear end spokes
Similar Products Used:
Avalanche 2003 3.0 has same size frame small and 6061 tubing.
Bottom Line:
Great bike, keeps on rolling and easy to maintain.
Great discount down from $799.00 to $679.00 for Labor Day September 2007
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sealrk19
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: February 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Lake Poway, Ted Williams
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Discovery
Strengths:
Good build. Pretty light. Good parts.
Weaknesses:
Rear derailleur seems to act up after riding a couple weeks. The piece that connect the rear derailleur to the frame snapped in a crash (my fault.)
Bike Setup:
No knob street tires.
Bottom Line:
It's good on the street, even faster when you put street tires on it. It handles very well on the XC trails. On the Downhill it can take a beating, but not recommended (bent the rear tire.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX USA Date Reviewed: January 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Walnut Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Great fit, awesome brakes/fork/components for the price
Weaknesses:
nothing really
Similar Products Used:
Trek 820 Raleigh M80/M60
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Great Bike, it has made me such a better rider, the shock performs beautifully for the price, I'm sure the components will break down over time, but don't they all? For the price it's definatly the best bike around, the front shock is heavy but sucks up bumps and rocks that would have made me fall on my old Rock Shox. Brakes are awesome, Hydro is the way to go!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ronanb
a Weekend Warrior
from Edinburgh, UK Date Reviewed: January 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Glentress
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great frame and a good balance of components for the price.
Frame is very neutral and inspires confidence.
Weaknesses:
Some cheaper components wore out very fast - especially brakes pistons seizing.
Wheels & tyres are heavy.
Included Kenda tyres are a compromise - you can defn do better and save a big chunk of weight depending on what kind of riding you do.
Similar Products Used:
Carrera Vulcan
Bike Setup:
1.0 with Formula Oro front and Avid Juicy 7 rear. Rockshox Reba for and Hope 3 wheelset.
Bottom Line:
IMO this is a great all-round mountain bike if you're not sure what kind of mountain biking you'll get into (XC, all mountain, commuting etc) or you want to blast around trail centres. It's not perfect at any one thing but it does just about everything well.
I'm doing 80 miles / week commuting in all weathers and a 3 hour trail run at the weekends - most weeks. Overall its a great bike for the money. Things are bound to wear out at this rate but the brakes have driven me crazy from day one. Even when new they squealed like crazy at the first sign of damp and the front caused a shudder. A few months later a piston in each of them had stuck and the rear started leaking fluid. I replaced them with Formula and Avids which are way better and lighter too.
The only other thing that requires too much attention is the headset which seems to let water in to the bearings. Its a simple job to service but I wish it had some sort of better seal.
The Suntour fork is surprisingly good for a marque without kudos. It's defn on the heavy side tho and has no adjustability.
Overall its a real quality bike (apart from the brakes). If it got nicked I'd buy another.
ps I couldnt find these weights when I was looking so for info:
When bought it weighed 32lbs (size M). The bare frame weights 4.1 lbs. The Suntour fork weighs 4.9 lbs. Wheels (bare) F 2.1lbs, R 2.5 lbs. Chainset/crankset + BB 2.6 lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
arigo
a Cross Country Rider
from TA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
Great riding position. fantastic geometry
Components are ok for the price like Deore and LX components. Great frame for upgrading. Kenda Nevegal
Weaknesses:
Fork X100 is good only under normal conditions, on single tracks its very bad even a bit scary!
Cranckset Truvativ 5D
Similar Products Used:
Haro V1
Bike Setup:
Standart but changed to mavic 717 with XT Cassette and hub
Saddle WTB Laser V PRO
Bottom Line:
After I tried different hardtails at same Price and I settled on the GT Avalanche 1.0. i feel that this bike make me a better rider. I can ride for hours and still enjoy! Only the components need to be replace after 3000km because they start to break down! soon ill change the fork to Marazochi MX PRO. Even if ill buy Full suspension ill keep this bikes too!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Issaquah, WA Date Reviewed: July 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Performance Bikes
Strengths:
I just want to say that I have ridden full suspension the last 8 years. I loved my FS bikes but hated the maintenance. I decided to go back to a hardtail that wasn't going to cost me an arm and a leg in maintenance. I tried three different hardtails and I settled on the GT Avalanche 1.0. It felt right from the beginning. A shorter top tube than my FS bikes so that takes some getting use to again. For the price, Deore and LX components plus hydraulic disc brakes this is a good deal. For those of you that have been riding especially in the rainy Northwest, no matter what level of components you have it will be just a matter of time before they start to break down. I justed wanted a bike that I could hammer in the woods and have fun with reduced maintenance costs and downtime. As an avid commuter, road biker, and mtn biker I am telling you that "YOU" the engine can make up for lot of the shortcomings in components/equipment. Not all but most. I have ridden with single speed and cyclocross riders that were faster and more talented than hardtail and FS bikers on some really tough trails.
Weaknesses:
Perhaps some heavy components like wheels, tires, and seat post. Schrader tubes I would change out. Not sure about the cranks and front shock yet.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F5, Novarra Ponderosa
Bike Setup:
Stock except Easton 50 seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Good deal for the money. As stuff wears out I replace with lighter equipment (e.g., tires). I would not hesitate to purchase again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Surfjunkie44
a Downhiller
from Orlando, FL US Date Reviewed: June 8, 2008
-Snapped the stock GT handle bar on a three foot drop
-Hated the clipless pedals, switched to platforms
-Stock tires wore out in one month
-The rear derailleur can kiss my arse!
-the wheelset will need to be trued every two weeks
-BB is getting creaky and it ain't the peddles
-rear derailleur hangers (four in six months)
2008 disc model: The triple butted frame design is phenomenal, though some consider it a stiffer ride - it's a hardtail; what did you expect, genius? Great builder frame - I'm a lifetime customer of GT frames now. To start, I'm 70 kilos, soaked after a rain storm with my celly still in pocket. I abuse stuff harder than a 95 kilo man who is sloppy. I bought this bike initially for cardio/XC and ended up getting into FR/DJ.
I ride this bike to work 10+ miles everyday. I jump 3' to 5' high forty times on the way there and on the way home. I rock wheelies down two blocks and slide into endos at every traffic control device. I take her downtown to the bars and wreck her on the way home. I even head out to local XC trails and bash a few naturals on the weekend. I pound the ever living sh*t out of this bike and everything that continues to work is deemed by the local shop as one step above bombproof, it's "Bradley-proof".
Like a few others I'll say the components I replaced needed replacing. Brakes are ok but have started to fade a bit over the course of a year. The fork could probably use a rebuild at this point. I'm still on and off dealing with ghost shifting and the typical wheel truing. Of the stuff listed as strengths, they have literally taken my abuse, which means you will probably never have issues with those components.
While this review possibly comes across as negative, I love my Avalanche 1.0 disc. She has been an awesome bike and I would not trade the 1000+ miles of love she has shown me for anything. If you're looking for a great XC bike, daily rider, pound around town, or even entry FR/DJ (haha!), she is the best bang for your buck in components across the board, hands down. I spent several weeks researching bikes and for the price, you won't be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Timur
a Cross Country Rider
from Murmansk, Russia Date Reviewed: May 8, 2008
Total disappointment. Everything bends here -- BB, cranks, rims. And I am not dirt-jumper and do no tricks. Tyres are sh%t and slip on every surface, every speedy corner. Front fork is a joke -- my 15-year-old Struts Tange actually works BETTER than this crap. Brakes - Hayes Sole - enough said. Frame itself is VERY stiff -- and I found that kinda uncomfortable too.
That might be a fair frameset to build your custom bike, if bought at a discount and you prefer extra stiff frame. Otherwise -- stay away.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
soda surfer
a Weekend Warrior
from Germany Date Reviewed: April 4, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
Frame
Weaknesses:
Hydraulic Leak, Initial missadjustments
Similar Products Used:
Bianchi 18 Gear
Bottom Line:
The frame rocks, one of the best arround, only comparable to Titanium frames. Lost some Hydraulic liquid, other minor issues like: Broken spikes, bent bar, wobbling pedals, knackered helmet. Overall: hell of a machine. Needs some overhauling now and then, but the frame.. incredible!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlie
a Cross Country Rider
from Cph. Denmark Date Reviewed: February 25, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
GT Denmark
Strengths:
Frame. Fork. Brakes..
Weaknesses:
Nothing you can complain about - compared to the mid-entry level price.
Similar Products Used:
Allmost any GT since the early 90´. Personal bikes - 3 pcs. of the more raceorientated Zazkar
Bike Setup:
Facktory. 2007 and 2008 model.
Bottom Line:
I run 30 of those black and silvery baby´s in my hobby business - see http://www.mtb-tours.dk/page_1181206624765.html.
I reconise the comments about cranks falling off/going apart. The onlu reasen is that they are pourly thightend, somewhere over in Taiwan. Now vhen I´m aware about the problem, I regulary give it the 8 mm allen key on both sides. No big deal.
Also the chainrings are soft. Serius chainsucks from beginners are often bending the middle chainring, but it´s easily straighten up with the prober tools - spare cost 15$. Although it take some time to replace.
The SR X 100 fork is the biggest asset for me. So smooth and handles well even big objekts - so my custorms for reel learn the game of mountainbike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris benchek
a
from cleveland,ohio usa Date Reviewed: February 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
rays indoor mtb park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
performance bike
Strengths:
frame
Weaknesses:
front fork too soft!components,lack of customer service from GT!!!!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
old bike was a GT timberline that I loved!
Bike Setup:
was stock before I had to replace bad components!
Bottom Line:
Had to replace seat,pedals,and broken crankset right off the bat(within first two weeks)replaced rear wheel in first 2 months! Still having problems with ghost shifting and brakes.Bike shop has been trying to be helpfull but can't get any kind of response from GT! VERY DISAPOINTING!!!!!BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Cobar Date Reviewed: January 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Glenrock Reserve, Newcastle
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Bike Store
Strengths:
Cheap overall hardtail mtb package, good frame
Weaknesses:
brakes, forks & customer support
Bike Setup:
stock/oem
Bottom Line:
My partner and I bought 2 of these in early 2005, as an entry back into mtb. Overall, a nice, cheap entry to modern mtb. BUT:
The Rock Shox Judy forks are rubbish - way too oversprung and underdamped. We were also told that they are non-rebuildable, although our mechanic put some softer spings in from another similar fork which helped for my girlfriend.
The cheap hayes Sole brakes were badly aligned so that the pad actuated 6mm from the outside of the disc, and the same distance onto the rotor arms - not on the swept area of the disc as any properly setup system should.
The mechanic/bike shop told me there was nothing they could do because the calipers cannot be adjusted and referred me to the distributer. The distributer told me they hadn't heard of the problem before, so weren't interested in trying to fix it.
I sold mine shortly afterwards, and will NEVER buy another GT. My partner used hers until I bought her a Trek, and her GT is gathering dust in the shed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Pridham
a Cross Country Rider
from Lytham, Lancashire, UK Date Reviewed: November 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Farley Mount, Hampshire
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$720.00
Purchased At:
Evans
Strengths:
GT Avalanche 1.0 2006, no disc
Excellent frame Other components a good starting point Best kit set for the money in 2006
Weaknesses:
Proprietary & poor stock bottom bracket No disc hose routing
Bike Setup:
Replaced tyres with Panaracer XC Fire Pro Replaced BB and crank with Shimano Deore Replaced derailleurs with Shimano XT Replaced cassette & chain with Shimano XT twice Replaced pedals with DMR V12s Replaced brakes with Hope Mono M4s Replaced front wheel with Shimano hub & X517 Replaced rear wheel with Hope Pro II & 717 Replaced saddle with SDG Bel Air RL
Bottom Line:
First of all, good to see someone else from Lytham - wasn't expecting that!
As you can see, I've been busy upgrading this bike - not much left of the original now, but that's after 1.5 years and 5000 miles. Sometimes that's been necessary, like when the BB broke and the crank fell off, but mostly it's by choice.
The frame is solid as a rock, and unlike some cheaper bikes, can fit anything you throw at it. It's perfect for step by step upgrades if you don't have the money to throw at it at once, or aren't sure how much you're going to use it.
All in all it's served me well and I hope the frame, plus what's left of the stock stuff, will continue to do so for a very long time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lyndon
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: October 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Crothers' Woods
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Frame Brakes Wheels Fork Derailleurs
Weaknesses:
Crankset Seatpost Seat Shifters
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is ideal for heay riders. Most of the components sacrifice weight for strength but for a guy like me at 250 lbs plus pack and water it actually works well.
Ridden 1 or 2 times a week for 2-3 hours. A lot of technical, some downhill and flat. I ride to work each day also with a set of continental 2.1 road tires (which are great by the way).
The strengths of the bike don't really need replacing. Some people don't like the fork, but its coil sprung and has done me well, its lasted through a winter and two seasons of riding so far. I find you need to bias the rebound to the slow side for the fork to work well. It might be setup with a heavy spring also. The bike is light enough to climb well and strong enough to go back down quickly.
The biggest weakness in my eyes is the Truvativ FiveD crankset. I did use it through winter, but it isn't that geat at taking hits. The middle ring bent on a light hit. I replaced with a Shimano Saint triple and its bombproof. The shifters were Deore and used ABS construction, they are still working but I just don't like them much. I like the 06 XT shifters WAY better.
Overall a very capable and upgradeable bike for a good price. I've upgraded one of mine and built up a second frame with my stock parts from the first to be used as a winter commuter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia Date Reviewed: October 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Strong Breaks, Lockout of fork, LX shifters
Weaknesses:
pedals, allready dented the frame, paint is coming off as well
Similar Products Used:
previous bike- Giant boulder
Bike Setup:
BMX pedals + Specialized Nimbus tires for street riding.
Bottom Line:
Good value, great bike for getting into trail riding. roubust enough to handle trails but wont break the bank.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from England, UK Date Reviewed: September 23, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Strengths:
The 3 triangle design makes it comfy for long rides, unlike a few harsher bikes I tried. Tektro dual comp brakes are superb. The Suntour X100 forks perform very well on most terrains. Wide bars take getting used to at first but you'll prefer them. Light, responsive with fast acceleration
Weaknesses:
Kenda tyres are soft/thin and prone to punctures but grippy nonetheless. Pedals could be better.
Very well spec'd bike which is fun to ride and highly capable for cross country and light downhill. Have had no problems at all. It was a toss up between this and the Cape Wrath but felt the rear end jumped around too much on the Cape Wrath.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: September 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Cotswolds
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Leisure Lakes Cheltenham
Strengths:
Greatclimbing ability due to a light frame. Good tyres at time.
Weaknesses:
Mechanical disc brakes were okay for someone that has never used hydros, but once you make the change, mechanical discs feel very soft. The Judy 3's aren't a fantastic fork either, but for the money, it is a small sacrifice.
Similar Products Used:
Carrera
Bike Setup:
Changed brakes to Deore LX Hydros. Changed tyres to Panaracer Fire XC Pro's. XT chain and cassette.
Bottom Line:
A great frame that gives you the foundation to build on. I have not changed much to improve what I think is a great all round XC bike for the beginner / improver. I bought the 2004 model at the time, which I am looking to upgrade...for another Avalanche, but possibly the expert as it may be a lot more fun for a little extra dough.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Weekend Warrior
from Morristown NJ USA Date Reviewed: September 8, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
Sports Authority
Strengths:
Brakes
Weaknesses:
Rear Derailleur
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Bought this bike for my son back in Jan 07. Bike had shifiting problems from the get go (chain falling off). Brought it back to the Sports Authority to have them repair it and they say they did. I took the bike for a ride and after 2 minutes of riding it while shifting gears I heard a loud snap. The rear derailleur had broken off the frame (notice how it attaches to the frame). This bike is now usless. $400.00 for a bike that lasts 8 months? Sports Authority and G.T don't want to do anything to help me out. Bottom line : Don't buy this bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wes
a
from UK Date Reviewed: May 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame, pedals. Fairly light. Quality ride, value for money.
Weaknesses:
Feels a bit lazy on acceleration, but this could be due to the fat tyres.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper 2007
Bike Setup:
Body geometry grips
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike for general XC and even more techy stuff. It seems to absorb a lot of shock for a hardtail, due to the unique 3 triangle design. This sends most of the shock into the top tube, instead of your backside. Doesn't bounce all over the place, solid and feels capable. Smooth gears, and somehow not as noisy as the Rockhopper. Awesome value for the spec. If speed is more important than ride quality, look at the Rockhopper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rouen Heiberg
a Weekend Warrior
from South Africa Date Reviewed: May 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Jonkershoek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Heldeberg cycles
Strengths:
Frame and front shock and wheels.
Weaknesses:
There is a lot of things wrong with the bike. All of the visible parts are OKish quality, but they skimped on the other less visible parts eg. BB,casette,casette on the back,seatpost, and the brakes and crankarms, had to replace a lot of stuff on the bike in a years time.
Similar Products Used:
Scott Reflex
Bike Setup:
full Deore with LX rear derailleur
Bottom Line:
If you only ride on weekends and gravel roads and on the small side, its an option. But if you race, ride singletrack etc. STAY AWAY!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hugo
a Weekend Warrior
from SJM, Portugal Date Reviewed: May 8, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
ECI
Strengths:
Nice finishing, strong looking, equipment for the price, it always seems to ask you too ride it harder and never complains when you do that!!!
Weaknesses:
A bit on the heavy side, some ratles from the back derraileur!!!
Similar Products Used:
Just a rookie hited by the bug of the mountain bikes!!
Bike Setup:
Stock, but a funny thing is that i camed with LX on the front derraileur instead of just Deore like the others that were on the store!!!
Bottom Line:
I think it is a great bike for the value and a perfect bike to start with, even in a bad physical shape i never had to stop because i wasn't able to do something, the bike seems to push us forward and makes us feel that there are no limits, at least, not yet!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B
a
from San Francisco, CA USA Date Reviewed: May 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bicycle
Strengths:
Sweet components, strong frame, looks sweet, smooth shifting, and braking.
Weaknesses:
Saddle was a bit uncomfortable, but could be due to my fat ass.
Similar Products Used:
GT Agressor - from long ago (10 years)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I used to ride a ton and really ran my agressor into the ground. This feels like a definite upgrade to that bike, not to mention that its a real smooth ride all around. Haven't tested it too much yet, but I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to just start, or get back into riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Blyth
a Weekend Warrior
from Durban, KZN, South Africa Date Reviewed: April 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Giba Gorge - Durban
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Hot Spot Cycles - Pretoria
Strengths:
Feels light and in control under most conditions. The frame is helluva strong and the geometry provides a really forgiving ride. Shifters seldom complain.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
Newbie to the sport. The last pedal power machine I had was a Mongoose BMX about 25 yrs ago!
Bike Setup:
Standard - mine has V-Brakes instead of disks - suits me fine...
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent bike for anyone wanting to get into XC. Giba Gorge, where I ride, has some hard 2+ metre drop-offs and this baby handles them with ease - not always too kind to the rider though! I do a lot of fast jeep track downhill runs and difficult single track, and the back ends stays on the path and I stay stay on the bike. Enough said - I LOVE THIS MACHINE!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Cheshire Date Reviewed: March 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Cannock Chase
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles
Strengths:
Looks mean in black, solid frame, hydraulic discs, everything feels solid n safe
Weaknesses:
slightly on the heavy side, stock brakes work but aren't really adjustable and seem kinda cheap. I felt the handlebars were too low for where I had the seat on a M frame, replaced forks and cut to the size tha suited me which sorted it nicely!
Similar Products Used:
Marin
Bike Setup:
I replaced the stock forks with Marzocchi 2005 MX Comp ETA forks. The difference after the slightly hard Judy TT forks was amazing
Bottom Line:
The first proper bike I've owned but its given me no problems what so ever. For the price I've had a bike that's done everything I asked of it for 2 years. I'm gonna stay with the frame because its solid and I doubt will ever do me wrong. The next step is new brakes and then I'll be happy for another 2 years.
This bike's quite old now but lasts so well that a second hand one would be a fantastic purchase for anyone who wants a good bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kenneth W Adams W Adams
a Cross Country Rider
from england Date Reviewed: January 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Olney, buckinghamshire, uk, western europe, europe, earth, the solar system, milky way, the universe
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
evans
Strengths:
strong and sexiiiiiiii everything about it is sexiiiiii
Weaknesses:
cant be boverd to look
Similar Products Used:
trek 4500
Bike Setup:
xt front mech longer than normal seatpost and shimano pedals
Bottom Line:
really gd and sexi and manly and imense and quality, puka, and desent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Gibby
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake District Date Reviewed: December 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Grizedale North Face- Short but fun
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$580.00
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles
Strengths:
Strong, light frame,, versatile
Weaknesses:
None, awsum bike
Similar Products Used:
Spesh Hardrock Pro
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Awsum Bike, great for its price, a lot of the components you would find on a lot pricier bikes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney Date Reviewed: November 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
U tell me
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
The frame is great. It does seem to scratch rather easily but it is really strong for its weight. I do everything on it from the bmx park to 4 hour+ rides and its realy fun to rode.
Weaknesses:
fork lacks small bump performance. I did have trouble with the rear mech but its fine now.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Totally sweet bike for the price. Looks great and it takes a beating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Weston
a Cross Country Rider
from Milton Keynes Date Reviewed: November 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Peaks
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
2nd Hand
Strengths:
Frame Strength, forgiving ride, lightish
Weaknesses:
Integral headset not to everyone's taste?
Similar Products Used:
FSR Comp
Bike Setup:
Bought frame only. Has RockShox SID 100, Hope XC4, Mavic 221 on XT Hubs, WTB saddle, XT/LX/Deore chainset
Bottom Line:
This is my winter bike, so it has quite a hard life.
A simple, strong, bombproof frame. Triple Triangle means a little more give than a standard alloy frame (the chainstays flex more in this design) Can run 100 mill forks without issue.
A fun bike to ride
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kamal
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: November 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles
Strengths:
great frame, Hayes hydraulic brakes, excellent value for money
Weaknesses:
the rock shox judys, gt headset
Bike Setup:
Crankbrothers eggbeater c, Rock Shox revelation, FSA Pig DH Pro headset.. otherwise stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike. This is suitable for a beginner or novice who's got the riding bug. It has a good frame, decent derailers and hydraulic brakes so the quality foundations are there if you want to upgrade in the future when you have more skills. This is my first real bike and have had it for 2 years, riding mostly aggressive cross country. Never had any major problems. I didn't like the shimano M520 pedals so i got some eggbeaters. The headset is busted recently but this is understandable after 2 years of UK weather. The Rock Shox Judy fork started to become too stiff after about 20 months but still usable, but I changed them to Revelation recently. The Judys are still better than most other forks that come stock with bikes at this price range. All in all a great package with value for money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlie Stocker
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, NZ Date Reviewed: October 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bottle Lakes jump track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Rangiora Just Bikes
Strengths:
Great bike straight off the shelf doesnt have to be tweaked in any way except for the 6 week new bike service. Is very sturdy. Got bowled like a row of s**t cans when got hit by a 3 wheeled motorbike at 50km and all that hapened was slightly buckled front rim and bent front break lever. Also i love the lock our on the front shock.
Weaknesses:
Personaly i think the biker is suited for biger riders as i have a size M and am 1.7m tall and i find the bike fraim to be to long so i got a shorter (but much weaker)headset fitted. Also i think the seat post is to high for the rest of the frame. On my first ride of the bike the left side off my crank fell off! this was credited to bad assembly at the bike store as the assembler had only used locktight to hold my crank together and had forgoten to tighten up the bolts. Also as the bike uses Brake lever/Derailleur-switch one piece units if you bend a brake lever you have to replace the whole unit which is $60 each!
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stinky, Stinky Dee-lux, Haro Hotfoot, Specialised P2
Bike Setup:
06 Avalanche 1.0 M
Bottom Line:
Good bike for a beginner great off the shelf bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lee weldon
a Weekend Warrior
from victorville, ca, usofa Date Reviewed: October 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
mother earth
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Frame strength. Cockpit. No cables on the top tube. Hydro brakes. Bullet proof. Styling. Ergonomically perfect for tall riders over 6'.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F400.
Bike Setup:
Stock for now
Bottom Line:
I have the XL frame which suits my 6'4" frame. Many bikes say they have good frames but this one is bulletproof. I did not see a 4' drop ahead on a trail and no choice. No damage and I am 250 lbs. The hydro brakes have no issues. My LBS will adjust free after 30 days. We will see how it fairs then. I plan upgrading pedals, seat, derailer, and grips for my personal tastes but for the money...this is a great bike. I did my research and had it nailed down to a handful. This one is my bet for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK Date Reviewed: September 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
42nd Traverse (NZ), Cymcarn (UK)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
Strong yet light, LX, Hayes discs, ok spd's.
Weaknesses:
If was being ultra fussy would say rims and shocks but for the money no complaints. Shop assembly was sh*te (cabling, headset) - needed to tweek after a couple of weeks.
Similar Products Used:
Avante, Specialized
Bike Setup:
Shop
Bottom Line:
Been riding the curb pretty hard to work in the city so has taken a pounding boucing off buses. XC-wise have come from full-sus so find initially found it a bit hard but fantastic value-for-money. Slightly buckled rear rim on some heavy landings but otherwise taking the knocks well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Date Reviewed: September 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Carnival
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Strengths:
Being a hard tail, i was surprised at the strength this bike has. Took it off road down hilling and dirt jumping and this bike performed better than any of my friend full sussers.
Weaknesses:
Just coming from a background with full suspension, the ride for me is a bit harsh still...but i am still getting used to riding hard tail.
Similar Products Used:
GT Lts-3
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
Reccomend this bike to anyone looking for a new bike with good value and wants something strong enough to compete with bikes in the 2000-3000 USD ranges.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mat
a Weekend Warrior
from canada Date Reviewed: August 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
I posted a few months back when i just got my bike and it was still fresh. In the meantime i've ridden 3-4 times a week, minimum 1.5-2 hour rides each time for the last 4 months. I have used this bike in every way imaginable, took some spills, and did countless amounts of drops to flat, some being in the region of 4feet. Ive dropped off the side of hills, off dirt jumps and really abused this thing hard.
#1 i havent bent a rim #2 i havent had any serious problems #3 actually i havent had any problems at all #4 did i mention this bike has no problems?
Im really impressed and if after several months of owning a bike i can still go outside and admire it and love the way it feels it must be a great bike. I highly highly recommend this thing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Arlington, VA USA Date Reviewed: August 14, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Components, Price
Weaknesses:
None I can think of except the Hydraulic Disc Brakes are noisy if not tuned.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper, Rockhopper, Trek 6500
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price. The components on similar bikes would be in a much higher price range. Good bike for single track. It can take a beating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BK
a Weekend Warrior
from OCEAN CITY, MD Date Reviewed: August 1, 2006
Favorite Trail:
MCAS NEW RIVER
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$566.00
Purchased At:
PERFORMANCE BIKES
Strengths:
STRONG, DURABLE AND GREAT PRICE
Weaknesses:
NONE YET
Similar Products Used:
MONGOOSE HARDTAIL
Bike Setup:
1.0 XL WITH FSA V-DRIVE EXO CRANK EVERYTHING ELSE STOCK
Bottom Line:
I LOVE MY BIKE. I RIDE EVERYDAY AND IT NEVER FAILED ME YET. I AM 6'3" AND 330LBS. THE BIKE IS REALLY STRONG. I HADE A GT TIMBERLINE 4 MONTHS AGO AND TOOK IT OFFROAD THINKING IT WAS GOING TO PERFORM LIKE A MOUNTAIN BIKE AND IT WAS WACK FOR THAT PURPOSE. THIS BIKE WAS SWEET THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT OUT I WENT 22 MILES AND THEN BROUGHT IT BACK TO SEE MAKE SURE THE CRANK WAS SEATED PROPERLY. THERE WAS A LOT OF BAD TALK ABOUT THE TRUVATIV 5-D BUT IT WORKED FOR ME AND I HAD ALOT OF STAND UP TIME ON THE CRANK AND IT WAS FINE. I CHANGED BECAUSE I HAD A GREAT DEAL ON THE FSA EXO SO I JUST GOT IT AND PUT IT ON. I WILL TELL EVERYONE WHO IS BIG TO GET THIS BIKE
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
V F
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose Date Reviewed: July 25, 2006
This is a great starter bike. I've shopped around for quite some time looking for a top rated, highly reviewed, reliable hardtail. It was just my luck I came upon the bike that i have. I would recommend this to any beginning rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA, USA Date Reviewed: July 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Yellow River, Stone Mountain, GA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Perfomance Bikes
Strengths:
Great components for the price.
Weaknesses:
wish it came stock with candy eggbeaters
Similar Products Used:
Trek 850
Bike Setup:
Stock except for adding pedals
Bottom Line:
I had ordered a Novara Ponderosa from REI, when I found this bike at Performance while my GF was buying a road bike. I couldn't believe the component setup on a bike this price. I recently took it back to the store for an adjustment, and the mechanic told me that it was a hard to find bike that was really sought after. Pick one up if you find one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from OC (Cali), USA Date Reviewed: June 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anything in OC
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$670.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
strong, sturdy frame, great spec's at pricepoint (Hayes Sole, Deore LX, etc)
Weaknesses:
none that I can think of for price paid...
Bike Setup:
all stock (right now), except for Crank Bros 50/50s platforms.
Bottom Line:
I highly concur with the last reviewer. To get the specs on this bike from another brand, look to be paying $1000 or higher. It's really hard to find the 1.0 stateside at a shop--that's why I turned to ebay, where I lucked out and found an 06 well under msrp. Besides the nice specs, the frame will hold up under duress (better than my body). If you're looking for a quality hard tail, but don't want to pay over a $1000, I'd try to track this one down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from mississauga Date Reviewed: June 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Weaknesses:
a little on the heavy side
Bottom Line:
First of all the price is totally wrong even in US currency the retail price is semi-fixed at $799.99.
I payed tax in 800bucks CAD for this bike. Its a brand new model from this year, not a last years model, im not sure how people are getting these bikes for cheaper but that pretty sweet.
That being said i cannot find anything that is even close to comparable with parts at this range. The giant iguana costs over 900CAD and has Acera parts, and mechanical disks, Kona blast is 900+ and has Acera parts, Specialized hardrocks almost 800 with tax and come with sramX5 components, also mechanical disks. Not to mention all three of those bikes are no ligher, sometimes heavier and have only 24gears. ALL have worse front forks.
The only time other companies start to have similar parts is when you pay over 1000dollars for this bike, so in other words when your paying full retail value, even then the bike has a great style and finish, its all about the ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashua Date Reviewed: April 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Mines falls park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$185.00
Purchased At:
LL bean
Strengths:
overall decent components for the money and beginner trail rider.
Weaknesses:
Rims, pedals
Similar Products Used:
Klein,cannondale,haro,redline,Evil Bikes,DK
Bike Setup:
All stock except sun singletracks with redline hubs and maxxis holy rollers (i do just as much asphalt riding as hard pack) and atomlabs platform petals.
Bottom Line:
Want a good all around great mountain bike for cheap money buy this GT it's well worth the $700 i lucked out and spotted this @ L.L.bean outlet store i didn't know they sold GT bikes! i knew the price was a mistake and knowing GT's good rep. and the nice components i had to steal it @ $185.00 i been riding it over a year now i am more of a BMX rider, dirt jumper pavement commuting but this frame geometry works decent for some singletrack trails. the cheesy points are the rims i had to keep truing them for awhile till i upgraded the pedals had to go i kept dinging my shins and the tires wore out in 7 months not bad for tioga's, maxxis is much better for what i use the bike for. I'll keep this bike till it's junk or until my Evil Imperial is finally complete!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mal M
a Weekend Warrior
from Ivanhoe, Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: March 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Around Kinglake Victoria
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Ivanhoe Cycles
Strengths:
Disc brakes are extremely effective. The frame is itself very light but very strong. All componetry still running like day one. Has a nice finish aswell, chrome, black & red. running as smooth as day one
Weaknesses:
None really, perhaps the tioga tyres are only average, aswell as the judy rockshoks but have handled everything I've thrown at it. I've also noticed a few paint chips here and there but nothing major.
Similar Products Used:
Previously was riding a $400 Gary Fischer, which now just feels so heavy and unco.
Bike Setup:
Pretty much stock standard. The only addition has been I've added Shimano PD-M959 pedals.
Bottom Line:
I absolutlely love my bike. I know I possibly paid a little much for it compared with what others have appeared to pay, but I don't care as I can see myself riding this bike well into the future. If you're in the market for a good quality HT mountain bike, that's sure to go the distance, be sure to test ride the avalanche 1.0. You won't regret it. Cheers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Demian Bullock
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Date Reviewed: January 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Nerang State Forest
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Southport Bike Store
Strengths:
Cheap, tough, reliable, rides very well. Have been doing alot of riding for last 2 years with no real problems. Have compared it to other bikes and should really retail for $200 more. Rims have taken a punishing with no sign of buckling.
Weaknesses:
None yet....
Similar Products Used:
NA
Bike Setup:
Stock plus crank bros candy pedals.
Bottom Line:
I reckon the perfect balance of peformamnce for price if you're into riding alot and not racing. A nice simple bike with less things to go wrong than some more expensive models but still light and tough. Holds it's own against some more expensive competition. Not for you if you're into show rather than go.... I LOVE MY BIKE!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roger Washingtom
a Cross Country Rider
from West Verginia Date Reviewed: December 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Local store
Strengths:
Very Strong,light,very good components,J3 shock with lockup works amazing !
Weaknesses:
Tioga tires need to be change, only my opinion.
Similar Products Used:
FSR Stumpjumper,Santa Cruz Superlight,Marine Rift Zone
Bike Setup:
Tires changed to panaracer fire XC 2.1
Bottom Line:
Have been riding Full-suspension for 7 year. My first hardtail are the GT Avalanche 1.0,have been trying lots of hardtails for 2 weeks now and consulting lots of friends. Most of theme said "You must to try the GT Avalance 1.0", I tried and I am hooked. After riding full suspention expensive bikes, this relatively cheap hardtail had made me riding hardtail for about 1 monthe now and I don't fill going back to my FS Marine. They are light very strong frame surprisingly ! good front shock.
After spending lots of money on FS at the past,I wanted a good HT that does't cost an arm or a leg and I found it.
Beleive me it ROCKS !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jackson
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: November 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$444.00
Strengths:
Fast sprinter, Strong frame, LX rear D, Comfortable ridding position, Hayes sole disc brake,
Weaknesses:
Rockshox Judy C is reasonably stiff, but spring rate is too hard for lighter user.
I the disc brake version. It's A bike value for the money paid, brought it to long distance ridding and some wet off road. It gives me plenty of confident in the trail and never fails. Some of the parts needs to be replace pretty soon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adam
a Weekend Warrior
from mt beauty, victoria, australia Date Reviewed: October 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
big hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Rock'n'Road Cycles Wodonga
Strengths:
Hayes Sole Hydraulic Discs Deore LX rear derailluer Tioga XC tyres Frame
Weaknesses:
RockShox Judy Deore LX front derailluer
Similar Products Used:
Old Avanti Ventura 2001
Bike Setup:
Stock: Hayes Sole Hydraulic discs, Deore LX front a rear derailluers,Truvativ 5D Crankset, RockShox Judy C forks, Tioga Extreme XC rear and Factory XC front tyres, Jalco DX221 rims
Bottom Line:
Just updating old review after doing a few more rides on the bike.This is a great bike to start out racing with. Planning to do the Mitta Mitta to Mt Beauty on it in a couple of weeks. This bike is cheap and it is very rare to get Hydraulic disc brakes on a bike of this price so BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rory McCann
a Weekend Warrior
from Lytham St.Annes, Lancashire, England Date Reviewed: September 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
7stanes, Scotland
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Leisure Lakes, Preston
Strengths:
Rides great, looks great, feels great. Frame is the same as the top of the range GT hardtail, so upgrading is justified. Got it for £400 with discs. Bargain for this bike brand new.
Weaknesses:
Front disc on mine a bit fussy, needs extensive cleaning after every ride for it to work properly. Judy forks are ok, not fantastic.
Similar Products Used:
Mates have Specialized, ridgeback, giants of same pricesthat i have tried. First real mtb of my own.
Bike Setup:
as stock, only cosmetic changes, but looking for new fork in the distant future
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money, if you can still get one. LX is good, apparently XT or higher is toooo light and breaks often... only what i've heard. Perfect frame to upgrade on- same frame as the best GT avalanche. Rides like a dream. Great for XC, not sure about jumping etc, but i'm sure it would be strong enough.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Mt Beauty, Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: September 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
big hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Rock'n'Road Cycles Wodonga
Strengths:
Hayes Hydraulic Discs Deore LX derailluers
Weaknesses:
RockShox Judy
Similar Products Used:
My old Avanti
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike for its price. Great to have Hydraulic Disc Brakes, a terrific bike to introduce yourself into the real world of mountain biking. Definetely recommend this bike to anyone because of its price and quality
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
duncan lee
a Cross Country Rider
from dover england Date Reviewed: August 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
sunsetmtb
Strengths:
great price ,good stock componates
Weaknesses:
pedals i would have preferred platforms
Bike Setup:
stock at the moment will be changing to crank bros mallets {platform pedals}
Bottom Line:
the gt is a perfect bike to introduce yourself in to the world of mtb buy one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Sharp
a Cross Country Rider
from Albury, Australia Date Reviewed: July 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Nail Can
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Rock 'n' Road - Wodonga
Strengths:
Very good value for money - particularly when compared to other models on sale for similar price (e.g. Giant, Avanti etc). A sold feel with all of the required bits: Hayes Sole hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano LX derailers, light weight, good pedals, etc.
Weaknesses:
Forks (Rock Shock Judy C) not the best - quite stiff (even when set to maximum "softness"
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Hayes Sole hydraulic disc brakes (single piston), Shimano clip pedals, Deore Shifters, Deore LX Front and Rear Derailers, Rock Shock Judy C fork
Bottom Line:
In my humble opinion, this is an excellent bike from the point of view of pure cost, as well as quality of setup (i.e. great value for money). We ride some fairly rough single tracks (rocky, wet, creek crossings, dust - all of it) and this thing eats it up.
My only concern in that the front forks don't seem to give as much as they should (I have never bottomed them out and they are set to max "softness").
The stability of the ride is great. I have recently purchased some Shimano shoes and am still getting the "clip out" setting right (a few falls to prove I still have not got it quite right yet). The bike, however, has stood up to this.
The breaks are great (discs are a new concept to me). They have quite good stopping power. But, with only a single piston, they are not as good as the dual piston models. So, perhaps a slight negative there. But, at least you are getting hydraulic discs within a very good price bracket.
So, this is a great one for a new/intermediate rider. It is all good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
liorde
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel Date Reviewed: June 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Weekend trails, road trips
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
http://www.rosen-meents.co.il
Strengths:
Lightweight, good looking, decent technical spec for the price
Weaknesses:
Stock tires: Tioga 2.1" front, 1.95" rear. Bad tires, replace as soon as you can. Pedals are weak especially for heavy people like me. After 1 month of riding they showed serious wear & tear. WTB stock seat may be painful for heavies like me.
Bike Setup:
Replaced tires: Rear - Specialized Enduro Sport 2.2" Front - Maxxis High Roller 2.1"
Bottom Line:
Nice bike to start with. Good value for the money. This bike is intended for people looking for a decent bike not too cheap not too expensive ans that will still give them the desired pleasure of all around riding. Trails, roads. NO DOWNHILL, URBAN, FREERIDE please... Not for this body anyway.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kenneth
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: June 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$609.00
Purchased At:
mebourne bicycle centre
Strengths:
good component on the bike, decent brakes. very light-weight. good mountain bike feel
Weaknesses:
saddle seems to be bit to hard to sit for a long time. pedal annoying.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
none yet, but planning to change to a 8" front rotor.
Bottom Line:
this bike is good value for money. and its an elementary level for hydraulic disc brake. overall, it is a solid quality mountain bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Birdwoodton, Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: June 5, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Superstor
Strengths:
Light weight, discs offer great stopping power. Tires are good, shifters are a breeze. Derailleurs are fast and strong
Weaknesses:
Pedals are weak and will need replacing, forks not the greatest but still good.
Similar Products Used:
My old Huffy, Trek 3900
Bike Setup:
Stock '04 GT Avalanche, sooon to replace pedals
Bottom Line:
Value plus. Buy It!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darrick Subrata
a Weekend Warrior
from Indonesia Date Reviewed: April 29, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
PG Bikes
Strengths:
value for money, good components, solid feel
Weaknesses:
paint chips easily, rockshox judy tt just ok, the rear shimano hubs breaks after 2 months, the seats are ok, but the stock pedals doesn't look good
Bike Setup:
at the moment, i've changed the fork to '03 Fox Float 80, front and rear hub changed to DT Swiss Onyx (now used with stock wheels and maxxis hookworm for street use), Avid Juicy 5, Mavic CrossMax XL for offroad use. sometimes i use it to travel to work but on most weekend i go for of road use.
Bottom Line:
For the amount of money i paid i got a great packaged bike. disc brakes, deore stuff, its pedal and go kind of affair with gt avalanche. It's a great bike to start riding with. Stock components are great but need to be upgraded. it looks great and feels great as well. but really, it's a great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
neonic
a Weekend Warrior
from Skopje, Macedonia Date Reviewed: April 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Bike Stop - Skopje
Strengths:
Awesome and lightweight frame, great bike for 'dancing' in the dirt. Good components.
Weaknesses:
Tektro brakes (wanted to buy the disc version), bad bad Pedals. I don't know if the frame and fork are strong enough for BIG jumps (will try on of these days).
Similar Products Used:
KTM Chicago
Bike Setup:
Stock for now. First pedals and then maybe front disc brake
Bottom Line:
I was looking Specialized Hardrock XC Comp but then I saw the 1.0. 1.0 is a good bike for it's price. Great GT frame, LX derailleurs are ok, good fork, bad brakes and pedals. Light years better than my previous KTM Chicago. Looks kewl.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy De Leeuw
a Cross Country Rider
from simi valley, Ca, US Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
simi cycling center
Strengths:
everything is great
Weaknesses:
the WTB speed v saddle it is starting to bend to one side
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher tassajara disc
Bike Setup:
shimano LX rear derailleur, sr suntour front derailleur deore shifters, shimano 9spd disc hubs, avid bb5 disc brakes on sd-7 levers, alexrims
Bottom Line:
good stuff should use better platform pedals
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mikhail Panasyuk
a Cross Country Rider
from Novosibirsk, Russia Date Reviewed: April 4, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$558.00
Purchased At:
www.trial-sport.ru
Strengths:
Good overall balance of components. Coil hydraulic fork with Lock-out. Lightweight (compared to my previous bike). Really fast bike, good for going uphill and downhill. Nice saddle. Looks cool :)
Weaknesses:
Front and rear derailleurs (Deore LX) don't like dirt/water/ice. In the same conditions XT on another bike works just fine. Breaks are cheap plain Tektro, will replace with LX parallels. Lost all reflectors on pedals in the first ride (32km). Tires not so good for ice/snow, 2.1" Velociraptors on my prev. bike were better. Integrated TH Zero Stack system, one should be very cearfull with it - mine was not properly fixed (thank goddness I found this in time, could damage frame).
Similar Products Used:
GT Aggressor 2004
Bike Setup:
SR XC PRO D-Lo fork
Bottom Line:
Good bike for it's price, although it needs some minor upgrade/replacements right after purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Fair
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town Date Reviewed: April 4, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Olympic cycles
Strengths:
Great frame, forks, components oustanding.
Weaknesses:
El cheapo pedals, price bit high in South Africa.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Aquila, Trek 4300.
Bike Setup:
shop with XC Pro forks
Bottom Line:
An excellent, fast bike. Very differnt to my stolen Trek 4300 in that the 1.0 feels like a racing bike, not a cruiser. Beautfiul for single track and downhill too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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