Submitted by
Deez
a Cross Country Rider
from oc Date Reviewed: July 16, 2009
Favorite Trail:
nutz
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
cyclewerks
Strengths:
light feel, excellent shifts, fairly aggressive tires for stock, great all around for a somewhat average rider
Weaknesses:
tad heavy but othe rthan that i like it
Similar Products Used:
-
Bike Setup:
sober as a judge
Bottom Line:
great value and good lookin bike in the matte black finish, Cheers
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bmod530
a Weekend Warrior
from Novi, MI Date Reviewed: May 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Lakeshore
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
Bike Town, Walled La
Strengths:
VERY nice frame. Lightness compares to most of the higher end bikes. Disc brakes work very good, as so do all the other components thus far. good looks.
Weaknesses:
Brakes sequel like crazy. grips suck. pedals are sub par.
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose Hood'd :O
Bike Setup:
2009 GT Avalanche 3.0 DISC, mongoose saddle. everything else is stock for now.
Bottom Line:
I took this bike out shortly after purchase to a local trail head and rode about 2 miles. Bike held up fine. Hands hurt really bad. Nicest bike for under 500 bucks, absolutely love disc brakes, and the frame quality. after new pedals and grips this is a very quality ride.
A+
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trumpits
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton, AB, CANADA Date Reviewed: April 26, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Mud, sweat and gears
Strengths:
Disc brakes, frame geometry seems to fit just right, looks pretty damn slick in Blue.
From lower end components they seem pretty good for a novice.
Weaknesses:
Pedals are crappy, to small for my feet and I will upgrade them soon.
Derailers dont like mud very much at all.
Stock tires seem to be wearing pretty fast.
Hand grips hurt untill I got some good riding gloves.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Wahoo disc
Bike Setup:
stock, stock and more stock
Bottom Line:
Seems to be a great begginer bike. I started riding again after many years off, and this is my first good bike.
As a total package it seems to work pretty good, I have been riding local stuff with it. No hardcore downhill or even single track. Just bombing around the area and going off the walking trails when ever I can.
For a begginer or novice it should work really well, and fits my needs perfect.
It can be upgraded as I improve and I dont regret the purchase at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick314
a Cross Country Rider
from Annapolis, MD Date Reviewed: February 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
not flat
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Dick's
Strengths:
very upgradeable, can improve bike as you improve your abilities, frame is great and lasts, keeps up with the big boys
Weaknesses:
fork dies after 6 months, wheels are straight up bad, stock pedals, brakes, drivetrain is heavy, seat made me very sor
Similar Products Used:
scott
Bike Setup:
manitou axel elite 80mm, wtb wheels with wtb 2.1" tires, new seat/seatpost/bars/stem, time atac pedals, FIZIK seat, stock drivetrain, its basically brand new right now aside from frame, brakes and drivetrain
Bottom Line:
the bike is 6 YEARS OLD, bought it in 2003, and still outrides more expensive cannondales, etc., TERRIFIC and has a lot of future potential
RIDDEN IT ALL OVER WEST VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND, JUMPED A LOT, GOOD AT DOWNHILLS
handles great, still have the drivetrain it came with since i cant afford to replace it yet.
V BRAKES are useless, they slow you down, not stop you, upgrade the brakepads or you might die.
after a year or so, the fork and wheels will need to be replaced, theyre that bad...
the FRAME is bulletproof, stock drivetrain lasts even if it underperforms, i crashed the bike in so many different ways and its as good as new, it will last forever
BUY IT, USE IT, UPGRADE IT, RIDE THE HECK OUT OF IT, i still enjoy it after half a decade
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
saeta119
a Weekend Warrior
from Cuenca, Ecuador Date Reviewed: November 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Andes Mountains
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
PABikes
Strengths:
The frame, gotta love it, it's strong and for the price it's very light.
Weaknesses:
I'm starting to learn that the components are not the strongest of the bunch.
Similar Products Used:
schwinn mesa gsx
Bike Setup:
candy C
Bottom Line:
I love this bike so much that I ended up getting another identical bike for my girlfriend, we have just started biking in a serious manner for the past 6 months and have come to fall in love with this bike.
climbs really good and overall it's a great bike, the only problem is that after a 5 hr bike ride I did this weekend, I managed to bend both disc brakes and the front wheel lock, now I just happened to hit a medium sized rock, I didn't even fall off the bike but that seems to have done the damage.
I'll be upgrading it with better components in the future, but so far, it's the best bike to start with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JOHN
a Cross Country Rider
from el paso Date Reviewed: July 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
chuoacabras
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Bourbank California
Strengths:
rigid frame, strong,versatile, flexible hard tail, upgradable.
I have to change almost all the original components.
I broke them in my first mountain ride.
Still having one broken chifter, but it works well.
good for a park ride whit that components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TXGiant
a Racer
from San Antonio, TX Date Reviewed: March 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Gpvt Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bikes
Strengths:
Good construction, fairly light, decent components. Got the WSD for my daughter and this is a far superior WSD then the Specialized Myka. plus $400 for disc brakes...
Weaknesses:
The XS has kind of a high Stand over height. Alot of the other XS we tried had a lower SO Height.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Rincon WSD, Specialized Myka,
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance custom. XTR Derailleurs, Fox Float 130, Cane Creek AD10, Avid Juicy seven, Mavic X321 w XT Hubs,
Bottom Line:
This is a great second bike for my daughter, her first was a mongoose walmart bike just to see how she would take to the sport, well it was like a woldfire in her she wants to ride all the time. I had to get her something good. We looked at the Spec. Myka, Giant Rincon WSD, and the Trek. Not syain the the Shimano Alivio are great components but for a $300 to $400 FS Bike, this one had the Alivio. Rincon, Myka and the Trek had the Tourney SIS on them. I was a little dissapointed in that for my sons Scott 20" has it and it was the first thing that i threw in the trash...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Junior
a Racer
from Ramsbottom Date Reviewed: March 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Brooksbottom/Microsoft
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Dave's Cycles
Strengths:
Snazzy frame, suitable for matt fitton, not forgetting Jan!
Weaknesses:
The seat grinds on me "u'nowatts", i snapped the frame in the first minute, the wheels bent under jacks weight and jumping over bill gates's head, forks bent, wheels smell, brakes don't work.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hardrock Sport Disk (also snazzy too), Kona cowa, Scott Voltage (mint), Sarason Hazzard with Zoom Gordo's LOL, Jaguar
Bike Setup:
Just as MAtt Fitton likes it... up the a**
Bottom Line:
Its mint as my review suggests!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ali
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: March 2, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Private sale
Strengths:
Good frame; Wheels; Gears
Weaknesses:
Disk brakes; Forks
Similar Products Used:
Giant Boulder
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Pilot XC, Street tyres
Bottom Line:
Feels solid, while still being light. Stock suspension & brakes are rubish. Brakes squeal & are ineffective at stopping quickly. Feels solid landing 3 foot drops to flat landing. Chain occasionally comes off while riding stairs, but could be fixed with chain tensioner. Overall a great bike for casual & xc, but if you're not willing to upgrade susp + brakes you'd be better off with the 2.0.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Zenke
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany Date Reviewed: February 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Bar-H
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
AAFES
Strengths:
Frame and its versatility...
Weaknesses:
Components
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Kona, Giant & Huffy
Bike Setup:
Stock v-Brakes and Shifters, Shimano Deore LX crank, Shimano Deore Rear Derailleur, Bombshell Revolution Wheels w/Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, Wellgo WAM-M3 pedals, Toro Rock Shox...
Bottom Line:
Received my Avalanche in 03' as a present, which got me into riding. Previous posts are correct about the components. I've found that as I learn more about riding the components would break and I would upgrade to accommodate my riding style. I'm a Clyde and have ridden this bike at 220lbs and 250lbs (my current weight) and it has held up to everything I have put it through. From fast Trail riding to XC and AM in TX and the EU. I've been over the handle bars more than once, let it go down a cliff with me hanging on a tree branch and had a rear blow out at top speed (3 on front chain ring and high gear in the rear) which left me with a broke rib. My GT still keeps going, this bike will progress as you progress and it's priced just right for the beginner. I’m not sure what folks are saying about the weight, it weights less then the Kona's I’ve dealt with...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Miller
a Cross Country Rider
from Whitby Date Reviewed: January 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
MY DAM TRAIL
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
don't remeber
Strengths:
Good frame, easy to ride.
Weaknesses:
the rear derailer hanger keeps bending.
Bike Setup:
My'n seemed to have disk brakes and cost twice as much. I think i bought the Gt Avalanche 3.0 Disk...
Bottom Line:
If you new to the sport i'd say get it. And if you really like the sport you can up grade it to more than a novice bike, thats the beauty of it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark
a Cross Country Rider
from newport beach, ca, usa Date Reviewed: January 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Santiago Canyon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Frame, shifters, simplicity
Weaknesses:
Wheels, spokes, company service... Words can not and do not describe how bad this company and their product is...! Although Pathetic, miserable, fraudulent...all come to mind.
Similar Products Used:
Titus Racer X
Bike Setup:
standard
Bottom Line:
My wife bought this bike for me last Christmas. Within two weeks the spokes were rusting even though they had not been in any wet conditions. Within a month the spokes were popping like popcorn on very ride... I tried the dealer and they said contact GT...I tried emailing and calling GT with NO response...! I spent over $50 replacing spokes before I gave up and bought a new set of wheels and a new cassette to match... IF you want a REALLY bad deal, from a REALLY REALLY REALLLLLY BAD company (GT), and a WHOLE LOT of MISERY...BUY THIS BIKE...!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Running Springs, Ca Date Reviewed: November 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Santa Ana River Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Frame Strength, Versatility for upgrading
Weaknesses:
Rear Deraileur, Pedals
Similar Products Used:
Too many to remember
Bike Setup:
LX Crankset, XT F/R Deraileur/shifters, 185mm BB7 disk, Gravity Dropper, Fox Float 120, XT Hubs, Singletrack Hoops and various other goodies
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up review of an earlier review of the GT frame. I have almost completely replaced every component on the frame wih the exception of the stem. I originally bought the GT for a hardtail buildup project that I could take to any trail and have fun on. It has been a little over a year and I still think GT has one of the best frames that you can get from a mass produced company. In the past year, I have logged over 2,000 dirt miles on this frame. Trails vary from smooth fireroad to 40-45 degree decents on every type of terrain you could think of. With the standard exception of trail rash, the frame is in excellent condition and the rear traingle is still in perfect alignment. You have a great base to work from if you're trying to see if you like MTB riding. If you decide that you would like to stick with riding, you will be able to build the frame into a very capable and predictable trail bike that can take on similar models cost 3X as much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gerardo Chaves
a Cross Country Rider
from Cartago, Costa Rica Date Reviewed: September 5, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Costa Rica
Strengths:
Frame Price Good looking
Weaknesses:
Cheap components
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Marin, Raleigh
Bike Setup:
Everything stock except for the crank Shimano Deore LX Hollowtech, rear der Shimano Deore XT, saddle Selle Italia FLX gel, rims SunRims CR18 black. Thinking to change the pedals for some Wellgo WAM-M3, but not sure yet to upgrade to cleats. Also have the original rims with Specialized road tires, but I almost don´t use them.
Bottom Line:
Mine is the international version that comes with 8 speed. This is a great bike to begin with, is cheap and affordable, Totally reliable and gives plenty of room for upgrades. The best component is the frame, I am planning to upgrade components as they broke or as an opportunity shows up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terry Donaldson
a Cross Country Rider
from Newark, Ohio, US Date Reviewed: August 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Okinawa Japan
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
EAWO, Okinawa Japan
Strengths:
Affordable, Strong frame, upgradeable.
Weaknesses:
Poor brakes, lame fork.
Similar Products Used:
Some Mongoose or other, Avalanlache 2.0
Bike Setup:
3.0 frame, Manitou minute 3 fork, Avid BB disks, Mavic 321 rims, Shimano XT R derailler, trigger shift/levers and crank, SRAM chain and cassette, crank brothers mallet pedals.
Bottom Line:
If you can't afford to spend a huge lump of money on a bike, or if you just like buying a special blend of components, get the 3.0. I bought it cheap, and put on everything I wanted. It's a bulletproof frame, and has great looks. The only things stock on mine is the frame and the front derailler. It works wonderfully. It's not the lightest, or the most impressive, but it'll keep up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
OMIE
a Weekend Warrior
from camarillo, CA Date Reviewed: June 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
was cheap, vs other hardtails I was looking it. What sold me was the rapid fire shifters vs the grip shifts on the other brands in this price range
Weaknesses:
Cheapo components, well its 7spd what did I expect. The rear wheel is weak, I got hit by a soccermom going to school, and the small fall bent the rear axle. It wobbles a bit now.
Similar Products Used:
Older Motiv.
Bike Setup:
I've swapped out the Crank for a Hollowtech Hone, a 9spd chain, teflon shifter cables and have city slicks on stock wheels.
Bottom Line:
I was looking for a cheap reliable commuter. I got exactly what I was looking for. The Frame is probably the only reason I"m going to stick with this thing for a long time. I am planning more upgrades down the line, but its bought for city duty.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hans
a Weekend Warrior
from Arlington, VA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2007
Almost all components have been replaced by now: - Manitou Minute 1 fork (100-130mm) - Avid BB-7 disc brakes, 6" rotors, Avid levers - 1x9 drivetrail (Truvativ + Shimano LX) - SRAM Attack grip shifter - Sun Rhyno Lite wheels
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike after doing some mountain biking on vacation in Mexico. Since I wasn't 100% sure that I'd really get into it in the US, I decided to get an entry-level bike.
As I learned, there are myriads of mountain biking opportunities within a short drive of the Washington DC area, so I've gotten to use this bike really heavily in the year since purchasing it.
By now I have replaced everything on the bike except the frame and seatpost. I love the frame. It is not light, but it is also not particularly heavy: my girlfriend's small aluminum Schwinn weighs more than my XL GT. The geometry is great. I do think that this frame does lend itself to shorter travel forks, though. I put on the Manitou Minute 1:00 100-130mm fork, and despite getting a lower-angle stem and lowering it down to the frame (removed spacers), I have felt ever since that I am more precarious on turns and hill climbs. I think the stock fork is a 75mm travel, so I will probably eventually put an 80 or 85mm travel fork on this bike.
Most of the components were pretty crappy. I broke my plastic pedal on a rock within the first couple weeks. The rear cassette started wobbling very quickly and ultimately I had to replace the whole wheel (well, the hub, anyway, but I was upgrading to disc brakes anyway). And of course when the bike is coming with 7-speed components, there's little choice but replacing the whole drivetrain.
But would I recommend the bike to others? Absolutely. I might recommend that they spend a little more on one of the upgraded Avalanche models, though, if they want to ride hard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Davidson
a Cross Country Rider
from Ardmore, Oklahoma, USA Date Reviewed: April 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Lake Murry
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Awesome frame, Handles nicely, great upgrade potential
Weaknesses:
The stock fork sucks horably, and of course low end components but thats why its the 3.0 and not 1.0
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Mesa GSD
Bike Setup:
at the moment stock, besides new pedals
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike mainly for the frame. I would have went for the 2.0 or 1.0 but i didn't have the money. However you may or may not know the frame on the 3.0 is the exact same frame used on the 2.0 and 1.0 (Avalanche Expert is different) So i decided on this bike due to the rock solid frame and planned on upgrading stuff as i got the money. So far i have not been dissapointed at all. I love the way the bike handles. Components are of course what you pay for but hey they work. I have already competed in a couple of races with this bike and its done fantastic. Only problem i've had is with the fork. Started squeaking reall bad, took it to the shop where i bought it and they rebuilt it and since then its been ok. Stil a cheap fork and is about to be replaced. Bottom line, if your on a budget but looking for a great base to start off of. This is the bike for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Running Springs, Ca Date Reviewed: April 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Sant Ana River
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Riverside Cyclery
Strengths:
The Frame can handle ALMOST anything you can throw at it. It is what it is though, entry level. I bought it for the hardtail GT frame and haven't regreted it since. Overall, it has a good base to work from, but learn to adjust your rear derailuer.
Weaknesses:
The pedals that come stock are crap. Upgrade them as you walk out the door. You'll be much happier. The OE brake pads are VERY noisy, even when you baby them. Change them out as neccesary and you should be fine.
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse, Specialized
Bike Setup:
RockShox Tora 318, Maxxis ADvantage Tires, Cool Stop F/R Brake Pads, Other than that, stock.
Bottom Line:
If you are looking to get a good, strong production frame with great potential - look seriously at the GT. If you want to impress your friends out on the trail with all the latest stuff - look elsewhere. You have a ton of upside for the price and you will end up replacing/repairing parts along the way as you see fit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: March 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Haldon Freeride, England
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Get a lot for your money
Weaknesses:
very weak wheels - mine buckled easily
Similar Products Used:
Giant xtc 3, Specialized hardrock
Bike Setup:
Avalanche frame, Rockshox Tora forks and most of the original setup, V-brakes etc...
Bottom Line:
This is a good bike for a beginner cross-country rider and is a good bargain. You DO get what you pay for. It is not suitable for anything like dirt-jumping or aggresive riding. I have found this out the hard way.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe bishop
a Weekend Warrior
from jersey Date Reviewed: December 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
water works
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$480.00
Purchased At:
cycle centre
Strengths:
smooth bike to ride. pretty nice to jump, great balance on it but a bit weak for serious jumping, great for little 3 ft jumps but nothing bigger.
Weaknesses:
forks were stiff and pedals were a bit dodgy, brakes packed up pretty early
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
yetti yetti grips and new v brakes as others packed ip
Bottom Line:
an ok all round bike for jumping cross country but if just focusing on one thing its not the bike for you. if you dont know what your gonna do its great cos it gives you a taster of everthing
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Manu
a Weekend Warrior
from Tilly Belgium Date Reviewed: December 17, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Nice frame, really funny to ride
Weaknesses:
cassette & chain
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Really good product for the price, I recommend it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
phil scuderi
a Weekend Warrior
from los angeles Date Reviewed: November 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
sullivan cyn
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
price performance you are getting a lot for what you pay
Weaknesses:
weight crank pedals
Similar Products Used:
bianchi san mateo
Bike Setup:
stock except for eggbeatters
Bottom Line:
i've smashed this thing around, i rarely don't crash on the trail. it's a lot of fun. learn how to adjust your derailers. buy kool stop pads. and trash this thing. i'm loving xc riding now so looking for a better bike but this is bike will be perfect for average to beginner, i got my girlfriend one and she charges on the thing, so a lot of fun.
it does the job, i like not stressing when i crash it, and smoking the bling bikes.
i did smash the rear wheel's spokes up but that's my fault and hey the wheel cost like 20 bucks so sowhat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick T
a Cross Country Rider
from Wayne, NJ, US Date Reviewed: November 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
private-technical-single track
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Strengths:
Strong frame, great climber, handles the loose stuff, and holds the line
Weaknesses:
Heavy, brakes need constant slight adjustments, cheap chain on the one I got, and fork is leaking slight oil but does jusy fine.
Similar Products Used:
other full suspentions (rocky mountain element and Klein Mantra
Bike Setup:
all standard gear
Bottom Line:
I am a roadie for the most part. Bought the bike to learn highly technical type single track riding with a lot of ups and downs. Great bike. Handled all I can throw at it. Hit trees, flipped over, and slammed into numerous other stuff. Once basic mountain bike technics were learned, I kept up witht the big boys. Have extra R.Dr. handers on hand, and put a good chain on it, mine stretched fast and I had to replace the whole crank (rivetted together as one piece). Learn how to adjust the mech disc brakes, they work great when adjusted properly and they need constant tweeking. The best part is all the components are cheap to replace. Crank replaced for $50 at LBS. New chain $20, two hangers $20 each. sTotal spent $100 in addition to cheap price to start.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Hitchcock
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: October 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
bush
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
cycler
Strengths:
the frames is a strong as anything. you can slam into trees and the frame will still be perfect. the front tyre is a XC race tyre as stock and can handle some pretty good trails. the handlebar is stirdy but i would upgrade it if i were you. PRICE!
Weaknesses:
the brakes are ***t im about to upgrade them now that i have time to do a bit more trail ridin. the fork is awful and im goin to upgrade it too it can handle small bumps but oftne just bounces he bike up. FORK CANT HANDLE AIR! heavy. i hate those little rubber things on the fork.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Boulder
Bike Setup:
stock upgrading brakes and fork soon
Bottom Line:
overall this GT is pretty kick*ss and can handle a trail allright just watch breaking downhill and dont do any major jumps with the stock fork(you'll flip). GT frame can handle anything. bit heavy though. proce is good
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron Hygh
a Weekend Warrior
from Bronx, New York Date Reviewed: September 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Soundview State Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
Sports Authority
Strengths:
Frame
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock for now
Bottom Line:
This is my first XC Bike and since I'm just starting I needed something strong being 6'4, 205lbs. So it's great for the price and all in all it's holding up and I'm about to upgrade the frame and add a few components, overall I love the ride and just imagine how much better with some real sturdy add ons. For a entry level bike you can't beat it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary Thong
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: July 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Singapore (Western Part)
Strengths:
good brakes and a solid frame.
Weaknesses:
Lousy seat (my bum feels sore after a ride) and factory fitted tyres. The gear train tends to miss a beat or two.
Similar Products Used:
nil
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I would recommend it to those casual bikers out for a weekend of fun with minimal off road biking (as is the case in Singapore whereby there isn't much 'off-raod' trails). Tried once in a off road trail and the stock tyres do not hold well in the humid tropical terrain.
But overall please with my purchase. A good value entry level bike for those who rarely ventures 'off road'.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BLOPA
a
from ARGENTINA Date Reviewed: July 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
local store
Strengths:
frame, very very very resistant, good geometry
Weaknesses:
some components like weels, very heavy sten, searpost
Bottom Line:
the gt is an excellent option, the price, logical, and the frame quality is the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nolan Levenson
a Weekend Warrior
from NY, NY, USA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
HIther Hills State Park (Long Island)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Metro Bikes
Strengths:
price, disc brakes, it's a GT
Weaknesses:
heavy
Similar Products Used:
GT palomar from a while back
Bottom Line:
I've only had it for a week, but it's been great. I loved my last GT so much that when I got a new one, I had to go after GT. Since it's last years model, it was only $300, vs. the $430 of the 06 Avalanche 3.0 Disc. No problems yet, and I figured out that I could take off the rubber things on the suspension. YAY!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Amityville, NY, USA Date Reviewed: June 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Al's Bike Shop... My LBS
Strengths:
1. The frame is tough as nails. 2. Price,Price,Price... At 250 even with the crap components you really cant go wrong. 3. Disk Brakes perform well in all weather conditions.
Weaknesses:
1. Plastic pedals broke on the first day... 2. Pads rub against the rotor after chasing down UPS man...
Similar Products Used:
Shopped around... Couldnt find similar features for the price.
Bike Setup:
Stock, execpt for the gel saddle and some cheap aluminum pedals.
Bottom Line:
Buy this bike, but buy it for the frame... As your parts break, upgrade and you probably wont be sorry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Taylor Graham
a Weekend Warrior
from Sautee, Georgia, USA Date Reviewed: May 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Oconee County Agg Center
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
The Bycicle Wheel
Strengths:
The Frame is built tough as is any GT frame..... I traded out the pedals for clipless which I would recomend...
Weaknesses:
If you arent planning to go on any trails the componennt set given is great... But, as soon as you go off-road it starts to fowl up.. I dont know if it has something to do with the random matching of components but anytime you put a lot of stress on this bike it won't take it... I am 6' 4' 200lbs. and thought that tihs set would be sufficient, No I was wrong... if you need something hardcore dont go with this bike or upgrade immidiatly.
Similar Products Used:
GT Timberline V-Brakes
Bike Setup:
Suntour spring fork, Acera rear deraileur, lower end suntour crankset
Bottom Line:
If you have the money to upgrade do so immidiatly, but if you have the money to upgrade you should go with a higher grade bike to begin with. But you cant beat a GT frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from North Carolina Date Reviewed: May 16, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$225.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Good frame, comfortable ride
Weaknesses:
Not a big fan of the brakes, broke one of the plastic pedals in half on my 5th off-road ride.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized
Bike Setup:
Stock so far
Bottom Line:
This is my starter bike. I bought the bike because of the frame quality and the XL size. Good bike for the price. Probably not the quality of a $1,000 bike, but you shouldn't expect it to be. Will probably swap out components gradually. So far I'm pleased with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Rapids, MI Date Reviewed: April 4, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Dick's Sporting Goods
Strengths:
Cheap, strong frame geometry, brakes work good, derailleurs work good with adjusting.
Weaknesses:
I had to replace the freewheel/cassette after about 10 rides because it was worn. Derailleur is subject to ghost shifting if not adjusted properly quite often.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche stock, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires
Bottom Line:
Good bike for the money. I saw them on clearance for $200 even. Keep in mind you are getting an entry level bike. I certainly wouldn't recommend this to an experienced rider. I will use this until I can afford a nice bike and then make this my comfort bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dirk
a Cross Country Rider
from North Carolina Date Reviewed: March 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
Sports Authority
Strengths:
Frame, Brakes, fairly decent wheels for the price. Price.
Weaknesses:
Factory gearing too high. Tires and seat.
Similar Products Used:
Marin and Specialized
Bike Setup:
Changed to gel seat. Changed to lower gearing. Changed tires.
Bottom Line:
Good sturdy bike for the money. Got it at such a good price because it was scratched, and possibly used in my opinion. The gearing didn't work for me off road. I changed to a 42t-34t-24t crank by suntour and now it's great on road and off. The derailleurs work perfectly if you know how to tune them when they need it. The brakes are awesome, no noise and great stopping power.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Izac
a Cross Country Rider
from NZ Date Reviewed: February 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
strong relatively light frame front disk is fast at stopping
Weaknesses:
gears are the S@#$#ess things i've ever come across with...they auto shift and sometimes dun even shift until u shift one higher or lower then it and let click down again its ANNOYIN shocks are majorly too plushed it soaks up the stuff but it bottoms out easily and sucks all the power transmissions from the downstroke backdisk are too squishy
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose rockadile ALD
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
shcoks are way too plushed good for small stuff but its crap for the big things...the gears are the worst ive' seen so far...its even worst then my 8year old wal mart ez rider..good for easy trails and learning but gears should be upgraded imediately shocks could do with some hardening but overall pretty ok for small tmie riders
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Mangan
a Weekend Warrior
from Scripps Ranch Date Reviewed: January 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
technical ones
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
cheap i guess
Weaknesses:
the whole thing sucks. it cant handle any jumps, climbes horribly, gears start shifting on you.
Bottom Line:
dont buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Mann
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: December 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Westerfolds
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Greensborough Cycles
Strengths:
Gears change very smoothly, Seat is comfortable and frame is strong. Wheels are strong never have had any problems and i have been dropping off 5ft ledges.
Weaknesses:
My cranks always come loose and creak alot. Brakes are not very effective at all. Forks are fairly heavy but bearable, they don't use the full amount off travel.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Forks: Marzocchi ETA pros-120mm travel Brakes: Avid BB7 front and rear. 6" rotors. Wheelset: Front-Alex Rim X2100 Rear-Alex Rim G3000
Bottom Line:
Overall great bike and money well spent. I am glad i have made upgrades. The bike is probably fine just depending on what type of riding you do. Very happy with it. I have done over 2,500km in one year. It is still running fine. Great bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul C
a Weekend Warrior
from Boca Raton, FL, USA Date Reviewed: December 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Sports Authority
Strengths:
Strong frame. GT quality. Fun bike.
Weaknesses:
Disk brake pads suck, Suntour fork is crappy, heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale M700, GT RTS-3
Bike Setup:
Stock mostly. Avid BB5 disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
For the money its a good bike. I havent had any problems like other people write (bent rims, broken spokes, etc). The disk brakes (Tektro IO) that came with the bike were horrible and loud. I first replaced the pads with kool-stop pads, and wow what a difference, and no noise. I then bought Avid BB5's, and they are awesome! The suntour SR fork is ok, a little soft but does its job. I suspect the reason why GT made a bike with such cheap components was to battle with Mongoose and there totally crappy bikes they sell by the thousands. I am happy with the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BLOPA
a Cross Country Rider
from ARGENTINA Date Reviewed: September 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
alls
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
local store
Strengths:
GREAT GEOMETRY, DUARBILITY, LOOKS
Weaknesses:
RIMS, FORKS
Similar Products Used:
NONE
Bike Setup:
SPINNER TALON FORKS, ALEX RIMS, SERFAS SEAT
Bottom Line:
GREAT BIKE, EXCELENT QUALITY. I LOVE THE GT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hunter
a Weekend Warrior
from brisbane Date Reviewed: August 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
nerang
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
tom wallace cycles
Strengths:
good ride position
Weaknesses:
rims, bars
Similar Products Used:
giant iguana
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
this bike is designed for and great for light recreational use & if you're going to use it for anything more, you're kidding yourself.. any kind of air & the rims buckle.. I had to replace rear rim after having it trued 4 times.. also bent the handlebars & trashed the plastic pedals.. but y'know, its a $400 bike & realistically, it's not designed/spec'd/priced for regular off-road free riding.. overall, i'm pretty happy cos its a great bike to grow on without having to spend big $$$.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Venkat
a Weekend Warrior
from Waterbury, CT Date Reviewed: July 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
Dick's Sporting Goods
Strengths:
Nice grips, ride, brakes, tires and of course cost.
Weaknesses:
Front Derailleur
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose
Bottom Line:
I have put about 30-40 miles so far and I like it. I was looking for a beginner bike around $250 range and found this one in Dick's sporting good. I have no complaints with this bike so far (touching wood) and my only gripe is that the Front Derailleur doesn't work as one would expect. Sometimes it misses the gear shifts and once I had to readjust the chain after the front gear shift. I thought the aluminium frame would be lot lighter than steel frame but apparantly not. Over all, a very good bike though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Liam Howarth
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney NSW Australia Date Reviewed: June 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$380.00
Strengths:
cheap, has two wheels, strong frame (but heavy)
Weaknesses:
Rims & spokes are s#!t(i broke a spoke on the street) allways get bent on the trails, , forks wobble frount and back, brakes dont stop downhill, handelbars bend easily
Similar Products Used:
Giant Rincon
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Good bike if it stays on the road, I will never buy a GT again!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John H
a Weekend Warrior
from N.J Date Reviewed: June 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mountain creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Dicks Sporting Goods
Strengths:
Low priced,good for people who arn't hard core cyclests. Also the breaks have never failed me.
Weaknesses:
Shifting gears, OMG sometimes it might not evan shift. it sometimes can piss me off, and the tires ware down very easily.
Similar Products Used:
Diamondback bikes.
Bike Setup:
OK
Bottom Line:
It's a great bike for people that just mountain bike as a hobby. It so far has ben pretty reliable and its worth more than the price so don't under estimate its abillity. If your looking for a great time get this bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mufaddal
a Weekend Warrior
from worcester, MA, USA Date Reviewed: June 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$225.00
Purchased At:
Dick's sporting goods
Strengths:
Frame, front fork, brakes
Weaknesses:
rear shifter, and front derailer
Bike Setup:
regular
Bottom Line:
This bike is good for the weekend warrior. I've put on so many miles on this bike and it's still working fine. the shifters and rear derailer are not that strong. Tune up is required more usually than often, but the bike is still strong and I hope itll last me a little longer until I get a dual suspension bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dude duder
a Weekend Warrior
from australia Date Reviewed: June 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Mate
Strengths:
Cheap, disc brakes, its a bike
Weaknesses:
HEAVY frame, cheap ass hubs and wheels that arent very strong
Similar Products Used:
Norco, Specialized
Bottom Line:
THis bike is ok for the money, but the frame is so god damn heavy, probably twice as heavy fram as specialized hardrock. The cheap hubs and QR skewers dont inspire confidence, seat feels like a brick up your arse. I have changed the seat, and spent about an hour with the front derailler tryin to get it to change withoutt rubbing on the back wheel, only to find it was bent. For the money i would go specialized, but seeing as i only paid 200 bucks for the disk model it is ok
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crimedog
a Weekend Warrior
from Red Creek, NY, United States Date Reviewed: May 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Dicks Sporting Goods
Strengths:
The Frame on this bike is awsome...it ain't never gona break. The tires are real beefy and aggressive. I've almost never gotten stuck.
Weaknesses:
OMG..there's a lot of them. The wheels come out of true very often..and mine now are really bad. I had a lot of problems with the front derailer and I eventually had to have the whole pedal and crankset replaced. The seat is a little bit uncomfortable to. Right now, It is almost impossible to stand up on the pedals and really dig hard up a hill or gain more speed along a straight away. The chain for some reason auto-shifts and skips gears all the time.
Bike Setup:
All stock parts..
Bottom Line:
I would not recomend buying this bike, or any bikes from GT. I know it's the last time I will. There have been to many headaches and too many problems involving the bike basically as soon as i bought it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Fitzpatrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: May 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
raleigh
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$320.00
Strengths:
looks, frame, tires, seat.
Weaknesses:
none
Bottom Line:
This bike is great for all around use. I compared it to a Giant Boulder SE, Diamondback and am happy with my choice. The GT seems to outperform all other bikes in this category. I highly recommend it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee Bassett
a Cross Country Rider
from England, Brighton, east sussex Date Reviewed: April 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
south downs way, ( the devils dyke valley)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$471.00
Purchased At:
syds bikes 2
Strengths:
good quality frame, strong durable.
Weaknesses:
forks, gears, bottem bracket
Similar Products Used:
specialized hardrock
Bike Setup:
marzocchi mxcomp eta forks, shimano deore xt gears, race face evolve xc stem.
Bottom Line:
great bike for the price (£250 IN ENGLAND) although if you are a serious xc rider you definatly need to upgrade the forks and gears. my gt also came with one of the rubbish cartridge bottem brackets, if this is the case upgrade to a sealed unit as cartidge ones are always coming loose.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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