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Submitted by
brad sidilau
a Cross Country Rider
from nashua nh,usa
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Beaver Brook, Hollis, NH | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Dumonts | | Strengths: | Light, fast and waaaaaay bombproof. I swear I can climb up a wall of ice with it.
Great for weekend riders or better, a-bit heavy to race | | Weaknesses: | --Snaps and creeks, but as an old-school BMXer knows, all you do is lube the entire setpost down from the clamp!!!! Whala! (or you just use it as trail warning signal!
--pedals are HIGH maintinence but still clip in (WD40 rocks)
--stock seatpost clamp is just K-Mart
--Rear V-Brake routing causes a tight radius for cable.
--LX stuff is HEAVY | | Similar Products Used: | trek OCLV, StumpJ and FSR, Cammondale (love the Alum.) and rmember that sweet Girvin fron fork? | | Bike Setup: | Ready for this---STOCK, yes stock, save the tires, tubes, some cables and pads. Albeit it is past time for chain, rings and a cassette (and new cables, pads etc.$$$)
I would REALlY like to change the cranks and rims to lighten it up; (I'm 5 11", 215 lbs. 38 yrs old) | | Bottom Line: | I'm a mechanical geek so I upkeep it pretty well. Baught it as a leftover in '99 for 1000 bucks, and have never spent money so wisely. As mentioned i've had/have a few others, but never ride them anymore-the LE is the complete PKG. I even ride it on the road & snow-why not-it works. 8+ years, well over 2000 miles, 3 helmets and MANY MANY crashes later......Check back in another 5 years, or when wheels become square again! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SHANNON FALCONER
a Racer
from AMHERSTBURG ONTARIO CANADA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | PICKNEY,MICHIGAN | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | ROLL MODELS | | Strengths: | SOLIB BIKE FOR RIDING | | Weaknesses: | IF YOU RIDE AND RACE AS MUCH AS ME YOU START CHANGING THE DRIVE TRAIN A FAIR BIT.AFTER 1 1/2YEARS I'VE CHANGED ALL MY RINGS AND DERAILERS.THE XT BRAKES ARE LOOSE IN THE PIVOTS. | | Similar Products Used: | MY FIRST REAL BIKE! | | Bike Setup: | FULL XT EXCEPT FRONT DER IS LX.MAVIC 221 WITH LX HUBS AND LX CRANKS.JUDY SL FORKS. | | Bottom Line: | THIS BIKE IS AWESOME GREAT ENTRY LEVEL BIKE FOR THE MONEY.I HATE TO SEE IT GO,BUT I ACTUALLY CRACKED THE FRAME.RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE SEAT CLAMP.I HAVE BEEN RIDING IT LIKE THIS FOR ABOUT 6 MTHS CAUSE I AM WAITING FOR THE NEXT YEARS FRAME.THE CRACK IS ABOUT HALF WAY THROUGH THE FRAME NOW.THIS WILL BE MY HACKIN BIKE CAUSE I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF GETTING THE ZASKAR LE TEAM 2000 BIKE FROM PRO RIDER GREG RANDOLPH.HOW SWEET THIS WILL BE FOR RACING. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Gebhard
a Cross Country Rider
from Logan, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | local trails | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | The frame and upgradability. Every crash I've been in with this bike, the bike never gets as damaged as I do. | | Weaknesses: | Sqeaking...I've heard several other people mention this as well- however the squeakiness can be resolved by greasing or oiling the seat post (this appears to be a weakness of a few different GT framesets, however, not a reason to steer clear of the bike at all) | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar, Specialized Stumpjumper, Giant Xtc | | Bike Setup: | originally- XT rear derailleur, LX front derailleur, LX crankset, LX and GT Hubs, Mavic 221 wheelset, WTB tires and seat, XT levers and brakes (rapidfire), Judy SL rockshox... | | Bottom Line: | This is one of the best hardtails I've ever ridden..I tested a lot of different frames and brands when I bought this one, but the Avalanche LE felt the best. Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that the LE frame is the equivilant of the stock Zaskar frame, same aluminum and geometry. I've upgraded several things to make the bike even sweeter (Crossmax wheelset, USE XCR seatpost, and Specialized geometry comp saddle...etc..) and haven't found anything to complain about, it's an all around good XC bike and short of putting it in a car crusher, I don't think the frame can be destroyed...another big plus is the fact that it's easy to find parts and service for. I'm still running the original Judy SL fork as well. The bike started off around 28 lbs, I've got it down to just below 25 right now. As soon as I change the crankset and front shock, I'll have a relatively light XC racer on my hands. Anyone looking for a really great running hardtail and not able to fork over 2 grand or more for a bike should consider the GT Avalanche or Avalanche LE, you won't be let down. I would certainly put it in the value range of some of the stuff that's selling for that kind of money. Everybody knows the old saying...You get what you paid for- Well, with this bike you get what you pay for and then some. Whatever you end up buying, make sure you get out and have fun! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chase
a Cross-Country Rider
from Killeen, TX
Date Reviewed: November 22, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Sugarloaf, Maine | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Ballburnished Frame
Bulletproof | | Weaknesses: |
Narrow Titec Bars | | Bike Setup: |
Judy SL | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been great for me. I have taken it everywhere and it can handle any terrain (from the east coast (Sugarloaf, MA to the rocks of central TX and everywhere in between). This is a great bike for anyone looking for a strong, reliable, durable cross country bike. I am going to buy a FS bike next (over thirty and my bones ache after 3 hour rides), but this bike will always be in my garage. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neo
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Powder Face Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Bike is amazingly strong. It is a great climber and have had no problems on downhills. | | Weaknesses: |
Started to creak and squeak. Broke the WTB seat on my first time out and replaced the WTB Velociraptors tires after a couple of rides in the rain. Basically my grief is with the WTB accessories on the bike. | | Similar Products Used: |
Giant atx 890 - Specialized Stumpjumper comp- Marin Indian Fire Trail | | Bike Setup: |
Stock bike | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for cross country and for single track downhill. Could be a bit lighter but I can fix that by upgrading to lighter components. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
N
a Racer
from Ab
Date Reviewed: September 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
light and fast, stiff and climbs great. | | Weaknesses: |
weak for downhills, no quick release for the saddle. squeaking and creaking after 6 months | | Similar Products Used: |
Zaskar | | Bike Setup: |
Judy SL, original setup with XT/XTR | | Bottom Line: | good for XCR racing | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jag
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton, Alberta
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Looks wicked and is incredibly stiff. | | Weaknesses: |
It could be a little lighter. | | Similar Products Used: |
Marin Pine Mountain | | Bike Setup: |
Judy SL (plush)
Upgraded to Mavic Crosslands (real nice)
Race Face cranks | | Bottom Line: | GT has built a beginner racer in the Avalanche LE. The stiffness makes-up for some of the extra weight. Climbs like a mountain goat in heat with the WTB V-Raptors tires. Good bang for your buck. I'll stay with GT for my next bike (Zaskar LE). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MIke
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mass
Date Reviewed: August 9, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Watchusett Mountain Hiking Trails | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
it's light and strong | | Weaknesses: |
none i can remember | | Similar Products Used: |
trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: |
i have a judy SL and the spinergy rev-x | | Bottom Line: | I have had a great time with this bike, it's held up and it's still light and fast. So I recomend this to anyone who is a strong x-country rider, i love it and i have been everywhere with it | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesus
a Cross-Country Rider
from MA
Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Frame | | Weaknesses: |
heary rims | | Bike Setup: |
I've had a Judy XC > Marzocci Z2> Judy SL
Mavic Crosslands | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike for 3+ years I've only changed the rims and fork, all original drive train except for the chain. This bike has been ridden very hard and has never failed me except when I was trying to clear a 14 ft gully and I broke the rear hub but it was still ridable, I have a new F/S XCR-1000 but I'm gonna keep the LE because itwill last forever. The bike climbs like a scared cat running up a tree, corners great, and the frame is super stiff. GT has a winner. Long live the Avalance LE | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Carreira
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Anywhere Anytime! | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
This bike is strong,
stiff, and inspires
confidence. Doesn't
rust! | | Weaknesses: |
Some creaking if that
kind of thing bothers
you. Stock rims are
not up to my weight/
riding style. | | Similar Products Used: |
Various XC, Trials, DH
and other bikes. Too
many to remember. | | Bike Setup: |
Changed the fork to the
Manitou SX-Ti. Azonic
double wall riser bar.
XT bottom bracket.
Various stems, usually
a short dh stem. Mavic
D-121 in the rear with
a 13 guage non-butted
spoke. | | Bottom Line: | I am fat (220lbs) and like to crash, this bike is strong. So far I have only snapped the manitou fork, the original LX BB spindle, and tacoed the rear wheel (a buddy at the BMX track). I use this bike to race cruiser at the BMX track, for freeride trials (stairs drops etc.) and some
basic MTB duty. I would recommend this bike to
most anyone who is looking for an all purpose
hardtail that isn't flashy but gets the job
done! I'll give it 5 stars cause its pretty
bomb proof. | | Overall Rating: |
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