tDR Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 As per title - have been told by a few friends this is about the right amount to spend to get something decent. Will be used for some road and some downhill off-road stuff. Had this bike recommended to me: http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86676 http://www.evanscycles.com/large_images/Y6306Z_BIG.jpg GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc 2008 Mountain Bike Any opinions or recommendations on what I should go for instead? Cheers, Brian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyT Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Nice bike. Have a look here though. http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/10311/Kona_Kikapu_8Speed_Bike_2007 Good sale on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tDR Posted May 31, 2008 Author Share Posted May 31, 2008 Nice bike. Have a look here though. http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/10311/Kona_Kikapu_8Speed_Bike_2007 Good sale on. Looks a nice bike but was advised to get a decent bike with rear suspension you're looking at over £1k? I can see the odd sacrifice on that bike like mechanical disc brakes rather than hydraulic... is the handlebar alloy given it doesn't say so.... is it gonna be a real heavy bike because of the cheap price for it being rear suspension equipped? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyT Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Actually, just read some opinions on the GT Avalanche. "Superb, subtle feeling, beautifully balanced frame", "The most complete £500 bike we've ever ridden" BikeRadar.com Don't think you're gonna do much better. GT do make great bikes. Edit. And rear suspension means loss of power. So unless you're going mad down mopuntains you're not going to need it anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevo Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Agree with the above but would also recommend you test ride several other bikes from other manufacturers in the same category. The frame geometry will differ between bikes and will contribute to the general 'how it feels' when you ride it factor. Its one thing having the best spec you can afford but it still needs to meet your needs - the GT sounds like a very good benchmark, but try Trek, Kona, Specialised, Marin - see how they compare. You're right about the weight consideration though - stick to your budget and get the lightest, best spec'd you can afford that feels right. May have to compromise a bit though to get a good balance between road and downhill capabilities - a bike set up for each of these applications will differ IMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tDR Posted May 31, 2008 Author Share Posted May 31, 2008 Think I'll take a run through to the Evans store in Glasgow to see what's what and decide what size frame I need etc. I like the look of the Specialised bikes too but they look a little more expensive to get the same components as the GT's. There is 2007 Model Rockhopper with hydraulic disc brakes with money off just now from Evans but not sure how the rest of it's components compare to the 2008 GT Avalanche 1.0. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevo Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Just remember to think like you are making a choice about a car - i.e. horses for courses. Are there any components you think you could live without and any you'd rather not skimp on (eg wheels, brakes, chainset etc)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamc Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 I currently own an older GT and love the bike. Want to switch to full suspension, but still think the GT is really good. Have a pic from my wales trip, will try and find it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamc Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 heres mine, like I said, a little old, but still good. quite light... great fun trying to stop on wet greasy roads Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieP Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Just brought a new Mountain bike, I got a Scott aspect 45, very nice easy bike to ride. £399 http://www.kudubikes.co.uk/shop/98/108/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieP Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Not as cool as my old school mongoose though, 24 years old that bmx:cool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tDR Posted May 31, 2008 Author Share Posted May 31, 2008 Just brought a new Mountain bike, I got a Scott aspect 45, very nice easy bike to ride. £399 http://www.kudubikes.co.uk/shop/98/108/ Looks a decent overall spec but makes sacrifices in the drivetrain for a cheaper price. All the models listed look great value though for the spec of components vs. price! Think I'm settling on the GT- tried one out for size today and I liked it. Was tempted by the Specialized Rockhopper Disc at £599 but it's really not worth the extra money IMO. Cool BMX!! But no brakes..... Cheers, Brian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieP Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Ha, normally has rear brake but removed it today for cleaning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carl_S Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 As per title - have been told by a few friends this is about the right amount to spend to get something decent. Will be used for some road and some downhill off-road stuff. Had this bike recommended to me: http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86676 http://www.evanscycles.com/large_images/Y6306Z_BIG.jpg GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc 2008 Mountain Bike Any opinions or recommendations on what I should go for instead? Cheers, Brian. specialized rock hopper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tDR Posted May 31, 2008 Author Share Posted May 31, 2008 specialized rock hopper £100 more expensive for a similar spec to the GT Avalanche1.0. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carl_S Posted June 1, 2008 Share Posted June 1, 2008 £100 more expensive for a similar spec to the GT Avalanche1.0. I'm sure, just saying what I'd go for, I just know and respect the specialized name so much. The Rock Hopper would be the supra TT of bikes for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heckler Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 I'd take a look at carerra bikes (halfords own brand) as the company that make their frames also makes all of GT's frames too (amongst other brands) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/id36401.html Orange G2? But then I'm biased, as I've always been an Orangeman (not a protestant type I mean) Oh, says out of stock, but the 08 bikes are in for £549.99. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitesupraboy2 Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 I got a GT avalanche XCR and its a great bike. Front suspension is not cheap rubbish but rock shox, liquid based with lock up, adjustable rebound and adjustable height. great bike to ride! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tDR Posted June 5, 2008 Author Share Posted June 5, 2008 I heard bad things about the quality / reliability of the Carrera's so avoided. I decided on the GT Avalanche 1.0 and am picking it up from an Evans shop tomorrow evening Cheers, Brian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIG BLUE Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 I'd buy mine for £500 before I split it and list the parts on ebay next week;) Y Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R3DG3CKO ROB Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 The Avalanche 2.0 disc got awesome reviews a while ago components for value wise, only £400 Apparently the Kona Blast just got an awesome review too think that's about £460 My Scott is a year old now and creaks a bit half tempted to get a new one as the missus has just ordered the Avalanche 2.0 disc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted June 8, 2008 Share Posted June 8, 2008 How about just a general mountain bike to get a bit fitter on for around £200? I feel the Halfords stuff is either over priced or just poor components. Am I right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian W Posted June 8, 2008 Share Posted June 8, 2008 How about just a general mountain bike to get a bit fitter on for around £200? I feel the Halfords stuff is either over priced or just poor components. Am I right? I bought myself a Claud Butler which has done me for what I wanted it to. Used a few times in anger though on rough trails and it's starting to creak a bit so could do with some tlc....or I just need a sturdier bike!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schtuv Posted June 8, 2008 Share Posted June 8, 2008 I went through this about two years ago, and ended up getting a Kona in the Halfords sale - it's a great bike, has survived most things, and fits in the back of the supe (with the front wheel off). I'm a fan of Specialized, but they were just out of my price range Don't forget to include in your budget the essentials: lights, trip computer, pump, water bottle, puncture repair kit, spare inner tube, mudguards, etc.! EDIT: The Kona was a Lana'i for under £200, which was very reasonable at the time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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