New MTB - GT Avalanche 2.0 or Aggressor XC2?

Bish.
Bish. Posts: 3
edited August 2007 in MTB buying advice
Being all new to such things as disc brakes (of any type) and suspension, I've tried to read as many of the helpful posts on the forum before committing the hard earned. I'm after a good, light as possible bike with decent components (aren't we all?) that'll run and run as I tend to keep bikes for YEARS. Starting off with basic cross country work, but don't to rule out the occaisional chance to get a bit more adventurous. I think I've narrowed it down to the GT range of bikes and my budget (max £350) would currently cover a GT Avalanche 2.0 (about £340) or a GT Aggressor XC2 (£345). They seem to be about the same bike, but the Aggressor has Shimano Deore 27 speed and a Rock Shox Dart 2 fork, but cable disc brakes, whilst the Avalanche sports a Suntour XCR fork and Tektro Auriga comp hydralic brakes.

I've read here somewhere that mechanical discs should be avoided (it would be better to just have V brakes), but that apart the Aggressor would seem to be the better bike - or is it? Being pretty new to the modern stuff I'd value some experienced opinions!

Many thanks,

Bish. 8)

Comments

  • HJ1976
    HJ1976 Posts: 205
    I picked up my GT Avalanche 2.0 (2007) last night in medium- it was apparently one of the last 2 that Evans have (the other was in the Gatwick Warehouse). A brief ride around the car park at Xscape made me really glad that I went with the GT over a Hardrock of Caldera
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Aggressor and Avalanche both good models for the money. As you have rightly pointed out, some jiggling in componentry: better forks and drivetrain on the Aggressor, better brakes on the Avalanche. Will come down to what feels best!
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  • Bish.
    Bish. Posts: 3
    Thanks for the good comments folks! Went into my local Halfords tonight intent on trying the Aggressor XC2 - they had one on the shelf. After taking a gander at the Boardman bikes and the '07 Carrera Fury (toooo expensive for me!) I noticed they had a Carrerra Fury (an '06) on another shelf for £399. Compared the XC2 and the Fury and the Fury felt lighter, and had hydro brakes as well as the better fork and SRAM 27 speed setup. Tried both and inspite of the busted gear lever on the XC2, the fury just 'felt' more right.

    Oh dear does that mean I've just 'bonded' witha Halfords own brand bike? Am I now unclean? :shock:

    Anyway, paid the deposit on the Fury and will pick it up at the weekend, plus 10% off as I'll be paying through Halfords vouchers via work.

    A reasonable deal? I hope so. Please don't burst my bubble!

    Bish. 8)
  • Matt-23
    Matt-23 Posts: 4
    That's a great deal! 8)

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