GT Avalanche Expert

luckypierre

Hi everyone how's it going?

I am currently looking for a new bike around the packed £600 - £800 market and after a long chat with a really helpful assistant I am swayed towards the GT Avalanche expert. I had initially gone in to look at the Scott Scale 50 which also looked pretty nice but the GT just seems to be much better specced. I will test ride them both but does anyone have any strong opinions on either of these bikes or do you own one?

The other question I have is that bearing in mind the price difference between the 07 and 08 the differences in spec seem to be few with the obvious exception of the brakes moving from Avid Juicy 3 to Shimanos.

Can i also say thanks to the assistant for spending so much time with me when it was obvious I wasn't buying and also recommending the I see if my LBS would order it in rather than buy it from the chain store he works for, As I would get a much better service. A terrible salesman but a top feller really knowledgable and helpful.

Anonymous

I have just got one of these. Much better bike with lx hollowtech IIs, a lightish frame, recon forks, Dt swiss rims on deore hubs, and an xt rear mech. brilliant. and they havent skimped on the tyres like normal, with a set of conti's.

http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/products.php?plid=m1b0s2p527

supersonic

The Scale and Avalanche are rather the different - the Scale very much XC, the GT for harder riding with slacker angles.

luckypierre

I know they are different and thats where the problem lies becuase I am not sure what sort will suit my riding, I want a kind of go anywhere do anything sort of ride - which makes me think along the lines of the Avalanche. The Scott however, has a better frame in my opinion and therefore more scope for upgrade.

I am very much a novice rider, but I have a pipe dream of trying to get fir enough to enter a beginners catagory race in August. Just a goal to strive for and would be victory enough to complete it.

Weight isn't too much of an issue as I am the heaviest thing on the bike at 16 stone about a stone and a half overweight, so that where weight saving should start.

I mainly ride around the Bristol trails and have been to Cwmcarn a few times (and have scars to prove it!!)

So what do you think guys, I am erring on the side of the avalnche but a legnthly test rides are to be done next week.

supersonic

See how the tests go, but form what you say the Avalanche would suit you better.

luckypierre

Well, I went and had a little go on the Expert today but it was a medium and I need a large, will get them to order it in. I now just have to justify the expense to my missus but I am sure she will be impressed when my christmas bulk begins to shift.

Now next question, whats your haggling techniques to get the best deal, I am hoping to convince them to throw in a set of SPD shoes or is this a bit optimistic?

supersonic

Ask by all means, but dont hold out too much! These shops have much higher overheads than some web based places, and simply cant match them price for price - but you are (hopefully!) getting better service ie tests, free check etc.

luckypierre

Phoned 'em and booked the ride and (almost) without any promting they said they would be able to sort be out some shimano shoes to go with it. I have never used SPD's and so I think my first few outings will be to the park, at least in the mud it won't hurt forgetting to take my feet out of the clips.

I am getting really excited cause my last two bikes weren't for me. First one was a Dawes Reddle (It got nicked but not great bike) and the 2nd was an XL cannondale headshok which was too big and loved throwing me over the handlebars.

I have really enjoyed the looking into the different bikes, trying them and getting (and listening) to the advice that the guys on the board have given.

So thank to all who have helped me steer onto what I hope to be a shrewd purchase.

supersonic

TBH I'd stay with flats until you are used to the bike!

luckypierre

you might be right but tbh with the weather we are having in Bristol I will probably be psending the next month only using it to commute to work so it might be a good time to get to grips with them.