GT Avalance 'upgrade or not' headache...

ssd

Hi, I’ve just registered but been lurking on the forum as I’ve found it’s a great place for MTB info. Looking forward to learning more here and also hopefully offering my limited expertise!

I got a GT Avalance 1.0 Disc 2006 about 2 years ago. It was my first decent bike and I’ve really got the bug over the last few months. I try to ride at the weekends all over the country mainly on bridleways and cross country but I also like the technical stuff thrown in (I love the peak district and the highlands. Going to do the Marin Trail this Friday!).

My problem is that my girlfriend has a Specialized Stumpjumper that has made me think about buying something a bit better. Firstly, the weight difference is incredible! So over Christmas, I got the Specialized catalogue and was looking at the Epic Expert (if I go the FS route) or the Stumpjumper Expert. But as I’m really keen on learning how to fix things on my bike myself and upgrade things myself (I did my front derailleur and gear cables this weekend!), I was wondering whether I should stick with my GT and try to upgrade the parts that would most benefit me over time?

So to summarise, unless anyone really thinks it’s not worth it and I should just buy one of the mentioned Specialized bikes, I was going to start to upgrade components on my existing GT with the main aim of getting the weight down as much as possible (I couldn’t believe the difference climbing on my girlfriend’s lighter Stumpjumper!). Is it realistic to get the weight down to something like the Stumpjumper? How different is the individual weight of the frames likely to be? And in what order do you think I should change the components?

Thanks!

Edit: I have just seen a couple of posts that hint which parts to upgrade to save weight. So I suppose the question now is whether I buy a new lighter bike, like the mentioned Specialized ones and how much weight I can realistically lose on the GT (compared to my girlfriend's Stumpjumper for example).

zeng

Hi i just upgraded my frame to a CUBE COMP LTD. I think u should take a look. It is much much better then GT. And it handle very well.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6X ... _geTitP0UQ

The Big Cheese

Also - check out the Endorfin range of frames - excellent frame sets!

http://www.endorfinbikes.co.uk/terms.htm

supersonic

Looking at several 100 pounds to get the weight down 5lbs - has to be weighed up against a complete new bike.

gotta_hurt

supersonic wrote:

Looking at several 100 pounds to get the weight down 5lbs - has to be weighed up against a complete new bike.

As SS says, it really is down to how much cash you got to throw at it! How heavy is your GT? How light do you want it? Is it that much cheaper to but a new bike! Then your still bound to spend more money on it on bling!

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1695431/

JayKingFunk

I had a similar sort of decision to make when i bought my GT Aggressor a few months back! I couldn't really afford to spend as much as i'd have liked on a brand new bike so i managed to get one from ebay that looks brand new for £51!!! I like you am interested in learning more about my bike and at the min i have a new set of wheels, tubes, tyres and rock shox tora's all waiting to be put on the bike as soon as payday comes around again and i have enough money for a new rear cassette, a chain and a front disc brake!!!

It starts out as a hobby but then you end up spending shit loads on it!!! But it is worth it!!

ssd

Thanks for the replies. To be honest, changing the frame was something that I hadn’t even considered, I thought it would be more about tyres, wheels, fork etc. I’m not too sure how much those frames cost (I’m at work so will look later) but I imagine spending that much money will make me think about just getting a new bike.....

When I lift my GT up and then a Stumpjumper, I am not kidding when I say that the GT feels about 50% heavier :oops:

JayKingFunk – I know what you mean, I’m crying out for payday, I spent so much money with CRC buying tools, a stand, and other essentials. And I had a massive argument with the girlfriend last night as I wanted to get my bike stand out and do some more work (my headset has been creaking :? )

I have my bonus in May and could more or less take my pick if I decide on a new bike which is great. I like the look of the Epic Expert (seems like a lighter FS) but might stick with the trusted Stumpjumper if I take the plunge.

gotta_hurt

ssd...also look at what kind of rideing your going to use the bike for! No point in buying a yeti d/h bike with big 888's if your only going down the tow path! If you know what i mean

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1695431/

ssd

I do most of my riding on singletrack/bridleways, odd bit of technical stuff but no crazy a*se downhill stuff! That's why I've got my eye on the Specialized Epic Expert http://www.ukcyclestore.com/acatalog/Sp ... rt_08.html

Looks a bit bling but I'm not too swayed on what it looks like as long as it moves quickly!

I think I can justify FS but this has the benefit of locking out to a HT. There seem to be mixed reviews on it here though....

I could just play it safe and get the HT Stumpjumper.....I'm just trying to decide now and see if I can get a good deal on the 2007 models,,,,

gotta_hurt

Def.a nice bike, great spec...

Go for it!!!


http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1695431/