Where to buy online from?

Skydipper

Hi there, new poster here wanting to ask for advice on buying online. I'm interested in the GT Avalanche 1.0 disc, which having read the reviews seems a good choice for a beginner. Is there any difference between the 2007 and 2008 model?

I have found a site called SunsetMTB online which seems decent, anyone else ordered from them and found they are ok? Just asking before i order you see, dont want to be messed about.

Also i have an inside leg length of just under 32inches, would the 18.5inch size be best for me? I can get the 2008 model this size, or the cheaper 2007 model as a 20.5inch.

Hope you people can help

Ta!

edzio

I found it is best to sit on the bike before you make a decision. It is definitely worth traveling to a bike shop to try, even if it is 2 hours away. It will be worth it in the end. It is all about how comfortable you feel on the bike, sizing is really irrelevant! They might as well be small, medium or large, as the size you refer to differs with manufacturers. You may feel to hunched up on the bike, or too stretched out, it's all about preference. I'd say sit on a bike before you make the decision. Have you got a car? Travel to sunset mtb as I think they have an actual shop, could be in Wales I think.

Skydipper

I know what you mean about having to try the bike before you buy. I had a look into the site and they do have a shop in Cardiff. Unfortunately its quite far away for me to visit, i live in the North of England, so it would take about 7 hours to get there!

GHill

There'll be a much closer GT dealer than that!

Depends how far into the North of England you are, Leisure Lakes might be close to you. A good google search would also be worth a shot.

supersonic

Buying loccally is a must really if a beginner - not only can you try the bike, you'll have it built for free, a free service, and easy to reach after sales care. Worth the extra money (even then some shops are the same prices as online)

Where abouts are you?

Skydipper

I can't seem to find one close to me to be honest, I've done a search and each site i have been on doesn't seem to stock the GT.

Good point actually, it would be worth the money travelling a little distance to pick up the bike ready made and serviced. I live in north cumbria. Really looking forward to getting out on some trails.

supersonic

Hows this, in Carlisle?

http://www.bikebike.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b17s2p0

There is hardly any difference from the 2007 version, but tha was a good seller, hardly any left anwhere now.

Pork Chop

not sure which is closer, Wigan or Carlisle (Geography isnt my strong point)
but theres a shop called Alans Bikes with really helpful staff and you can choose a bike in store and order online to get it delivered free of charge.
plus its opposite wigan train station so its really easy to find.

GHill

supersonic wrote:

Hows this, in Carlisle?

http://www.bikebike.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b17s2p0

Scotby cycles (which the above is a link to) is a pretty good shop, bought a couple of bikes from there a few years back when I lived near Wigton.

Skydipper

supersonic wrote:

Hows this, in Carlisle?

http://www.bikebike.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b17s2p0

There is hardly any difference from the 2007 version, but tha was a good seller, hardly any left anwhere now.

Ah thanks for that. Believe it or not i live only 5 mins from that shop! Went in before i posted on here but they didn't stock GT's so i didn't bother, weird how its on the site, i'll have to make an enquiry about it.

Wigan is quite a few miles down the road for me i'm afraid

Skydipper

Btw, what are peoples thoughts on the 7stanes area? I'm looking to go there when i've got my bike.

trailblazer83

i got my Zaskar from Pauls cycles. It was £680 from £1000, ordered it on the Friday and it arrived on the monday almost fully assembled. Just had to put on the peddles, front wheel and hook handle bars up. It was awesome service.

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/

hope this helps,

Nath

delcol

what about shops in the lakes there's a few of them in the lake district..

i got all 3 of my bikes off the tinterweb due to the amazing offers. its definatly best to try before you buy, so why not be cheekey like me and go loacal look all interested in the bike sit on it ride it if they let you find the size thats right,.. then try to do the deal show them the price you can get the bike for but tell them you would prefare to go local if they can match or offer you something...

you dont get if you dont ask.. if they dont play ball then thank them for their time and dissapear and order off the net...

like i said i got all 3 of my bikes off the net,.. only problem is sending the bike back should you need to, i never had any probs ordering online. its money in my poket and not someone's till and thats better for me...

trailblazer83

i work for a store that sells specialist items, not cycling. We cannot match internet prices. The reason is that you have a lot more over heads when you are a retail outlet and it really does do damage when people use an hour of my time to get the info and service and then disapear and order online. The reason the price is higher at times is to cover service etc.

Im not saying dont order online as I got mine online, just dont waste a stores resources. Some of the stores are small and family run like the one I am with and this kind of practice is putting the nails in the coffin as the internet store is getting the money for our service.