GT avalanche expert, first ride; post ride pics

GibboGT

Just gotten back from the first ride, up through about 4.5 miles of woods onto the south downs and back.

I love the bike, great ride, hill climbing was easy!

the V12's however have attacked my legs slightly and left them slightly cut and bloodied, and the SRAM gears will take a little getting used to as the left and right operate in reverse to each other which i've not had before. Also managed to cycle through a massive cowpat which was fun.

The specialized crossroads armadillo elite that I put on the rear is ok, will be good for commuting, but lost grip a couple fo times when climbing loose dirt and roots, hence minor falls.

The forks are great, love the U-turn, soaked up a few large stones without me feeling it. May have a little play with the rebound adjust.





I have managed to put a tiny scratch in the frame, but oh well, was always going to happen when riding through the woods etc.



The paint job is quite a major reason I chose it over the trek 6700.

Another vote for padded shorts! although did feel a little odd in a jersey, but it kept me warm in the wind and cool in the sun.

Oh and not sure about the bag under the seat, the gf bought it for her bike, but it was too big to fit under her saddle. It does fit all tools and spare tubes in though.

supersonic

Looking good! Might want to put a bit of protection between the frame and the cables, or it will rub through quickly. The forks just keep getting smoother and smoother!

beski

Nice looking bike Gibbo 8) Like the metallic finish 8) 8)
Second that about cable rub, my bike being black I just used black electricians tape but you can get dedicated protectors or helicopter tape is widely used. Also I'd definately get a Lizard Skin to protect your chainstay if I were you, after a few rides you'll notice dents & marks on the paintwork from chain slap.
I was amazed with the fork when I first had mine, you can just speed over tree roots etc sooo smooth 8)

GibboGT

Just something like this? to protect from cables.

I had thought about the chain stay, but it already has a clear poly protector over it! is it better to get a fabric one likethis?


Fitted the trip computer to the bike, which I think is going to knacker me out a bit, I tend to try to compete with myself and see how fast I can get, managed 28.7 mph this morning on the flat road. Need to break 30

beski

Yea they would work or...

http://www.biketape.co.uk/Purchase.html


Regarding chainstay protectors, thats the kiddy, got mine from Halfords. That clear poly protector isn't much use it'll dent & the chainstay will still get dented & chipped.

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Iain C

Nice colour, like it.

Second the frame protectors...you will also find that those cable ties on the fork will rub and it might be worth sticking some electrical tape round your seatpost where the (huge!) bag attaches to protect the anodising as mine rubbed through. Don't worry about the scratch, the first one is always an arse but remember it's a moutain bike and will soon be looking well used!

Oh, and the reflectors need to go...they just ain't cool!

beski

[quote="GibboGT"

Fitted the trip computer to the bike, which I think is going to knacker me out a bit, I tend to try to compete with myself and see how fast I can get, managed 28.7 mph this morning on the flat road. Need to break 30 [/quote]

Yea I do that, trying to keep my average up aswell, just passed 2000 miles on mine yesterday (i went round the block a couple of times on the way home to do it :roll: )
Theres a hill from Butts Brow down to Jevington near me & managed to just break 40 mph off road last year, only managed 36mph so far this year. The urge to brake is quite strong! & my eyes water up like hell trying not to blink, so I don't hit any flint or rabbit holes etc ( went through some dog cr@p last week though :shock: )