GT avalanche's

cammyb96

is there a difference in the frames of the GT avalanche 1/2/3/4 or is it just component differences?. I heard that the GT avalanche frame is very strong and would suit harsh trails?, I would first get rid of those forks and put on some RockShox Recon Gold 120mm. Then replace the brakes with Avid Elixir 7 Carbon Disc Brake Set and basically upgrade things as time passes!. Is this a good idea? I am more interested in the frame and all the other components would be place holders for new components, If you know any strong hartail frames that could survive a goo beating please suggest them.

cooldad

It is still not a Downhill bike. Tough yes, DH no. Recon Golds are nice forks, but again, not for DH. I have them on my XC bike.

supersonic

It is not a DH frame - tough, but not for DH. The higher level frames are lighter. Your route to upgrading sounds a very expensive one. What is your budget?

supersonic

Ah, you have posted before, we seem to be going round in circles with this!

I'll repeat, you are not going to get a DH bike or forks for your budget. Ain't happening. Forget it.

You will get capable trail bike, maybe jump bike.

cammyb96

It is really confusing... no website has any hint of what that that bike should be used for, they should put a side note saying: "suitable for: ____" it would really make things easier.

cammyb96

my budget is £500 maybe £700 and I want to get started in DH but I just can't find a bike, I know you guys help a lot but what I really need is for someone to post links and stuff. My mind works like this!, if someone with experience and knowledge says buy this one I will buy that one!

cooldad

But plenty of people here have explained. DH is a specific disipline. Needs specialised equipment.
If you Google Downhill bike you will get plenty of shopping links, and they will all be expensive.
It may seem a bit unfair, as I realise you don't have the cash, but that's life. Frustrating. I want a Ferrari but drive a Skoda.
What you are trying to do is start in F1 on an old Honda Civic budget.
Most people on here just have a mountain bike and ride trails. You can do some really fun stuff on a fairly basic bike.
I still have an old rigid mountain bike that's 25 years old, a lot older than you are, and while it's nowhere near my reasonable quality full sus, I still enjoy a blast on it now and again.
The bikes recommended in other threads would leave it for dead.

70\ʹspenguin

The GT was mentioned because its a good deal and a strong frame, not because its a DH bike. I mentioned the frame strength being a step in the right direction because you will need to take steps towards becomming a DH'ler. I envisage those steps being you tackling more adventurous trails and terrain and doing it on something that will take the innevitable beatings you will give it.

As your jumps got bigger and drops larger then you would need to upgrade wheels and forks, but hopefully the frame would be ok until things got a little heavier and by that time, then, perhaps you would know if DH was something you wanted, or you prefer chasing girls and getting drunk from cheap cider.

cooldad

And believe me, if someone could offer you a link to a DH bike within your budget they would, instantly. Even if it's just to shut you up.
But it's just not going to happen.

70\ʹspenguin

cooldad wrote:

And believe me, if someone could offer you a link to a DH bike within your budget they would, instantly. Even if it's just to shut you up.
But it's just not going to happen.

*chuckles to self*

cammyb96

70\'sPenguin wrote:

The GT was mentioned because its a good deal and a strong frame, not because its a DH bike. I mentioned the frame strength being a step in the right direction because you will need to take steps towards becomming a DH'ler. I envisage those steps being you tackling more adventurous trails and terrain and doing it on something that will take the innevitable beatings you will give it.

As your jumps got bigger and drops larger then you would need to upgrade wheels and forks, but hopefully the frame would be ok until things got a little heavier and by that time, then, perhaps you would know if DH was something you wanted, or you prefer chasing girls and getting drunk from cheap cider.

that's exactly what I meant and I'm sorry!. I feel bad now I changed the wording so I don't confuse people!

cooldad

Don't feel bad, nothing wrong with enthusiasm, you just need to relax, take a deep breath and think about it a bit.
There'll still be bikes for sale tomorrow.

cammyb96

haha thanks, I think I just get crazy mood swings (puberty and shizz) lol

supersonic

GT describe the bike on their website! You need to do some research so you can ask better questions. You have been told what a DH bike looks like - the avalanche is not one.

As above, forget the whole DH thing. You do not have enough money to get one. Please don't ask about DH again.

You will get a capable bike for XC and trails. The AValanche will suit the harder side of this ie small drops (up to 3 ft), small jumps and rocky trails.

supersonic

This is the strongest bike for the money:

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/b ... -bike.html

It will suit harsh trails, even more so than the Avalanche. It has tough components. It will NOT do DH as outlined before. DH is a totally different type of riding.

cammyb96

haha ok I'll think about DH when I have money and experience!, I still want a bike that can handle a beating because I will be rough!

cammyb96

thanks, the bike looks best for me, I agree that DH is something I should thing about later. so we cool?

70\ʹspenguin

supersonic wrote:

This is the strongest bike for the money:

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/b ... -bike.html

It will suit harsh trails, even more so than the Avalanche. It has tough components. It will NOT do DH as outlined before. DH is a totally different type of riding.

Looks the business!

cammyb96

I think the reason I post a lot is because I can talk to people with out being judged, I have had trouble with bullying before. One more question that has nothing to do with DH , I wear glasses so if I get goggles will I need to buy specific ones or will any do?

supersonic

Polycarbonate goggles will protect your eyes best, but MTB ones can be more comfortable.

cammyb96

ok, thanks

supersonic

I' go for that Commencal. You will not find a better bike for the money. It is strong, capable and will suit you well until the time comes to move onto more DH oriented drops and jumps.

cammyb96

yeah as long as the sale lasts until september when I get my money

waby1234

There's always a sale on. It's around that time of year that next years bikes start popping up anyway.

rockmonkeysc

I wouldn't normally recomend this but have a look on Pinkbike classifieds for a used Kona Stinky.
They are pretty solid but not particularly great bikes so they tend to sell pretty cheap.
Make sure it doesn't have 2008 Marzocchi Bombers as they are very un-reliable, look for one which hasn't been resprayed and is reasonably tidy. Avoid any with dual crown forks as it will handle like a bag of sh@t. Ideal build would have Rockshox Domain 180mm forks & a Fox Vanilla shock, basic but reliable.
It's not a downhill bike, it's a freeride bike but is capable of downhill as long as you don't expect to ride at race speed.
You should be able to get one for around £500 - £700

YeehaaMcgee

cammyb96 wrote:

haha ok I'll think about DH when I have money and experience!, I still want a bike that can handle a beating because I will be rough!

You should aim to ride smooth, ocer any terrain. Even if somewhere down the line you end up with a DH bike, you will still wreck stuff if you ride rough. Aim for flow, and you will be a better rider, and won't have to fix so many things

Twelly

cammyb96 wrote:

I wear glasses so if I get goggles will I need to buy specific ones or will any do?

You may want to consider contact lenses so you can wear a cheap pair of cycling glasses. Normal glasses are just a pain in the arse when doing anything physical. Plus if you fall off face first you will only break your £3 Lidl's glasses rather than your £120 prescription glasses.

Contacts also give you much better peripheral vision, which is handy when riding, especially if you ever ride on the road with lots going on around you.