GT AVALANCHE ELITE

ribbityeah

Has anyone used either the GT Avalanche Elite or Expert for a while?
It is just that I have looked in magazines and can find no reviews so would appreciate any feedback on these bikes.
Also I like the look of the Specialised Rockhopper Sport... again any users who can comment on performance?
Thanks in advance

ribbityeah

Here is the Specialised Rockhopper Spec...
Product Specification
FRAME : Specialized A1 Premium Aluminium, Trail 29 Geometry ORE down tube, butted tube sets, externally relieved head tube, forged dropouts, reinforced disc mount, replaceable alloy derailleur hanger
FORK : Custom SR Suntour XCM 29, custom Multi-Circuit Damping, coil spring, S: 80mm travel, M/L/XL: 100mm travel, preload adjust, 1-1/8" steerer, alloy lowers, Hi-Ten 30mm stanchions, disc mount
HEADSET : 1-1/8" upper/lower, ZeroStack 44, steel cups, loose ball bearings
STEM : Specialized, 3D forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise
HANDLEBARS : Specialized Stout, flat bar, double-butted 6061 alloy, 10-degree backsweep, 4-degree upsweep, 31.8mm
GRIPS : Specialized Body Geometry XCT, Kraton w/ gel, lock-on, closed end, 132mm
FRONT BRAKE : Tektro Auriga, hydraulic disc, resin/metallic pads
REAR BRAKE : Tektro Auriga, hydraulic disc, resin/metallic pads
BRAKE LEVERS : Tektro Auriga, hydraulic, reach adjust
FRONT DERAILLEUR : Shimano Altus, high mount, bottom swing, dual pull
REAR DERAILLEUR : Shimano Acera Shadow, 9-speed
SHIFT LEVERS : Shimano Altus RapidFire Plus, SL type, optical display
CASSETTE : Sunrace, 9-speed, 11-34t
CHAIN : KMC X9, 9-speed, w/ reusable MissingLink
CRANKSET : Specialized Stout, forged alloy, 9-speed, square taper spindle, 44/32/22T
BOTTOM BRACKET : Square taper, cartridge bearings
PEDALS : Plastic, 9/16", w/ reflectors
RIMS : Specialized Stout 29, disc, alloy, double-wall, pin joint, 25mm inner width, 32h
FRONT HUB : Specialized Stout, Hi Lo disc, alloy, double-sealed, ground race, QR, 32h
REAR HUB : Specialized Stout, Hi Lo disc, alloy, double-sealed, loose ball bearings, QR, 32h
SPOKES : Stainless, 14g
FRONT TYRE : Specialized Ground Control Sport, 60TPI, wire bead, 29x2.1"
REAR TYRE : Specialized Ground Control Sport, 60TPI, wire bead, 29x2.1"
INNER TUBES : Standard, Schrader valve
SADDLE : Body Geometry mountain, steel rails, 143mm
SEATPOST : Alloy, 2-bolt, micro-adjust, 12.5mm offset, 30.9mm, anti-corrosion hardware
SEAT BINDER: Alloy, nylon/glass fibre washer, QR, 34.9mm

The Rookie

At the RRP of £550 the rockhopper sport is dreadful value, forks you would expect on a £350 bike.

The Voodoo Bizango is much better value and often cheaper once you line up some discounts.

ribbityeah

Many thanks

N0bodyOfTheGoat

Bizango is £480 currently, before you use cash back or British Cycling 10% discount.