œ500 - GT or Trek??

johnny_uk

Hi all,

Would appreciate some help - been looking at the Trek 6000 v's the GT Avalanche 1.0 disc - v's Halford's: GT Aggressor XC1 (is there much difference ot the Avalanche?)

Has anyone got any thoughts as I'm new the the world of mountaining biking technology!

Cheers[:D]

Seagull

The halfords and normal GT version have very similar frames, but the halfords version tends to be better specced for a given price.

The most important thing is to get a bike that fits you properly and feels comfortable. Non of these are bad bikes, they all do what they say on the tin, so comfort really should be the determining factor.

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Unknown

spec wise they are similar, i went for the Trek in the end because of looks, the more i looked at the Avalanche the more i didnt like the yellow/gold stickers on it

Trek 6000

johnny_uk

Cheers for the feedback. Will do and test them all out. Are there any other bikes around the œ500 makr that I should be including in my list? Wondering whether a specialised rockhopper might be another alternative

Wolf

Rockhopper has nice frame, but is underspecced for the money.
Look at the carrera Fury at Halfords.

Marin Eldridge Grade 07
GT Avalanche 1.0 07

guilliano

Gary Fisher Marlin (not that I'm biased at all.....)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/guilliano/

johnny_uk

Cheers Wolf - back to Halfords tonight so will have a look. It would go against my principles to buy from Halfords rather than an independent but would like to get as good a bike as poss for the money!

Anonymous

My money would be on the XC1, as mentioned, same frame wise but for an extra œ50 over the avalanche you get the better spec, IMHO pretty much the best there is for œ550.

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Wolf

Only make sure it fits and the people at your local Halfords know what they are doing... Have heard some horror stories around about dodgy built carreras. Have a look at the top of the range Agressor too. At œ550 it is also superbly specced.

Marin Eldridge Grade 07
GT Avalanche 1.0 07

johnny_uk

guess I might be able to get Halfords to throw some extras in as well -

johnny_uk

what things do I need to look at for with the build of the bikes at Halfords? Don't tell me things fall off![;)]

Anonymous

That'll be the the XC1 at œ550 then, Jamesbedding (forum user) just got one of these with a few extra's thrown in, so its gotta be worth a try

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Anonymous

There have been a few issue's with cranks coming lose, some seem to be slack with Pre delivery inspections, so its worth giving the bike a really good check over if you end up buying one

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guilliano

Check the crank bolts, stem bolts, top cap (they are notorious for overtightening them), wheel trueness. I've seen bikes from Halfords come out with rear wheels almost rubbing the seatstay on one side

http://www.flickr.com/photos/guilliano/

Anonymous

also a good habit to get into doing those checks

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