Pros: Bomber frame, smooth shifter, looks great especially in white

Cons: Brakes are garbage

Recommendation: Overall very good entry level bike. You get what you pay for and a little bit more with this one. Frame is solid, which is the important thing. Components, although definitely not the best, are decent. Suntour xcm fork is pretty good especially w the lockout and preload adjuster. Shimano shifters r smooth enough. Biggest downside are the brakes. They have mediocre stopping power n the metal pads are LOUD. Like embarrassingly loud. People can hear me coming down the hill a mile away. Upgrade them right off the bat. Overall though i love this bike.

Pros: Decent shocks, shifting between gears is quick/smooth, comfortable positioning, good handling

Cons: haven't found one yet

Recommendation: I would definitely recommend this bike. It gives you the best bang for the buck. There are better bikes, but they are also more expensive. I don't think you'll find a better bike for the money. I have a 2010 Avalanche 3.0, and it has performed excellent with no problems after some very hard rides.

Pros: shimano components, disc brakes, price, durable

Cons: plastic pedals

Recommendation: i think that for the price the bike is well built, smooth shifting, handles real well, simply upgrade your pedals so you dont slip off if you run through a wet spot. I actually got a used 09 model that was part of the rental fleet that they had at cs west bikes in colo spgs from last season and got the bike for 250$ so you cant beat that but, msrp is still not that bad for the bike, considering i was riding an old roadmaster 18spd that was too dang heavy but decent to learn on. Now its time for an upgrade....

Pros: I just got into MTB early Fall 2009, bought GT Avalanche 3.0 from Performance, Plano. They treated us right. Now used on Taylor State Park trails and in Big Bend, Lajitas Trail and Old Ore Road. I like it very much. Heavier than some of the high price rides, but great for me as a beginner.

Cons: Actually I have no cons.

Recommendation: Excellent for price, takes a licking with no complaints. Smooth gears once I get really coordinated! Glad I have a son to sort through all that's available! Thanks Al! Dad

Pros: Shifting, frame

Recommendation: Bought the bike for comute to work so far 260 miles on it no problems

Pros: Solid frame, brakes, components have held up.

Cons: Plastic pedals, a bit heavy.

Recommendation: I bought this to get into MTB. I got it used and after a tune-up at LBS, it rides great. I am 6'4' @ 215lbs, and I ride it pretty hard through rocks, bridges, and even some small drops, bike still has had no major problems. I replaced the plastic pedals after a wet ride and my feet slipped off a couple times. People say components and fork are 'cheap' but I have no problems with any of them, they have held up through a lot of abuse. I'm really happy with the fork actually. I was thinking of getting a 1k bike next season, but I think I'll stick with the GT, it does everything I need it to. If the price fits your budget and you like the feel, its a great buy.

Pros: Overall decent components (where they need to be)

Cons: Pedals are clunky and fall apart quickly. Front fork is trash.

Recommendation: A good starter bike however there are better forks out there at that price range. At 30+ pounds this is a heavy bike, it carries it's weight alright however this is not a bike worth upgrading.

Pros: Lockout on shock, shifters and brakes are two different components, brakes

Cons: peadals cranks

Recommendation: I think this is a great bike for recreational and first time buyers.

Pros: disc brakes, shimano alivio components, brake levers and shifters are not integrated, and the fork comes with a lock-out.

Cons: none (considering the price)

Recommendation: What sold me on this bike were the disc brakes, lock-out, and the brake levers and shifters were separate components. I didn't see many (or any) other bikes with these features at the $399 price point. I was looking for a solid bike to see if I enjoyed mountain biking and I am definitely happy with my purchase. Great entry level bike.

Pros: Good ride, monuverability was very good, responded well on some very tight turn. Shock travels very well also

Cons: May need to upgard pedals and derailleur

Recommendation: I searched several bike from Trek, Mongoose, Schwinn and several others this bile gave the most bang for buck. It lists for $479 picked up at Performace bikes in VA Beach for $360.00 and got excellent service there as well.....check em out.