Amazing bike! Affordable, takes a beating and keeps on running! Buy it! It may be the last bike you ever own for cross country, some technical and everyday smashing into things.ProsExcellent Frame, aggressive tires, affordable, a 'take you anywhere' hardtail. Excellent value, and dependable bike. Smashed more than 2000KM of hardcore technical on this bike, and will never sell it.ConsNone really - rear deraileur is a little open, and tends to take many hits on technical trails - but never needed to replace it after easily 2000KM!
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 Bomber frame, smooth shifter, looks great especially in white
My bike is an 09' Avalance Expert..I have some different componet, such as Juicey/Avid disc breaks
good ride feels strong, during ride bent 1 of front rings, so i went to a 2 ring set up instead of 3..
Pros I'm 6'1 300 lbs. so I like the feel of being strong & strudy.
grey & black color is cool, good componets
light compared to other bikes w/lrg. fame size
I enjoy adjustments of front shock & the travel it has...
Dicount Price bc last yrs model...which has better componets anyways, picked up bike for $1000.
Hialeah Schiwnn
Leon-owner
ph#-305-822-4013
Cons uncomfortable seat,
the fact that GT doesn't make it's clothing/riding wear available to ppl. like me I tired at bike shop "no luck"
didn't like stock grips
too many gears for me, rear derailer to long, would like to change it once it breaks..I feel chain comes off to easliy when riding track
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 Decent shocks, shifting between gears is quick/smooth, comfortable positioning, good handling
I just got this bike as my first "real" mountain bike. Mine has the hydraulic disk brakes and it was only $500. Been great so far. I'm learning how to wheelie and other very beginner tricks/techniques on it and it has been great.
Pros Great components and frame for the price
Cons Heavy, the rims got a little out of true very easily
i think that for the price the bike is well built, smooth shifting, handles real well, simply upgrade your pedals so you dont slip off if you run through a wet spot. I actually got a used 09 model that was part of the rental fleet that they had at cs west bikes in colo spgs from last season and got the bike for 250$ 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....
Bought this 09 back in Sept. to start losing weight....and I have. Bought it because of the strength of the Triple Triangle. Bike is probably a little heavier than some other models, but I feel (opinion) it's kind of overbuilt....like the rider. I ride 13 mi home 2-3 per week, and have just started doing some offroad trails. Loving the bike for both. Would definately recommend this bike...especialy if strength is your priority vs. a little less weight.
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 Solid frame, brakes, components have held up.
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 Overall decent components (where they need to be)
Cons Pedals are clunky and fall apart quickly. Front fork is trash.
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 disc brakes, shimano alivio components, brake levers and shifters are not integrated, and the fork comes with a lock-out.
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.
Pros Good ride, monuverability was very good, responded well on some very tight turn. Shock travels very well also
To anyone looking for a cost-effective hardtail great for beginners or intermediate riders.
Pros
Budget friendly, decent drive train and components.
Cons
| ThankWeight. No air fork.
I like it, I own it, I ride it a lot. I own 2 bike this one and a multi thousand dollar one, and they see the same miles each year.
Pros
Price price price
Cons
| ThankOk so after riding a higher end bike the shifting on this bike is now only "ok" still good but not great
I'd buy it again. Great price/value. In 2 yrs, I've upgraded the pedals, hand-grips, seat, and more aggressive tires to match the terrain.
Pros
Been riding it for 2-years now. Solid frame, great breaks, easy to maintain, fun ride.
Cons
| ThankPedals seized after wet ride.
Even with underwhelming Shimano drivetrain, this bike is well worth the admission price!
Pros
Triple Triangle Frame.
Very competent off road manners.
Cons
| ThankLow end components.
Great bike for the money, mine was about 1200 dollars
Pros
Good components, great frame, I have mine with a rock shock recon fork, and magic cross ride rims, mine is a 2011
Cons
| ThankSomewhat heavy
Amazing bike! Affordable, takes a beating and keeps on running! Buy it! It may be the last bike you ever own for cross country, some technical and everyday smashing into things.ProsExcellent Frame, aggressive tires, affordable, a 'take you anywhere' hardtail. Excellent value, and dependable bike. Smashed more than 2000KM of hardcore technical on this bike, and will never sell it.ConsNone really - rear deraileur is a little open, and tends to take many hits on technical trails - but never needed to replace it after easily 2000KM!
| ThankGreat start but be ready to either learn how to tune your components or to upgrade them, bikes under a grand need more maintenance.
Pros
Best aluminum hardtail frame out there.
Cons
| ThankBrakes suck but hey it's 800 bucks
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
Bomber frame, smooth shifter, looks great especially in white
Cons
| ThankBrakes are garbage
My bike is an 09' Avalance Expert..I have some different componet, such as Juicey/Avid disc breaks
good ride feels strong, during ride bent 1 of front rings, so i went to a 2 ring set up instead of 3..
Pros
I'm 6'1 300 lbs. so I like the feel of being strong & strudy.
grey & black color is cool, good componets
light compared to other bikes w/lrg. fame size
I enjoy adjustments of front shock & the travel it has...
Dicount Price bc last yrs model...which has better componets anyways, picked up bike for $1000.
Hialeah Schiwnn
Leon-owner
ph#-305-822-4013
Cons
| Thankuncomfortable seat,
the fact that GT doesn't make it's clothing/riding wear available to ppl. like me I tired at bike shop "no luck"
didn't like stock grips
too many gears for me, rear derailer to long, would like to change it once it breaks..I feel chain comes off to easliy when riding track
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
Decent shocks, shifting between gears is quick/smooth, comfortable positioning, good handling
Cons
| Thankhaven't found one yet
I just got this bike as my first "real" mountain bike. Mine has the hydraulic disk brakes and it was only $500. Been great so far. I'm learning how to wheelie and other very beginner tricks/techniques on it and it has been great.
Pros
Great components and frame for the price
Cons
| ThankHeavy, the rims got a little out of true very easily
for the price, its hard to find a better bike. I dont know that I would spend too much money upgrading the bike.
Pros
good components for the price. I like hardtail bikes vs. fs. The frame is bomb proof.
Cons
| ThankI have the 08 model with suntour shocks instead of rockshox. I am constantly adjusting the "self adjusting" disk breaks because they drag.
i think that for the price the bike is well built, smooth shifting, handles real well, simply upgrade your pedals so you dont slip off if you run through a wet spot. I actually got a used 09 model that was part of the rental fleet that they had at cs west bikes in colo spgs from last season and got the bike for 250$ 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
shimano components, disc brakes, price, durable
Cons
| Thankplastic pedals
Bought this 09 back in Sept. to start losing weight....and I have. Bought it because of the strength of the Triple Triangle. Bike is probably a little heavier than some other models, but I feel (opinion) it's kind of overbuilt....like the rider. I ride 13 mi home 2-3 per week, and have just started doing some offroad trails. Loving the bike for both. Would definately recommend this bike...especialy if strength is your priority vs. a little less weight.
Pros
Really strong frame for this heavy rider.
Cons
| ThankNone at this time
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
Solid frame, brakes, components have held up.
Cons
| ThankPlastic pedals, a bit heavy.
Overall this is a great bike for a beginner. We liked it so much we purchased the woman's version for my fiance.
Pros
Disc brakes, good quality tires. Good mid-range components. Good price
Cons
| ThankDoes not have hydraulic brakes on this version (most on 2009 version do)
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
Overall decent components (where they need to be)
Cons
| ThankPedals are clunky and fall apart quickly. Front fork is trash.
I think this is a great bike for recreational and first time buyers.
Pros
Lockout on shock, shifters and brakes are two different components, brakes
Cons
| Thankpeadals cranks
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
disc brakes, shimano alivio components, brake levers and shifters are not integrated, and the fork comes with a lock-out.
Cons
| Thanknone (considering the price)
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.
Pros
Good ride, monuverability was very good, responded well on some very tight turn. Shock travels very well also
Cons
| ThankMay need to upgard pedals and derailleur