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GT Avalanche Hardtail Bike Review

The GT Avalanche hardtails will easily get you through some of the toughest terrain and keep you on the trails for years to come, without wasting a lot of time making repairs on the trail or having to walk back for parts and repairs.

The 2010 GT Avalanche hardtail mtn bikes come with a rock solid triple triangle aluminum frame, Rock Shox or Suntour front suspension and disc brakes (on most models).

GT builds some of the best BMX and Mountain Bikes in the world and the Avalanche is their high end Recreational XC category bike. If you've browsed the mountain bike reviews on this site, you know that we rank GT very highly.

For 2010, the Avalanche series includes the Avalanche Expert, 1.0 Disc, 2.0 Disc, 3.0 Disc and Avalanche 3.0 (Tektro Linear Pull Brakes) models with women's versions available in the 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0.

GT Avalanche Features at a Glance: All GT Avalanche bikes have the NEW Triple Triangle design 6061 butted aluminum frame, GT Mtn Riser handlebars, and Disc Brakes (except for the Avalanche 3.0 v-brake version). Other components are dependent on the specific model.

Note: As of 8/1/2010 the 2010 GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc is on sale and selling for $499 (new) at Performance Bike with free shipping options. See GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc for the latest price and customer reviews.  

GT Avalanche Model Comparisons:

The 2010 GT Avalanche series has 5 price/component levels (in addition to the women's versions of the 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0). The 5 price/component levels are based on suspension and components.

The Avalanche models from highest (most expensive) to lowest (least expensive) are the Avalanche Expert, Avalanche 1.0 Disc, Avalanche 2.0 Disc, Avalanche 3.0 Disc and Avalanche 3.0 (v-brake).

There are quite a few differences in the specific models but the biggest differences are between the Avananche Expert and 1.0 and the others. The Expert and 1.0 models use the Rock Shox form while the others user various Suntour forks.

See the REI or Performance Bike links (above) for their automated comparison feature to see the specific details.

About-Bicycles Review:

The GT Avalanche series bikes are some of the best hardtail bikes available for under $1,000 (although full retail on the Expert is a little over $1k). I like the Expert and the 1.0 best for the Rock Shox forks and lock outs, but the 2.0 and 3.0 still have the same triple triangle frame and all have quality disc brakes except the 3.0 v-brake model if you do not want disc brakes (which will also save you some money).

GT mountain bikes, in general, are some of the best mountain bikes on the market and the Avalanche series are, IMO, the best hardtail mountain bikes for under $1,000 (or under $1,300 full retail for the Expert model).

It's not hard to recommend GT bikes at any level but I can easily recommend the GT Avalanche as the best hardtail in its price range.

Customer Reviews:

Most of the online customer reviews of the GT Avalanche, at the time of this review, were for 2009 and earlier models but were all overwhelmingly positive. Most customers have rated all of the GT Avalanche models very highly (4 stars or higher out of 5).

Below are some of the customer review comments relative to 2009 and 2010 GT Avalanche models.

2010 GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc: 

Great Bike: "I bought this bike for my 10 year old son. It's his first mountain bike, and he loves it!!! I look at this bike and think this is an entry level bike. But I remember when I started mountain biking 20 years ago the components on this bike were unheard of. Disc brakes, are you kidding me?!?!? Back then this bike would have been a few grand! ... " - From april 2010, REI.com.

2009 GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc:

Stomps on the competition for the price: "I bought this bike for my son's 11th birthday last summer, he is tearing up the single track and loving everything about this bike. Shimano component group has worked flawlessly..."
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - from PerformanceBike.com

See the REI or Performance Bike links (above) for more information, additional customer reviews or to purchase the GT Avalanche.

GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc Features:

• Frame: GT NEW Triple Triangle design 6061 butted aluminum with Hydro formed top and downtube, zero stack headtube. Disc compatible with removeable der. Hanger
  
• Fork: Suntour XCR-LO hydraulic fork with cr-mo 30 mm stanchions, magnesium lowers, preload adjust, 100 mm of travel and lock out
  
• Crankset / Chainwheel: Shimano FC-M311 42/32/22
  
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano Cartridge Sealed
  
• Pedals: ATB Aluminum body, Steel cage, toe clip compatible
  
• Front Derailleur: Shimano M -330
  
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore Shadow
  
• Shifters: Shimano 8 speed rapidfire shifters
  
• Chain: HG 40 Shimano 8 speed Chain
  
• Rims: Jalco AX-430 Alloy double wall ATB
  
• Front Hub: Alloy QR for Disc
  
• Rear Hub: Aluminum QR sealed mechanism 8 speed cassette for Disc
  
• Cog set: Shimano Eight Speed, 11-32 ratio
  
• Spokes: Stainless steel 14 gauge
  
• Nipples: Brass CP
  
• Tires: Kenda Nevegal, 26 x 2.1
  
• Front Brake: Tektro Aquila cable actuated disc brake
  
• Rear Brake: Tektro Aquila cable actuated disc brake
  
• Brake Levers: Tektro
  
• Handlebar: GT Mtn Riser, 15 mm rise, 6061 heat treated, 31.8 mm clamp
  
• Stem: GT ATB, threadless 25 degree rise with four bolt alum CNC face plate for 31.8mm
  
• Headset: Tange Seiki system for 1 1/8"
  
• Grips: GT Lockdown dual density with allen key fixing bolts
  
• Saddle: WTB Pure V, with stitched cover and protective corners
  
• Seat Post: Alloy Micro adjust 31.6 mm
  
• Seat Clamp: GT Forged Alum QR
  
• Color(s): Red/Black, Silver/Silver, or Blue/Silver

See the REI and Performance Bike links (above) for specifications on the other GT Avalanche models.

More helpful online bike sales resources:

See Best Buy Bikes Online - for the latest sales and deals on quality brand names bikes for sale online.

Most popular bike brands in US - WIth so many bicycle manufacturers, bicycle types and popular brand names sold in the US, that it can be difficult to find a comprehensive summary of the top 20 bike most popular bike brands.

See Online Bike Stores - for a complete listing of where to purchase the most popular brands for all bike types online.