Looking to buy a Gt Aggressor hardtail
Discussion
I've had my GT Avalanche Expert for just under 4 years now and it has done me fine so far. The latest exploit was the Wiggle Mountain Mayhem 24 hr Endurance event, of which I did about 5.5 hours (team event). Whilst my bike was probably one of the lower end bikes there, it certainly didn't leave me feeling underbiked in any way - maybe a bit heavy compared to some of the other bikes, but then it didn't cost 5x the amount!
The 'Expert' was the top of that range at the time, so same frame across the whole Avalanche models but the Expert came with better forks (possibly), hydraulic disc brakes (as opposed to cable disk or rim brakes), and better quality s
ters and mechs (don't know what sort off-hand).
The 'Expert' was the top of that range at the time, so same frame across the whole Avalanche models but the Expert came with better forks (possibly), hydraulic disc brakes (as opposed to cable disk or rim brakes), and better quality s
ters and mechs (don't know what sort off-hand).Ive had an older (about 6 yrs old) XC2 and a 2012 avalance, both absolutely brilliant bikes, used them mainly for road use, but never had so much confidence on any other bike. If i was to get another bike, I would only go for one of these, regular maintenance keeeps gears and brakes in check well. i think the only minus is possibly the brakes, you should be able to source some 'greenstuff' pads and that should be enough. 
Post a pic if/when you get one.
Post a pic if/when you get one.
I had an older Aggressor briefly. Bought it off a mate for £50, it needed a little work (cables and new cone nuts and ball bearings in the wheel hubs) but was generally very sound and as 'callmedave' has said, they ride really well. Confidence inspiring, strong, and very forgiving.
I didn't keep that one long, because some scrote relieved me of it outside the main pool complex at Centerparcs Elveden Forest.
As my insurance was 'new-for-old' I got an Avalanche 3.0 with the payout, and that was/is more of the same, but slightly better than the Aggressor. It's a bit basic by some standards, mechanical (cable) discs, and fairly low-rent levers and dérailleurs, but to be fair it is a few years old now. I paid £305 for mine in Feb 2009 and I've done >1,300 miles on it, a good 70% of that off road.
The bike itself is OK, the frame stays the same throughout a model range with GT bikes, so an Avalanche 4.0 is the same frame as an Avalanche 1.0, they just hang better bits off the 1.0 than the 4.0
Biggest let down at your budget will be the suspension forks and wheelset. That'll be the same with other manufacturers as well. Best you can hope for is a set of Suntour XC forks and a heavy but reliable set of wheels with unbranded hubs.
I pushed the boat out when it came time to buy my youngest son a new bike. He got an Avalanche 1.0 for £650 in August last year, but it's barely turned a wheel since as he's sort of fallen out of love with riding. It's the same size frame as mine, and I keep threatening to tweek the fit and put some miles on it myself.
In short, I don't think you can go far wrong with a GT mountain bike. I wouldn't bother with their road bikes, but I swear by their off road kit. A top end Zaskar would be my choice if I could afford it.
I didn't keep that one long, because some scrote relieved me of it outside the main pool complex at Centerparcs Elveden Forest.
As my insurance was 'new-for-old' I got an Avalanche 3.0 with the payout, and that was/is more of the same, but slightly better than the Aggressor. It's a bit basic by some standards, mechanical (cable) discs, and fairly low-rent levers and dérailleurs, but to be fair it is a few years old now. I paid £305 for mine in Feb 2009 and I've done >1,300 miles on it, a good 70% of that off road.
The bike itself is OK, the frame stays the same throughout a model range with GT bikes, so an Avalanche 4.0 is the same frame as an Avalanche 1.0, they just hang better bits off the 1.0 than the 4.0
Biggest let down at your budget will be the suspension forks and wheelset. That'll be the same with other manufacturers as well. Best you can hope for is a set of Suntour XC forks and a heavy but reliable set of wheels with unbranded hubs.
I pushed the boat out when it came time to buy my youngest son a new bike. He got an Avalanche 1.0 for £650 in August last year, but it's barely turned a wheel since as he's sort of fallen out of love with riding. It's the same size frame as mine, and I keep threatening to tweek the fit and put some miles on it myself.
In short, I don't think you can go far wrong with a GT mountain bike. I wouldn't bother with their road bikes, but I swear by their off road kit. A top end Zaskar would be my choice if I could afford it.
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