N+1 time - Spesh or GT or.... ?

[bobb]

I need want a new mtb. I think about 700 quid gets something on the way to being half decent.

The two I have been looking at are:

Specialized Rockhopper 2011

and

GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc 2011

Both the same price.

The GT seems to have a slightly higher spec. But what is the frame like? I was looking at the Spesh the other day in Edinburgh Bicycle Coop and the very helpful gentlemen was saying the frame on the Spesh is good as it is the same as the higher specced (and significantly more expensive) Comp and Expert models.

They both look pretty cool (which is obviously a very important consideration!)

Either of those a wise choice? Or is there something else out there at a similar price that would be a better deal?

[Tim]

The GT is designed more for bumping downhill and the Spec for cross country. What sort of riding did you have in mind?

And of those two the fork on the GT appears better

[PaulF]

I had a Rockhopper whichbwas great ride but the GT has a better spec I think. As Tim says consider the riding you'll be doing on it

[bobb]

The type of riding I like is thrashing through the woods, so  cross country I suppose. I do like to mix it up with the kids on the dirt jumps and stuff too though, but I suppose either would be OK for that.

GT bikes do seem to have higher spec kit for the money than other bikes. Dunno why that is - kinda makes me wonder if the frames are rubbish or something....

Decisions, decisions.....

[PaulF]

If you're looking to do much over jumps i'd go for the GT with 120 mm of travel over the Rockhoppers 80, also the Tora is a far better fork.

[DrMekon]

I've not ridden recent incarnations of either, but have ridden both in the past. My hunch is that the difference will be predominantly in the geometry and the quality of the forks. The GT will be more upright for dicking about, the Spesh more stretched for getting the hammer down. Both will be lighter than the MTBSO you've been playing about on. The frames will both be so stiff as to be inert.

I like the details of GT frames (my first MTB was a GT Karakoram) - look at how the top tube is pierced by the seat tube, then think back to the number of pics of audax frames that have been posted here that have failed at that junction.

[bobb]

I'm leaning slightly towards the GT at the moment.

If I could bring myself to buy from Halfrauds, they're doing the 2009 GT Aggressor XC1.0 for only 549. The fork is:

Marzocchi 33R with 120mm travel, 15mm bolt thru axle, adjustable rebound damping and preload

Is that any good?

[PaulF]

Don't know that specific fork but you should consider prepaid and damping as standard, not special features at the level you're looking at.

[DrMekon]

I've just been looking at Orange and Kona, both of which have always had nice geometry (chuckable handling - always feel in control on tight singletrack). The Orange G2 doesn't come with great kit, but the Kona Steely looks like fun

Evans Cycles | Kona Steely 2011 Mountain Bike | Online Bike Shop

[bobb]

Just bought the GT   

[PaulF]

Just bought the GT   

Aggressor or Avalanche?

[bobb]

Avalanche. I properly wanged it across London in the rain to get to Liverpool Street and home 

I love it already. Just about about to remove all the things on it that don't rock. ie the bell and reflectors!

[PaulF]

Hope you have a lot of fun on it.

Now all you need to do is take off the gears to single-speed it and you'll have a proper mountain bike

[bobb]

Hope you have a lot of fun on it.

Now all you need to do is take off the gears to single-speed it and you'll have a proper mountain bike

Done that before and it sucks. I'm all for no gears and no freewheel on road, but off road I want gears...

[clarion]

Cool.  Hope you have lots of fun with it!

[Tewdric]

Just bought the GT   

It looks like a great bike - enjoy!

For others looking at the thread thinking the same thing, Merlin have some nice bikes too:


   Merlin Malt 1 Bike - Merlin Cycles

[DrMekon]

Video clip of you doing a wheelie plz.

[bobb]

Video clip of you doing a wheelie plz.

All in good time 

Just got back from a ride. Absolutely covered in mud!! Thought I may as well Christen the bike properly!!