2012 GT avalanche 3.0 Review

2012 GT avalanche specs: http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/GT/Avalanche-3-0,3283#product-specs

-One thing I really like about the GT avalanche is the head angle of 69.5 degrees and low bottom bracket for a lower center of gravity, perfect for trail riding. 

- (10 months later) I upgraded the stock suntour XCM fork to a manitou  r-seven pro and the difference is night and day, I am no longer distracted by the clunking sound of the xcm fork which by the way developed a crack on its tube near the crown bearing race, It is my fault anyway because I jumped this bike 1 to 2 feet a few times.

PROS

• Tough triple triangle frame, hydroformed 6061 aluminum, unique design
• Great trail attitude (handles like a more expensive bike), goes to where you want to go as long as the tires can keep traction
• All terra and wtb parts
• 100mm travel suntour xcm v3 fork with manual lock out ( not really a fork for aggressive trail riders )
• Shimano alivio rear derailleur(RD) vs acera or tourney from other brands in the same price range
• It has a low bottom bracket(BB) which gives the bike a lower center of gravity or better stability in cornering ( pedal strike alert )
• GT handle bar grip (same grip is installed in high end GT bikes)
• tektro novela disk brakes (It does its job when adjusted and cleaned regulary)
• Brake lever and shifter are separate and easier to upgrade 
• Maxxis sphinx grips good on hard pack and rolls fast on asphalt although it is an entry level tire
• GT platform pedals are tough eventhough they are made of plastic
• Do not install your cyclo computer on the handle bar, My handlebar got scratched when I crashed

CONS

• A couple of rides and the suntour crankset is already not true or wobbles from side to side
• Pedals were making noise after 2 rides but I  fixed it with light oil
• Rear wheel is not true after 5 rides + occasional bunny hops and other tricks I learned when I was a kid ( replaced the wheelset after 3 or 4 months )
• Nameless rear hub needs a replacement after 3 months or less than 500km of trail riding (replaced the wheelset with element technium hubs and cole brontes xc light rims)
• Tire compound is too soft, not recommended on harder trails, loose rocks and rock gardens
• bottom bracket is noisy in less than 3 months (fixed it by dropping motor oil on it)