[drumbum540]

Hi, I have been looking for a beginner off-road bike and I like the GT's.I found an avalanche 2.0 disc for $360. It seems like for the most part it has good components for the price. The bike has good reviews but I am looking to see what other riders think. Also, I am only 14 years old so I can't come up with much money. I would probably upgrade the fork/forks though. I want to be able to use it on downhill courses but not at full speed, and not hitting any jumps over 5 feet.
I have pretty much posted this thread all over the site but people keep redirecting me to here.Thank you for any responses.

 

[VT Mtbkr]

Alright Kid.....Posting everywhere is getting annoying.....

First of all an entry level XC bike you CANNOT downhill on. Hit your parents up for a rental when you want to do that. You're not in a location for a lot of downhill trails anyway unless you're parents are going to truck you all over the east coast.

For an entry level XC bike the GT looks fine. It does only have an 8 speed drive train which is typical on lower level bikes. Don't upgrade the fork (just one fork) just learn riding on what you've got and save your money.

Being that you're 14 remember that you want to buy a bike that will fit you for the foreseable future so beware of the size knowing that you're still going to hit a growth spurt and you don't want to spend your life's savings on a bike that's not going to fit you in another year.

If you're dead set on a new bike then this is fine but sounds like if you save a little more money or wait until birthday/christmas then you could get a Freeride hardtail which would be much better suited for aggresive XC and jumping. The Ironhorse and Jamis are both good choices for just $100-200 more.

Good luck kid and don't wear out your welcome with multiple posts everywhere!

 

[drumbum540]

VT Mtbkr- Thank you very much, I have noticed that there aren't many downhill areas near us. My dad and I did the downhill courses at Deep creek lake in MD. that was pretty fun, but we had beefed up cannondale full suspension bikes. I understand that I wouldn't be able to be doing Downhill riding on it. well not true downhill. And I have been thinking about getting the right size. I want a size that won't be too small in the next year. I am looking for a size that is a little too big right now so that it will still fit me if I hit 6'. That could be difficult though. right now I am about 5'7". I fit pretty good on a 17" Giant Rincon but that size will vary from the different bike styles. I am technically not 14 yet but my birthday is may 11 so I can hopefully rack up some money to get a decent bike. along with selling my current bikes. It will all depend on how much money I can get.

 

[drumbum540]

Oh, and im sorry bout posting all over.I just didn;t know what category it would go under.

 

[r464]

When you have a lot of beginner questions and you don't know where to go, the beginners' forum is probably where you should start.

 

[VT Mtbkr]

Good luck.

Another place to look is Craigslist for used bikes. There are lots of used upper entry level bikes being sold on there at least in our area.

 

[drumbum540]

Ok, thank you both for all your help! and which area in the craiglist are you under?