"Prior to this bike, I had an Apollo XC26, which was okay for quiet rides with the kids and a bit of road riding, but really showed its limitations once I got a bit more adventurous and started doing some some semi serious cross country riding. The gears quickly became a nightmare, with the top cog on the cassette becoming inaccessible, no matter how much I attempted to adjust the system and the fork quickly became very clunky.
In contrast, the Avalanche is a complete breath of fresh air. It's well built, comfortable, stable and responsive and has given me the confidence to approach riding in a way i would never have dared on my old bso.
The biggest difference is the brakes. At first they seemed way too binary to be of any use at all, but once they had bedded in, and I'd adjusted the centering of the pads, they were a revelation. Plenty of modulation now, so I can apply just the amount of braking needed, and the best thing is not having to adjust them when the going gets muddy. With V brakes, I found that on long rides when it had been raining (I live in Yorkshire, that happens a lot) and there was mud around, I was having to stop and adjust the brakes every half hour or so, and on one ride had to replace the front blocks, as they had worn to a point where they were no longer effective. No such worries with the Auriga Comps on the Avalanche, they have handled rain, mud and someone pulling out on me as I hammered down from Queensbury on a hill where breaking 50kph in places is the norm, and done it all with aplomb.
One thing about the breaks though, the spec listed the front as a 180mm rotor, whereas its actually a 160. Not something I'm going to lose any sleep over though.
The next big step up is the fork. Now I've seen the XCM-V3 get some stick on forums, but I can't really understand why having ridden one both on and off road. The lockout is solid, so road riding and climbs benefit, while the stages in between full travel and lockout provide plenty of options for different terrains and personal preferences. I can't comment on durability as, for various reasons I won't bore you with, I've spent more time on the road than off it, but for the rutted and rooty trails with the occasional 12"-18" drop that are my usual destination, they seem perfectly well suited.
Everything else seems rock solid, with the only component that presents itself as being the one to upgrade being the rear mech, which seems rather clunky when climbing. My guess is this is because it was designed to be used with a 9 cog cassette, rather than the 8 that comes with the bike. It's fine for downhill and when on the flat, but does affect momentum when changing down for a steepening hill.
All in all this is a great bike, and at £250 in the Wiggle sale, the bargain of the century. I can see this bike being with me for many years."

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Review 2 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 4 / 5 from

LOLSKI

Date:February 20, 2012

BUENA COMPRA

Pros: buen precio, Alta calidad

"LA BICI ESTA MUY BIEN PERO HAY QUE HACER MUCHO MONTAJE, DEBERIA VENIR MAS MONTADA"

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Review 3 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

lolpod

Date:February 14, 2012

Fun on the trails at a fraction of the price

Pros: Durable, Great Value, Attractive, Comfortable, Rugged, High Quality, Adjustable, Good Fit

"After quite a bit of research and with a limited budget, I finally decided to take the leap and get the Avalanche..which has fast become, by far, my new favourite toy!
The specs are excellent and at my level, everything and more than I need! Some people have reviewed it as being heavy, but to be honest I've been on a lot heavier and it makes up for it with it's manouverability and reaction speed.
She also looks the biz, which is nice when you're out on the trails trying to talk the talk! ;)
All round, grat bike, no faults to report yet (will be back if there is!) and have already convinced a few friends to make a similar leap!
Oh also, the saddle's fine...although I am used to the harder roadie one!"

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Review 4 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

PedalPete

Date:February 13, 2012

Great First Mountain Bike

Pros: Great Value, Attractive, Comfortable, Rugged

"I bought this bike for myt wife after buying a GT Avalanche for myself 5 months ago. Like mine, the bike came promptly, was easy to put together and rides like a dream. My wife is delighted and has already used it on some moderate off-road tracks without problem. I would fully recommend this bike and Wiggle."

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Review 5 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

hutch506

City: Isle of Sheppey

Country:United Kingdom

Age:45-54

Interest:Cross Country MTB

Level:Regular

Gender:Male

Budget:Value for money

Mountain Biker

Date:February 9, 2012

Just the Job

Pros: Durable, Great Value, High Quality, Rugged, Adjustable, Lightweight, Versatile, Good Fit, performance

Cons: Limited Color Choices

"I was looking for a rpelacement bike, my Specialised Hardrock was showing its age and punishment. I am by no means a bike snob; I want function, not the latest gizmos or model and this 'offer' stuck out like I do not know what. Purchase was very slick and performance is excellent. Progression to hydraulic brakes was 'interesting', weight is good and its performance both on and off road is excellent. My only observation, and it is very minor was the colour and while I accept the site emphasisied that the picture display was representative, it was difficult to actually find a picture of what I actually received. That said, frame shape is no bother (I am short so even better for me) and overall a very good purchase. I look forward to many happy and exciting miles on it."

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Review 6 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Ivan88mg

City: Utrera

Country:Spain

Age:19-24

Interest:Cross Country MTB

Level:Occasional

Gender:Male

Budget:Cheap as possible

Mountain Biker

Date:February 8, 2012

Por ahora contentísimo

"La verdad e que la Bici vino perfectamente precintada y sin ningún arañazo, además las instrucciones del poco montaje que tuve que hacerle eran sencillísimas y venía puesta a punto.

En fin que muy bien todo y me compre una bici de 625 por 312... no esta mal verdad??"

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Review 7 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Gus123

Country:United Kingdom

Age:25-34

Interest:Cross Country MTB

Level:New to sport

Gender:Male

Budget:Value for money

Mountain Biker

Date:February 5, 2012

Great Bike

Pros: Great Value, High Quality

"This is the first bike i've bought for over 15 years, blimey they've improved!

Don't let the pic put you off, the bike's white and everybody knows white's the new black.

Great bike, smooth gears, fantastic brakes and front suspension for such a small price.
Fantastic service too."

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Review 8 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Neilbro

Date:February 3, 2012

GT Avalanche 3.0 disc

Pros: Durable, Great Value, Attractive, Comfortable, High Quality, Rugged, Adjustable, Good Fit

Cons: Limited Color Choices

"Bought this ib small for a tall 9yr old and it is great. He loves it. Good kit for the price, if a tad heavy. The decal colours are a bit bright in the white but that is just a personal thing. The only other thing is the front suspension is probably suited to adults as it is a bit stiff for a kid to get the best out of it, but again this is me being picky as it is an adult bike after all, and I only paid £250 (some suspension alone would be more)!"

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Review 9 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Woodster608

City: Shoreham

Country:United Kingdom

Age:35-44

Interest:Cross Country MTB

Level:Regular

Gender:Male

Budget:Quality first

Mountain Biker

Date:February 2, 2012

Superb bike

Pros: Durable, Great Value, Attractive, Comfortable, Rugged, High Quality, Adjustable, Good Fit

"I had bought my son a cheap bike from a high street store, that was my first mistake. As expected things went wrong very quickly.
I spotted the GT 3.0 on Wiggle, heavily discounted, and I couldn't resist to buy it for my son!
It arrived very quickly, after order, with just handlebars and pedals to fit.
It looked stunning and blew my son away, he couldn't believe it was for him!
He's 12 years old and the small frame fits him perfectly, with plenty of scope for growth. To be fair I sat on it, I'm 5'11" and wasn't a bad fit for me.
For the price, great spec and superb quality. Now looking forward to hitting the hills with my son."

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Review 10 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

topcat77

Date:February 2, 2012

Great start to mountain biking

Pros: Durable, Great Value, Attractive, Comfortable, High Quality, Adjustable, Versatile, Good Fit

Cons: Limited Color Choices

"A fab bike for starting to do some serious mountain biking. It ticked all the boxes when I was doing comparisons, and the only change I have made was to put SPDs on there. Wasn't used to such good brakes to begin with, and the seat didn't look too comfortable, but is far better than my old cross road/trail bike for longer treks. I got it in the sale so it was a perfect buy for me."

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Review 11 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

godofbugs

Age:25-34

Gender:Female

Date:February 1, 2012

easy riding

Pros: Great Value, Attractive, Comfortable, Lightweight, Good Fit

"easy to ride. I am cycling 16 miles/day with it and made me wish to ride it even more! one thing to remember: put oil on chain before riding it!"

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Review 12 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Denzil9

City: Leeds, UK

Country:United Kingdom

Age:35-44

Interest:Runner

Level:Advanced

Gender:Male

Budget:Value for money

Date:January 30, 2012

GT Avalanche 3.0 Hyrdo

Pros: Great Value, Attractive, Comfortable, High Quality, Adjustable, Good Fit

"This has been a great purchase. I use it to commute to the gym on a lunchtime, so as yet haven't really tested its true off road capability, however, I will be doing shortly. The set up for me is perfect, being only 5'5" the small frame has made a difference to my riding position and is certainly more comfortable than I was previously used to. The hyrdo disc brakes are so much better than any rim wire brakes. The pedestrian who ran out from behind a car the other other lunchtime will confirm that. If I'd been on my old bike I'd be using him as a bumper sticker now!

I have had a few people enquire about the bike and the fact that I tell them what it cost makes their jaws drop.

Thanks Wiggle."

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Review 13 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Muchiiuchi

City: Madrid

Date:January 26, 2012

Perfecta por ese precio

Pros: buen precio, Atractivo, Cómodo, Resistente, Alta calidad, Ligereza

Cons: Colores limitados

"Precio espectacular para una bici espectacular. Para inciarse en MTB es perfecta, ligera, buenos componentes y con garantía."

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Review 14 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

langekort

City: Crossmaglen

Country:Irish Republic

Age:45-54

Interest:Road Cyclist

Level:Advanced

Gender:Male

Budget:Quality first

Road Cyclist

Date:January 26, 2012

GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Pros: Great Value, Attractive, Comfortable, Rugged, High Quality, Lightweight, Good Fit

"an amazing deal to get this quality of bike for such a reasonable price."

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Review 15 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 4 / 5 from

riki1965

City: RETHYMNON - CRETE

Country:Greece

Age:45-54

Interest:Cross Country MTB

Level:Occasional

Gender:Male

Budget:Value for money

Mountain Biker

Date:January 25, 2012

best value for money

"i think that it's a very nice bike and my son is very pleased with it."

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Review 16 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 3 / 5 from

gtbikesmall

Date:January 13, 2012

girls toptube

"this picture doesnt represent the bike. basically because its xs or s the top tube slopes like a girls bike. i ordered 2 i kept 1 for my youngest. bike looks nice bit heavy. tektro brakes are amazing better than my deore's wiggle toke 2nd bike back ok but its allllll hassle - they couldnt be arsed to picture - be warned."

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Review 17 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

MrBix

Country:United Kingdom

Age:25-34

Interest:Cross Country MTB

Level:Regular

Gender:Male

Budget:Value for money

Mountain Biker

Date:January 13, 2012

Pros: Durable, Great Value, Attractive, Rugged, High Quality, Adjustable, Versatile

"Fantastic first bike for me and on offer for only £250 half price.... Extremely quick delivery and awesome offers for the rest of the gear needed."

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Review 18 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

Tugless

Date:January 3, 2012

Back on a bike

Pros: Durable, Great Value, Attractive, Rugged, Adjustable, Good Fit

Cons: no lightweight

"Bought the small framed version (curved top tube) and is ideal for me (5'7" 28" inside leg). Bike was set up very well and component spec good, actually came with Deore rear mech despite other sites saying otherwise. I've changed a couple of things, saddle, fitted a Bioflex Ozone (I'm not getting any younger) and the 35mm stem with a 100mm one, more in keeping with my prefered riding position. Hydraulic brakes are excellent, stop on a sixpence (showing my age again) and gears shift seamlessly (only few hundred miles so far though). Only gripe is horrible plastic pedals Yuk!. Oh and my Haribo were missing!"

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Review 19 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

popsol

City: Kirckudbright, Scotland

Country:United Kingdom

Age:45-54

Interest:Cross Country MTB

Level:New to sport

Gender:Female

Budget:Value for money

Mountain Biker

Date:January 1, 2012

Wow what a price

Pros: Great Value, Attractive, Comfortable, High Quality, Lightweight, Versatile

"Super Bike at an excellent price, an exceptional bike for a mountain bike beginner."

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Review 20 for GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Hydro 2011

Overall:

Avg 5 / 5 from

faroutman

Age:45-54

Interest:Road Cyclist

Level:Regular

Gender:Male

Budget:Quality first

Road Cyclist

Date:December 29, 2011

First mountain bike

Pros: High Quality, Lightweight

"I purchased this bike for my 11 old son as his first mtb. He rides cyclo cross and track. This is his first foray into MTB, to say he was over the moon is an understatement.
His words "wow this bike looks cool is light and handles great""

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