GT Avalanche Sport (29) (2018) - Review

The GT Avalanche Sport is made using a 661 T6, triple butted alloy frame. The high quality of the welding is evident from the smooth edges on the frame, making this frame stronger and durable even with continuous usage on intense trails. Additionally, the triple triangle design on the frame under the seat post enhances the strength of this bicycle as a capable off-roader. The frame is impressively lightweight for an alloy MTB, yet stable! The frame features mounting options for - two bottle holders, mudguards at the front and rear, and a rear carrier. The GT Avalanche Sport comes with a front suspension fork. The Suntour XCT HLO front suspension fork has 1mm travel and a hydraulic lockout. The 1mm travel will be great when on technical trails and extremely rugged surfaces. This bicycle has a well-designed, center-tapering headset that enhances strength, stability and agility of the front of the bicycle. Additionally, a shorter stem enables increased load bearing capacity, which makes this bicycle a great option when on technical trails involving a fair amount of downhill riding.

The GT Avalanche Sport is a 27-Speed bicycle that comes equipped with a Shimano Altus Front Derailleur and a Shimano Alivio Rear Derailleur whose shifting is controlled by Shimano Altus shifters. The derailleurs worked effectively to enable smooth, seamless shifting without a hint of any lag or delay in changing from one gear to another. The shifters were quick to respond and in transmission. The wide range of gearing options makes this bicycle a perfect all terrain bicycle. This range will enable easier climbing, requiring less efforts and more controll on stable descents. The placement of the shifters enabled easy, comfortable access.

GT Bicycles comes up with great looking bicycles year after year. Nothing has changed about that on this year's range of MTBs. The GT Avalanche Sport 29” is one mean looker! The bicycle has an instant appeal when viewed. This bicycle is available in a primary colour of jet black with bold, red branding and gray decals. The colour combination used makes this bicycle look bold and intimidating - in a good way. The triple triangle design on the frame adds to this bicycle's aesthetics. This bicycle is undoubtedly going to stand out on or off the road.

The GT Avalanche Sport comes equipped with Shimano M315 hydraulic disc brakes. The braking performance was responsive and crisp. While on the test ride I felt that both feathered braking as well as sudden braking felt controlled and super stable. This is something worth mentioning especially when looking at the bicycle from a downhill/ trail capable point of view. The Shimano M315 Brake Levers required two to three fingers to operate and felt sturdy and strong. This bicycle comes with a 68mm Alloy flat handlebar. The width of the handlebar enables a comfortable, ‘open-chested’ riding position. Additionally, a wide, flat handlebar ensures added control, stability and maneuverability. The grips on the handlebar exuded comfort with the perfect amount of cushioning. The placement of the brake levers and the shifters on the handlebar were comfortable and well within reach.

The GT Avalanche Sport comes equipped with a pair of All Terra Cypher 29” x 2.1” tires which are attached to All Terra rims. The treading on the tires ensured stability while cornering, even on rather sharp turns. Additionally, the spacing of the treading ensures that the bicycle will be stable and with enough traction to handle wet and slippery riding conditions. The stability offered by these tires are great for intermediate - intense trails. The wheels on this bicycle come with a Quick Release option.The GT Avalanche Sport comes equipped with an All Terra MTB Saddle. I found that the saddle was comfortable while on relatively less rugged trails and paths, however it could do with more cushioning to enable comfortable usage while riding on more intense trails that are sure to transfer vibrations to the rider's sit bones. The seat post comes with a Quick Release option to adjust the seat height with ease.