Matt said:
GT is a no go, mainly due to me hating the look of their frames, that might be a rubbish reason, but it is a reason
What don't you like about the GT frames/bikes? The Triple Triangle Frame makes them tough without adding weight.
The kit on the 2006 GT Avalanche 1.0 and Expert is very good for not a lot of money:
# rame: GT triple triangle design 6061 Aluminium with pressure formed downtube and is disc compatible
# Forks: Rock Shock TORA U-turn with rebound adjustment
# Gears: Shimano Deore LX front derailleur and 9 speed SRAM X9 rear derailleur
# Shifters: SRAM X.9 Trigger
# Chainset: Truvativ 5-D with Powerspline 44 32 and 22 tooth rings
# Brakes: Shimano Deore Hydraulic Disc brakes front and rear with Deore leavers
# Wheels: Shimano Quick Release Disc hubs with WTB Speed disc rims
# Tyres: Tioga yellow Kirin Front and Blue Dragon rears
# Bars: GT 6061 butted aluminium adventure bar
# Stem: GT Design Tig Welded threadless with 4-bolt face plate
# Saddle: SDG New Bel Air
# Seat Post: Alloy Micro Adjust
For £800 you can get the bottom range composite bikes but they lack strength and are very hard to repair if you bin in hard and damage the frame.
Oh and how can you say you don't like the look of this? (My baby!)
