GT - Zaskar Sport or Avalanche?

Retrogamer

I'm looking to buying a new mountain bike for cross country use and some downhill now and then.

I'm looking to stick with GT as a few friends have older GT models and they've been pretty durable the last 15 or so years.

I've a max budget of £600 and i really wanted something with front lock out on the forks and hydraulic disk brakes.

I've narrowed it down to these two models

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p3844/GT-ZASKAR-SPORT-2012

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p3342/GT-AVALANCHE-1-0-DISC-2011

I used to be a keen cyclist but i've been out the game for a long time and not very clued up when it comes to which has the better components and is the better deal out the two.

Any opinions or pointers with these? Pros and cons of each?
Many thanks for any advise

photome

I haven't checked specs but

the second link they only have a small 16", I am guessing that is to small?

what about this Kona for a few pounds more


http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/kona-kahuna-719-99-rrp-1499-99-52-off-chain-reaction-cycles-1611118

Retrogamer

I'm going to be sticking with GT mainly as i've had a few friends with varied other makes with manufacturing defects but no problems generally with the GT brand. I quite like the look of the triple triangle frame as well.

16" will be perfect for me. I'm quite short and smaller frames for off road always felt better with me. I think it reminded me of BMX's so easier to transfer skills accross.

That one you linked is well over my budget as well i'm afraid. £600 limit but ideally around £500

Retrogamer

What bike has better components fitted? Front suspension in particular.

Cycrow

its difficult to compare. but i would say the Zaskar is slightly better equipped.

but if it was me, i think i would go for the Avalanche and save £100.
There isn't a huge difference between them

wayneski100

Hello

I would go for the avalanche as it seems to have better spec.

GT bikes tend to be pretty good, I was happy with my GT Backwoods that was similar to the avalanche.

wayneski100

Just to add aswell, keep shopping around. So many cycle shops, online too, have great offers. You may even pick up something more amazing than this!