1998/99 GT Avalanche LE frame. Is it worth?

[joseelias]

Hi!

This is my first post on retrobike, but I've been coming to this great site for years because I love retro mountain bikes, since I still ride a 1996 Kona Lava Dome (although anything but period correct). The creativity and imagination have yet to be surpassed from what we've seen in the 90's, and I love to keep seeing all those bikes I only saw in the magazines in the real life, although unfortunately still not on my life...

Now, for a "simple" question. I may have the opportunity to buy a 1998/99 (don't know what year for sure) GT Avalanche LE frame. From the images it seems to be in quite good condition, but I'm asking myself if it's worth the investment.

The frame would be for my wife, since it's a 16", because she's riding an entry level recent MTB weighting a ton. The frame alone is about 2.3kg (over 5 pounds?) because it's a AM hardtail. We ride mild XC stuff several times a week so there's no need for a tank.

Due to keeping costs to a minimum I'm planning to pass the components from the current bike to the Avalanche frame. Eventually, the loss of the rear disk brake to v-brakes won't be a problem.

So, is this a good buy, or should I keep the modern frame?

Photos available on a reply under.

 

[brocklanders023]

Re:

Pics not showing up mate. :?

 

[joseelias]

Re:

That's strange because I see them. I'll try again.

 

[brocklanders023]

Re:

Looks pretty good but I wouldn't pay too much for it. Not sure if it's worth moving the parts over as they'll be heavy as well. Saying all that, if you get it cheap and all the parts fit across without the need to buy other parts it will make for a better bike IMO.

 

[joseelias]

Re: Re:

Looks pretty good but I wouldn't pay too much for it. Not sure if it's worth moving the parts over as they'll be heavy as well. Saying all that, if you get it cheap and all the parts fit across without the need to buy other parts it will make for a better bike IMO.

Well, the seller is asking for 27€, but I would probably need to buy the derailleur hanger and screw because I don't see them in the pictures. So, in the end it would cost about 40€. Is this a good price?

One of the reasons to buy it would not only be the weight but because it's a 16", and my wife rides a 17" AM frame. It's ok in the saddle-handlebar distance because it's a short frame but the top tube height is on the limit. On an emergency stop it's possible to hit her, despite on normal mounting on and off it's ok.

Does anyone know how much this frame would weight in 16" and what the geometry is? And is this very far from the Zaskar? I'm now pretty sure it's a 1999 frame. The seller is very ignorant about the frame and slow to answer the contacts.

 

[hamster]

€27 is a sensible price. I bet it will be under 2kg, probably more like 1.7-1.8.