GT Avalanche

[Iacabu]

Picked this up a couple of days ago, after a very sudden desire to get a retro bike. I was swaying between Kona and GT (steel models) but settled on an Avalanche in the end. It will be used mainly for casual rides down the promenade.

I've got a few plans and I guess it will end up being more of a resto-mod and I'll just pick away at it as and when I have time over the winter.

I don't know the year, decals suggest 1996 (I think) while the serial number ends 93. Most parts appear original aside from the forks, seat post and saddle.





Came with the original forks and cantis too




I thought the gold Mavic 221 rims would be fine, but the front has some serious wear and will need replacing



LX shifters, brakes and hubs
XT rear derailleur
LX/XT cranks, but the name has mostly rubbed off so not certain which


I've got some Billy Bonkers on the way and may end up changing the bar and stem set up. Depends how I feel riding it or if I want the position a little more upright.

I'll probably end up going rigid, as I don't particularly like the Bombers on now (low end model, scratched and a bit heavy).
Any fork recommendations? I've seen a few on original GT forks in black that I think look the best

 

[Nevilleblaze]

Great looking bike , it will scrub up nicely.

The tan walls look good with the polished frame

I look forward to seeing the updates

 

[Iacabu]

Great looking bike , it will scrub up nicely.

The tan walls look good with the polished frame

I look forward to seeing the updates

View attachment 652956

Thanks, yours is very nice. Clean and simple.
I have been wondering whether I should get a rack like that, mainly as I've been using my dad's Trek for a while, which has panniers that prove to be very useful

 

[Nevilleblaze]

Thanks, yours is very nice. Clean and simple.
I have been wondering whether I should get a rack like that, mainly as I've been using my dad's Trek for a while, which has panniers that prove to be very useful

The rack has proved to be very useful , good for carrying the beers at Silverstone the other week . I got it from Decathlon for £25 .

 

[Iacabu]

I've had this Merlin frame sat around for about 20 years (might get round to de-stickering one day).
I had hoped to steal the direct drive forks, but they're looking a little worse for wear...worth salvaging to go on the Avalanche?

 

[SeeingisBelievingGTMuseum]

It's a 96 model year bike. The 6 after the SAS in the serial number indicates the model year.

 

[Iacabu]

It's a 96 model year bike. The 6 after the SAS in the serial number indicates the model year.

Thanks for confirming

 

[Iacabu]

How the bike is currently sitting.


Only a few small changes but makes a big difference.
I spent more than a couple of hours today wet sanding and polishing. Bit of a half arsed job as I should have stripped it down, but I just don't have the time right now.

Desperately needs new decals to brighten it up a bit and forks, definitely needs some new forks.

 

[Nevilleblaze]

Looking good . Where did you get the tyres

 

[Iacabu]

Looking good . Where did you get the tyres

A set came up on Facebook. I was losing hope in finding a pair, but someone kindly pointed them out to me