Mountain Biking - Giant XTC3 or GT Avalanche Expert...how do they fair up?

Well I should have one of these bikes within the month, hopefully sooner!

Its come down the the XTC 3, 6500, or GT Avalanche Expert. The Trek is probalby at the least of my choices since IMO, they have ruined a nicley specced bike with a not so nice fork.

XTC 3- I have test ridden the bike, it felt great, I love the bike, good specs and I think this will suit me needs nicley.
Avalanche Expert- Havn't test ridden (should do this week), I LOVE the specs (X9 rear, Deore Hydrolic, 80-130 U-turn Tora fork), however this bike seems more of an All Mountain build, and a bit heavier and not so much for XC.

I can get XTC3 - $1350AUD, GT $1440AUD. I'm really not conerned about the price, its more which bike will better suit me for my riding...

...So I will ask you: What is your opinion on the GT bike? Will it hold up to XC? What would you think its intended purpose would be? How does it fair up to the XTC3? And why?

Bottom Line, I want to be able to ride XC, but I would also like a bit of strength, but not compromising the weight a huge amount.


Thanks so much for any help! I'm in a bit of a 'pickle" at the moment trying to decide.

:beer: :beer:

XTC 3- I have test ridden the bike, it felt great, I love the bike, good specs and I think this will suit me needs nicley.
Avalanche Expert- Havn't test ridden (should do this week), I LOVE the specs (X9 rear, Deore Hydrolic, 80-130 U-turn Tora fork), however this bike seems more of an All Mountain build, and a bit heavier and not so much for XC.
Thanks so much for any help! I'm in a bit of a 'pickle" at the moment trying to decide. :beer: :beer:

I agree with your take on these two, the GT is more of an all mountain bike, it has a frame similar to the old GT Zaskar, witch still has a cult following here in the states. XTC' s are a great XC bike, with the XTC-3's components it might be close to the same weight as the GT. The X-9 is hands down a better setup than the deore in my opinion. BUT THESE TWO BIKES WILL HAVE VERY DIFFERENT GEOMETRY! so keep an open mind and ride the GT then go back and ride the others.

Yeh, hopefully I'll test ride the GT soon! It definatley does have some better geometry aswell.

WOULD the GT be able to take cross country aswell? (a nice climber etc.). Better yet, would the XTC3 be able to take bumps and rocks and a few small drops/jumps along the trail?

:)