Oh yeah, forgot to mention. The Avalanche was a mid-level bik in GT's line-up, closer to the $1,200 to $1,500 range in the early 90's, then over the years kept dropping.
Their top of the line frame was the Zaskar, still is I think.
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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger