I have a 01 Avalanche. I can't say much about it cus I never really rode with that bike( sadly), but I can tell you that the frame is solid. It's a bit heavy for a hardtail, but I won't have any doubt taking jumps and stuffs with it.

I got the 1.0 version in end of 2002. The bike was in the shop for quite a while and there isn't many people in the area who can spend that much on a bike, so he sold it to be for abt $600. You are looking a re-enforced frame with Judy XC shock, Deore and LX components and Avid mechanical disc brakes. I was more than happy. Now I just need to get home and ride it.

but home.... not anytime soon