OK have a dilema now. Seen two bikes I'm interested in, both for £400. The Trek 4500 and the GT Avalanche 1.0.

They both basically have the same parts just minor differences like the GT is full deore the Trek has one Alvio and Deore. Same forks. So it really comes down to the frame. There seems to be alot of hype over Trek bikes so my common sense seems to lean to that but I still quite like the GT. As far as induvidual parts are concerned I'm not too sure Cranksets, rims ect, this will be my first "proper" mtbike. So any advice is welcome.

Here are the specs for both.

Trek 4500

FRAMESET:
FRAME: Alpha SL aluminum
FORK: RockShox Judy TT

WHEELS:
WHEELS: Alloy F, Shimano C201 R hub; Matrix 750 rims
TIRES: Bontrager ACX, 26x2.2", 52/54

DRIVETRAIN:
SHIFTERS: Shimano Alivio
FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Alivio
REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Deore
CRANKSET: Shimano M430 42/32/22
CASSETTE: SRAM 850 11-32, 9 speed
PEDALS: Alloy platform, clipless adaptable

COMPONENTS:
SADDLE: Bontrager FS 2000
SEATPOST: Bontrager Sport
HANDLEBARS: Bontrager Sport, 25mm rise
STEM: Bontrager Sport, 10 degree
HEADSET: Aheadset, semi-cartridge, sealed
BRAKESET: Alloy linear pull w/alloy levers



GT Avalanche 1.0


Frame:
GT Triple Triangle w/ Butted 6061 alum, Zero Stack headset, disc compatible with removeable hanger
Rock Shock Judy TT, 80mm Travel
Crankset: Truvativ Five-D 44/32/22
Bottom Bracket: Cartridge Sealed
Pedals: ATB Resin body, Steel cage, toe clip compatible
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore
Shifters: Shimano Deore 9-Speed integrated
Cassette: SRAM 9-Speed index cassette 12-32
Chain: Shimano 9-Speed
Rims: Alloy double wall ATB with CNC Sidewalls
Tires: Tioga Factory Extreme Front and Factory XC rear 26 x 1.95
Front Hub: Alloy QR
Rear Hub: Shimano 9-Speed
Spokes: Stainless steel 14 gauge
Nipples: Brass CP
Front Brake: Tektro Linear Pull, 110 mm arms, 70 mm DIN pads
Rear Brake: Tektro Linear Pull, 110 mm arms, 70 mm DIN pads
Brake Levers: Shimano Deore integrated
Handlebar: Alum. 20 mm Rise, 6 degree bend, anatomically sized
Stem: GT Design, Tig welded threadless, 10 degree rise with 4-bolt face plate
Grips: GT ATB
Headset: Tange Zero Stack system for 1 1/8"
Saddle: GT MTN
Seat Post: Alloy Micro adjust
Seat Clamp: GT Forged Alum QR