‘99 GT Avalanche - Retro MTB Restoration (polish and build)

[@toastyrides]

Hi all, thanks for checking out the video! 🙌 huge shoutout to Arphy and everyone who’s been reaching out with support for the channel, it means a lot. Thanks so much! 😁 Quieter music in this one, let me know if it’s too low though 🤙 instagram.com/toastyrides/

[@badger67]

I don't have an Instagram account, but I'll check it out. In fact I could upload pics of my bikes over the years for you to look at too.

[@stevecrump1375]

That bike is hand built in Santa Anna factory genuine American built.

[@toastyrides]

@@badger67 would love to see!

[@toastyrides]

@@stevecrump1375 oh woah I didn’t think the Avalanches were? Just the Zaskar, Xizang etc

[@stevecrump1375]

@@toastyrides it looks identical to my Zaskar welds and all...I would say it was...but you might have to check on that...👍

[@tomrobinson7879]

Just finished my 94 Zaskar build, been a long drag. Frame looking factory fresh, new custom turquoise decals, custom turquoise ‘97 Z1 Bomber and lots of purple anodised bling. The icing on the cake was a paracord wrap, looks way better than an inner tube or neoprene sock! Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the good work.

[@johndef5075]

The 26" GT hardtails are the best looking hardtails ever imo. Especially the 18" frame. They look fast standing still. Late 80s thru 90s had some incredible paint jobs too.

[@rodovich-]

Yes.Avalange 2 my bicycle)Very retro very strong😊

[@radulacatusu4154]

Just subscribed to this channel. What make it so spacial is that, no crazy sponsored individuals with toolsets worth a fortune, simple, down to earth garage work just like most of us. Keep up the good work!

[@badger67]

Lovely job. Reminiscent of my GT. I spent all day rubbing down the frame with a brillo pad out of the kitchen. I took off all the decals and equipped it with a 92' XT gruppo and that was in 2010. Fantastic video mate.

[@toastyrides]

Thank you! Oo nice, sounds like a lovely bike 👌 appreciate the kind words, mate

[@joey0077d]

Nice! I built mine a year ago. GT Zasker 94’ XTR brakes and Derailleur. XT shifters brake leavers cank and pedals. Chris King head set and bottom bracket. Wheels roc shocks Judy neck and handlebars from a FSR donor bike. GT’s are sweet rides.

[@dropthesubjectkiddodropthe5450]

Man, I'm in love with that bike, thank you very much Adam, you're amazing. I can't wait to ride that bike.

[@toastyrides]

I’m glad you like it, Arphy! 😁🙌

[@noisepuppet]

When you pass by other GT riders, do you silently nod to each other? 😊

[@Timemachine74]

Of course same with kona and Marin lol

[@justinmaxwell5866]

My boy's lucky to have you restore his bike.

[@toastyrides]

Hey Justin! 😁🤙 haha he’s patient, too 😂

[@seraphan6]

I have a '99 GT Backwoods and it has/had the same bare aluminum frame with the purple decals. I removed the decals some years ago because they looked similarly tattered. I planned to polish the frame as you did, but haven't managed it yet. I rebuilt it in '11 as a commuter with a new Deore M590 groupset. Someday I'll polish it and rebuild it again, as it's probably my favorite frame ever. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@toastyrides]

Oh nice! I haven’t seen a Backwoods with the purple decals, yet! Fair enough, I wouldn’t be in a rush either haha. It will take a long time, but when you get around to it it’ll definitely be worth it 👌 Sounds great! Thanks for the kind words, happy riding Jonathan! 😁🤙

[@sagehiker]

I picked up a trashed 99 GT Aggressor. The frame is the same polished alloy as yours. The fork is a Fox and needs a rebuild. The frame is beautiful but the rest is trash. So it will be a frame out build. I just completed an oily rag resto of a 99 Saddleback for my daughter and it rides great.

[@JosephDredd31]

Originally GT came New with what they called A Ball Burnished Finish. It's not supposed to be very shiny. Also I have a 2000 GT Team bike which used a painted Zaskar LE frame. I purchased a group set and had the Ball Burnished frame. Beautiful bike. You're favorite part is CNC aluminum on rear triangle of the Zaskar.

[@thomasmikkelsen518]

I just saw a bare alu GT Zaskar with cantilever brakes and Deore LX derailuer for sale today for what I remember to be 1200 danish crowns (about 270 NZD or 200 USD) it looked in ok condition and i wondered if that was a good price!!!??? Then i get home and there you are doing a bare alu GT build and suddenly I feel like buying it though i hate the polishing part LOL Thank you for the great content from Denmark!!!!!

[@toastyrides]

Woah that’s a great value! Sorry for the slow reply, I hope you picked it up 😁🤙 haha the polishing part will be worth it in the end 🤩 Thank you!! 🙌 happy riding 🤙

[@darcysnell6243]

"Voila...penetr8" 😂 Is going to play in my head every time I bust out the can now 😂

[@toastyrides]

Bahahaha I’ve ruined penetr8 for myself, too 😂 damn it haha

[@Mr.J2UMF]

My old 99-2k Trek 6500 is getting it too. I'm going 26" BMX with shock and both discs.

[@damo778]

Someone left a trek 4300 out for the scrapman, I beat him to it ha. Hoping to refurb it just like you have with the Gt. You are the first person I have found that likes useing old parts like me. You got a like and a subscribe for it 😁👍

[@ronwhite8503]

Another real world Dream Build; cheers, fellah, from the UK. Just picked up an entire alloy, disc braked Carrera (well, I like them) for twenty quid and I intend to leave it plain alloy.....after the extensive rebuild with LX parts.

[@toastyrides]

Thanks! 🙌 nice, only a few Carrera trickled over to NZ unfortunately. Sounds like great value 👌 should be fun 😎🤙

[@jezmadden7002]

Nice build. Just checked the old catalogue and yes it is defo a 99 Avalanche in 'Billet' (polished alloy). For some reason the 98 model was 6061 aluminium (same as Zaskar) but they reverted to 7005 (same as Backwoods/Tempest) for 1999.

[@thinkpadBentnoseTheBlind]

you are correct. I sold them at that time and have the 99 zaskar and 98 avalanche le. same frame and we called them baby Zaskars. a scale and calipers can and have proven it. the zaskar LE though was a tad less as i believe they extra butted the stays .Back then we thought the reason is that GT over estimated the Zaskars sales for 97 as full suspensions were selling out so they just used the already cut to size Zaskar tubes. this has never been proven yet i hope to ask Gary Turner himself someday.

[@levibradley9170]

you done well man. keep up the good work, this is a great show, thanks for making them for us to view

[@TheMetabolicMadness]

Turned out tops! I must be one of the few people that like polishing parts... The end result is always amazing this is no exception!

[@toastyrides]

Thanks Michael!! 🙌 haha I do when it’s smaller, a frame isn’t as nice because it’s so much bigger 😂 cheers! Really happy with the improvement, too!

[@bullockserveruk12345]

I had one of these back in 2000. It wasn’t a polished frame. That Matt look is standard. Mine was stolen 2003.😢 I haven’t been able to find another one for sale so I’ve purchased a Xcr2000 as the parts where pretty much the same. Also purchased a GT Backwoods frame ( also a 7000 ). Almost finished the build just the crank and chain to sort out.🎉

[@noisepuppet]

You can spot that Zaskar triple triangle frame from a mile away. I don't know if it has any strength or performance benefit, but it's nice to have a bike with some visual distinction about it.

[@jezmadden7002]

Think it was mainly visual and they ended up with an over-engineered/slightly heavy frame. The by-product is they are very stiff at the back (great for power delivery) and near indestructible !!

[@fanzybikes]

I love the idea of the chain protection!

[@flatheadfletch]

love these old GT's im building a 90's Pantera currently using a Surly Karate Monkey fork for 27.5 wheels longer reach, disc brakes and drop bars ! it will be an odd Duck but should be a lot of fun, at 62 ill take all i can get, lol

[@PJmusic1981]

I love a retro hardtail. Great work in making it look cool as. I learn lots watching your videos

[@houseofsolomon2440]

The welds & rear cross brace are cool ☆

[@drewstreet4178]

I have one of them tioga stems on my 1998 gt timberline, polished silver though and it's a quality stem, because I like to ride a slightly smaller bike than I should I sometime hit my knees on the stem bolts when steep climbing and leant foward/stood up putting power down and cut myself, this stem is amazing to help with that issue I had

[@thinkpadBentnoseTheBlind]

great video ! I love this. i still have a 1998 GT avalanche LE the only year they made the 6061 and a 1999 black Zaskar.

[@jonjoneda9149]

I love retro mtb it looks very classy 😍

[@tecdesigns8183]

Great vid, I love gt's of this era

[@tonypotter9578]

I recently rebuilt my 97 avalanche. Really enjoy riding it. 1x9. Light and responsive. Looking for some nice Mavic rims!

[@toastyrides]

Nice! Sounds like a fun bike 😎👌 I’m sure you’ll find some, but nice Mavic rims seem to be snapped up where I’m from. They do show up though so hope you find some soon🤞

[@HoloScope]

Recently bought an avalanche with TWO SETS of mavic rims and fully functional all for 60 bucks from a thrift store LOL. Currently upgrading it to a modern drivetrain using Advent 9 speed.

[@tonypotter9578]

@@toastyrides yes, found a set and they’re on. Good to go!

[@StanEby1]

Instructive and very enjoyable. Great job. Thanks.

[@giancarloespejo2223]

Great content as always, I love old and classic bikes you have a great channel more power and god bless .

[@toastyrides]

Thank you! 😁🤙 🙌 that means a lot, happy riding friend! 🤙

[@guillaumepelletier6440]

Very Nice 🤩

[@toastyrides]

Thanks!

[@ondrejmanych5688]

I just restored shimano parallax hubs on my ghetto gravel bike project last week. That damn seized seatpost is taking me month to get extracted haha.. never again.

[@toastyrides]

Oo damn, I’m sorry to hear! Stuck seatposts give me the creeps 😱 hope it comes out! Cool that you have some Parallax hubs too! 😁 what’s the gravel build? I like the ghetto part haha

[@ondrejmanych5688]

@@toastyrides it is an old steel bike named Author Compact, it is pretty generic here in Czech, but I will make it nicer! Not much rust and only problem is that damned seatpost haha. Im taking my time with it.

[@ellipticalsoul]

The polished frame looks really nice!

[@diegofhurtado658]

Nice Video. Thanks for upload this. the finish is awesome!

[@ashpunting]

I love the chrome look brilliant 👏

[@herculesdebrito5737]

Very good, mané!

[@hammeredscout]

Gotta luv them GTs👍🏾

[@toastyrides]

Definitely, friend 😎🤌❤️

[@madisondeans5566]

Fun build for sure!! 👌🤘

[@79nenshiki]

😮you have a passion🎉🎉

[@myvicariouslife4012]

thank the bike godz the seatpost and bb came out easily

[@toastyrides]

Hahaha it’s always such a relief 💕 and no damage elsewhere, just a few little issues!

[@gracianosantana5585]

Excelente. Video. Un. Saludó. De. La. CDMX.

[@lugu9708]

Another awesome video.. well done Ad's

[@toastyrides]

Cheers mate 😄🤙

[@darcysnell6243]

I highly recommend getting a rivnut gun! I got a Kinchrome one from Bunnings for

[@toastyrides]

Yeah I *definitely* need another one, my cheap one died a while ago 🙃😂 kinchrome is great quality, too! 🤤👌

[@wabz4949]

Very cool mtb restoration Toasty Rides! I wish there are available bikes like this on my country, you inspire me on my bike restorations. Keep it up! :D

[@glennpettersson9002]

I think you'll have to change the name to Tasty Rides, that is a really nice build and the paracord is a classy touch. Thanks for posting 👍.

[@toastyrides]

Haha thank you! 😁🤙 might have to look into a name change haha. Thanks! Glad you liked the video 👍

[@breathestrongcycling3672]

Having polished an ally frame myself I can give 1 piece of practical advice.,.get someone else to do it!.....it's boring and messy....but whichever way the end result is beautiful 👍 I was waiting for a dropped chain tho, a seat tube mounted guide is cheap insurance

[@toastyrides]

Hahaha great advice 😂👌 definitely worth it at the end, though! Huge improvement 🤩

[@breathestrongcycling3672]

@@toastyrides the red fork was icing on the cake 👍

[@toastyrides]

@@breathestrongcycling3672 thanks! I was tossing up between this and a black one, but I think I made the right choice 🤙

[@chanceisaac2691]

Great views

[@LuluBejot]

Great mtb video! You content is awesome! I’ve subscribed to your channel a while ago 🙂

[@toastyrides]

Thank you! Oh awesome, thanks for subscribing! 🙌

[@MW-ud8zp]

That would be mint on flowy singletrack!

[@toastyrides]

I think so, too! 😁

[@StanEby1]

Low key music is great.

[@sufernantravs2829]

Super Nice! Keep it up! 😎☝️

[@toastyrides]

Thank you, will do! Happy riding friend 😁🤙

[@larrealopez9034]

Nice Juan

[@toastyrides]

Ayy thank you! 😁🤙

[@burrito_bobby]

Nice!

[@toastyrides]

Thanks Burritö Bobby! 🤙

[@cr-motube6852]

16:48 isso ai foi legal! gostei!

[@Animaduniversum]

There are nice repro decals on Etsy (:

[@ericacaldeo2162]

New subscriber, nice restoration sir💪

[@toastyrides]

Thanks heaps for subscribing!! Glad to have you, cool that you like the video 😎🤙

[@jhomarjosemondana435]

Nice bike 😍

[@toastyrides]

Thanks, it sure is 🤩

[@mumm-ratheeverliving3138]

Ah, my favorite color……. Shiny

[@stephanblack4558]

Nice.

[@herculesdebrito5737]

Congratulations. You are very biker besta.

[@duckmanduckfairy8010]

Cage bosses can be retightened with a longer bolt a few washers and a nut.

[@toastyrides]

Yeah that’s what I tried first, but it just didn’t work well enough for whatever reason

[@alameintavo]

Linda bicicleta para hermoso paisaje.Saludos desde lima 21

[@gregoriodava2521]

❤️❤️❤️

[@williamlansdown6708]

I have 3 GTs myself I want to polished my 99 GT AGGRESSOR

[@the.communist]

36:16 bye bye chain stays cord protector.

[@edjack1993]

Sweeeet!

[@RoyBramlowe]

cool bike cool video nice

[@toastyrides]

Thank you! 😁🤙

[@hugomundo4826]

Naissss

[@leonardoaltamirano6694]

Esa es una 1998 y no una 1999 ya que no vienen el aluminio pulido sino pintado y con unas franjas Rojas y blancas x que ese año se celebraron las olimpiadas !! Además las calcas corresponden a un modelo 1998

[@jezmadden7002]

I thought it was 98 but double checked and it's a 99 in Billet (polished alluminium).

[@thinkpadBentnoseTheBlind]

wrong. I have the 98 .That has the same 99 sticker as my 99 zaskar. his is 7000 series aluminum and can not be 98 as that was the only year fdor the avalanche to be made in 6013

[@leonardoaltamirano6694]

El pulido después de lijarlo lo puedes hacer con pasta de pulir gruesa x autos poseo 2 zaskars una del 93 y una LE del97 " además de varios avalanche old school y el todas le realize el pulido de esa manera siendo más fácil y económico que utilizar brillametal!!

[@nikilisswan4005]

Hey dude, did you use the original bottom bracket and what is the cassette? I’m doing a very similar resto on a Chrome backwoods so keen for any extra info 👍 sick vids bud

[@germanhernande0206]

Hola muy buenos una pregunta Don de consige la pata del desviador GT i las tazas del telescopio k medida son

[@saidimon]

Damn!!!! So shine, so clean!!! ( ˘ ³˘)♥

[@toastyrides]

So sparkly! 🤩🤙

[@Londinius]

Hi, what frame size is this?

[@mygoalcrash8077]

11/8 front fork? what is the weight of this bike?

[@toastyrides]

Yeah it’s 1 1/8, I don’t know the weight- I don’t normally weigh bikes haha

[@mygoalcrash8077]

@@toastyrides 😁🤘

[@janeblogs324]

Errr just use a nut, bolt and washer as a riv nut installer

[@toastyrides]

That’s the first thing I tried, it works sometimes but not all the time 👍

[@BettyMasterPain]

btw , you have to start dissasembly from the non drive side of the bottom bracket

[@toastyrides]

Not on square taper cranksets 🤙

[@BettyMasterPain]

Aluminum now is exposed, it will stain soon, you only need a pair of rivnuts, no gun needed, you can reproduce that decals with a basic ilustrator skills, why why why monoplate?, I apreciate your effort, sorry my english