{"id":7285,"date":"2025-06-17T08:13:46","date_gmt":"2025-06-17T08:13:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/generalben.com\/?p=7285"},"modified":"2025-06-17T08:18:27","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T08:18:27","slug":"2010-gt-avalanche-to-gravelanche-converting-an-mtb-to-a-gravel-bike-for-under-1000-aud","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/generalben.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/17\/2010-gt-avalanche-to-gravelanche-converting-an-mtb-to-a-gravel-bike-for-under-1000-aud\/","title":{"rendered":"2010 GT Avalanche to Gravelanche: Converting an MTB to a Gravel bike for under $1000 AUD"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"MTB to Gravel conversion for $1,000 part 1\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5xHbRs0VGko?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Part 1<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"MTB to Gravel Conversion for $1,000 - Part 2\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jmLjfgtoxko?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Part 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hey there. After the moderate acclaim of my last bike videos (tens of views!), I figured I&#8217;d double down on that success and make another. This one documents my budget-conscious descent into gravel bike conversion, complete with mistakes, surprises, and a whole lot of sanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Problem<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I started out happy with two great bikes and one sentimental one. So, naturally, I decided I needed another. The kind of bike the internet gently pressures you into getting; a gravel bike. The &#8216;blender&#8217; of bikes. The last bike you\u2019ll ever need. Or so they say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But gravel bikes are expensive, and with most of my income going to replace electronics my kids have destroyed, a shiny new Canyon was out of reach. Then I discovered the world of MTB-to-gravel conversions. Old frame, new parts, low budget, no experience. This was going to go so well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Build Begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I picked up a 2000s-era GT Avalanche for $200. <br>The reason for this frame was basically geometry and price. I wanted a relatively level cross bar so that the ride would be as similar to a roady as possible. <br>The paint job was a war crime, think 1985 X-Men tights. So I decided to strip and respray it myself. I\u2019d never painted before, but how hard could it be?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_6109-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7289\" srcset=\"https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_6109-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_6109-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_6109-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_6109-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_6109.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Turns out: quite hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I filmed the full teardown to help me rebuild it later, then accidentally deleted the files off the card. Excellent. So this video picks up mid-project, after we&#8217;ve already pulled off the parts. <br>But long story short, the bottom bracket had fused into the frame, and had to be sawed off by a bike shop. A scar remains to this day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stripping and Sanding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First came paint stripping, which was straightforward but surprisingly toxic. Even outdoors, I was clearing mucus for days. Next was sanding. Endless sanding. I roped in my kid with promises of Minecraft in exchange for elbow grease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then came the etch primer. It looked okay, but humidity, bugs, and one very determined moth made it a slow and frustrating process. Some panels bubbled. Others dripped. Rain didn\u2019t help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I used Spray.Bike paint over the primer \u2014 a self-etching powder coat style paint meant for bikes. Unfortunately, I sprayed in direct sun. Bad idea. The paint dried mid-air, hit the frame as powder, and created a horrible sandy texture. The entire can was wasted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Painting Lessons Learned<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Do not spray in direct sun.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do not spray in wind.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mind your distance.<\/strong> Spray.Bike wants 10cm. Regular cans want 20cm.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>After sanding everything back (again), I gave up on Spray.Bike and bought standard rattle cans from Bunnings. Indoors, with a mask, this worked much better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Clear Coat &amp; Decals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I then used Spray.Bike&#8217;s matte clear coat, which actually helped. It even warmed up the tone of the too-cool base coat. It dripped a lot but sanded easily. I added some simple decals for a minimal look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_8143-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_8143-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_8143-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_8143-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_8143-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_8143-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bike Assembly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The fork was upgraded to an ali express carbon fork, lighter than the original steel. I miscalculated the stack, didn\u2019t know what a cap extender was, and guessed the compressed fork length. Still, I think geometry ended up fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For cranks, I used a BSA bottom bracket and SRAM-style cranks. I learned the hard way that unnecessary spacers can ruin crank clearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The group set was a Sensor SRX Pro \u2014 an affordable, Chinese SRAM-style 1&#215;11 option. It worked out of the box. Impressive. Cable-operated hydraulic brakes were included, but didn\u2019t fit \u2014 another month-long wait from AliExpress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cassette is a 46T Domino\u2019s-pizza-sized monster. Cabling was surprisingly simple with cheap eBay housing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Total: $1,073.50<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minus parts sold: $180<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Final cost: <strong>$890.50<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Not bad for a nearly custom gravel bike under $1K AUD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/NEW-BIKE-4-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/NEW-BIKE-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/NEW-BIKE-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/NEW-BIKE-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/NEW-BIKE-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/NEW-BIKE-4-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/NEW-BIKE-4-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Form (6 Months Later)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since that first ride, I\u2019ve swapped out the mismatched mullet wheels for matching 650b WTB 47mm tires, they have knobby edges and slick center. Good commuter rubber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I added cheap flat pedals with diagonal straps so I can ride in regular shoes, plus a rear rack for upcoming bikepacking adventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A stubby 30mm stem replaced the 80mm one for better fit. The steering is definitely a little twitchy now, but the wide tyres balance it out.<br>The drivetrain needs regular tweaking, it&#8217;s not as smooth as Shimano 105, but I love the simplicity of 1x. Gearing is mostly fine; occasionally I wish for a touch more top-end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Weight: around 12kg. Heavier than my old steel roadie, but with way more grip and a far smoother ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_9008-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_9008-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_9008-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_9008-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_9008-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/generalben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_9008-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This project was messy, sweaty, sometimes frustrating, but worth it. I learned to paint (badly), build (clumsily), and ride (happily). And most importantly, I built a capable, unique gravel bike for under a grand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next up: bikepacking. Stay tuned.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Part 2 Hey there. After the moderate acclaim of my last bike videos (tens of views!), I figured I&#8217;d double down on that success and make another. This one documents&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7288,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[61,60,59,58],"class_list":{"0":"post-7285","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-uncategorized","8":"tag-bike-conversion","9":"tag-gravel-bike","10":"tag-mountain-bike","11":"tag-mtb"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/generalben.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7285","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/generalben.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/generalben.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/generalben.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/generalben.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7285"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/generalben.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7285\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7295,"href":"https:\/\/generalben.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7285\/revisions\/7295"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/generalben.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7288"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/generalben.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7285"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/generalben.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7285"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/generalben.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7285"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}