GT 1990s Model Range + General Info wanted

[deliquium]

Just built up a 1991 Karakoram frame - and am amazed at how much I like riding it, compared with my other custom built touring and audax bikes costing a few bob!

So can anyone point me in the direction of more info about these frames, especially the steel ones - definitely not interested about anything with suspension or aluminium! I'm an old fart you see.

I would like to get another similar frame. Is the Karakoram the bottom end of the 90s steel frames? Etc etc?

Any pointers would be hugely appreciated.

Many thanks to chris667 who sold me the frame in the first place.

Cheers, Paul

 

[Pickle]

Hi, here is a good starting point: http://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/mai ... temId=4993

 

[deliquium]

Pickle, you're a star. THANK YOU!

 

[mechagouki]

Karakoram was mid-range in 1991. Most people who have owned one sing their praises - they are a bit heavy though.

A good step up would be a Bravado, or if you can find one, a Psyclone,

Of course if you want the ultimate GT hardtail, you'll be needing a Xizang.

 

[deliquium]

Thanks mechagouki

The frame I have is a little heavy on the scales (not that it is an issue with me) - but it rides and feels lighter. I love it apart frome the Pollockesque paint job (secretly I adore it) and rear Ubrake. Mind you it will never see dirt with me riding it - It's on narrow slicks and it feels really good going up the mountain passes hereabouts on tarmac.

 

[legrandefromage]

a zaskar is a better and more wide available option. They are strong and light and ride better than all but the hi end steel/ ti GTs

 

[mikee]

tried a GT road bike ?

 

[SeeingisBelievingGTMuseum]

tried a GT road bike ?

Yes three steel and one Ti. Love them all. Have an aluminum cx and carbon road frame to work on also.

This one belonged to former GT mountain bike team manager Doug Martin. Smoothest riding and shifting road bike I've ever been on including many new carbon bikes with the latest bling.

 

[drystonepaul]

The 1991 Karakoram was a mid-range model and was built with a Tange MTB tubeset. Above it in the cro-mo range were the Karakoram Elite with the same tubeset, the Avalanche (Tange Prestige) and the Team Avalanche (Tange Concept) as complete bikes. There was also a frame only steel option built with True Temper tubes which later became known as the Psyclone.
Below the Karakoram were the Tequesta, Timberline, Talera and the Outpost in that order.

The Karakoram was specced with a mix of Shimano Deore LX and DX.

I've got a 1991 Karakoram Elite which has a full DX groupset. While it's not the lightest bike in the world it does ride nicely and has the best splatter paint job ever. As my first 'proper' mountain bike, I tracked down the one I now own last year and like it very much.

 

[Pickle]

DSP, thats a lovely example