[Briareos]

I wasn't sure which forum my question would be most relevant in, but this seems like the place.

I've been looking for a second road-bike frame and I have my sights on a older GT Course made out of Reynolds 853, in the typical triple-triangle style GT was known for. This one might be a bit too big for me however (seller lives down the block), but there is one on Ebay right now too, in my size!

Anyway, I am curious if any of you know how these frames hold up? I wish to get into racing, and normally I'd be worried about racing steel, but the aluminum GT I have is pretty stiff and I think the triple-triangle design helps with that.

It is TIG welded and was made in Taiwan for GT by A-Pro, according to the Ebay listing. The question I am mostly interested in getting answered is the weight. I know 853 can come in different tube sizes/weights so I have no idea what to expect.

Here is the listing, so you can see it for yourself.

http://cgi.ebay.com/GT-Course-road-frame-fork-Reynolds-853-Alpha-Q_W0QQitemZ330224492390QQihZ014QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[The BikeForums Team]

This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.

Ready to buy? Check out these two online bike stores:
- http://www.nashbar.com (you can find the latest bike nashbar coupons in this thread)
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Cya on the forums,
- The BikeForums Team
- http://www.bikeforums.net

[Nessism]

My guess is that the frame is about 4 lbs., maybe a smig under.

[j0e_bik3]

everything I have ever ridden from GT (vintage, santa ana, CA=GT) has just been superb quality as far as the frames, and welding and general construction are concerned.

I just LOVE mine, and to be honest, I kinda beat the crap out of it, because of the way that last couple of GT's held up, and after owning a steamroller, I'd put my GT up against it any day (except the GT is 4 lbs lighter)

mine is infinity cro-mo, but I had one older 853 frame, and although it felt a tiny bit heavier, it was still springy, lively, and simply a joy to ride.

some people bag on GT's "slack" geometry, but I can just shred on that bike, so if thats what slack gives you, then I LIKE GT SLACK! :D

also I usually ride a 52cm, but mine is a 54cm, and with about an inch of post showing, and a slight riser neck, it fits me very comfortably, so I'd say from the 6 GT's I've owned, they run slightly small (at least the roady models)

if it's a deal, get it.