Framebuilders - GT's "Vintage" Triple-Triangle Reynolds 853 Frame Question

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Briareos
04-03-08, 03:55 PM
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

Nessism
04-03-08, 11:43 PM
My guess is that the frame is about 4 lbs., maybe a smig under.
j0e_bik3
04-04-08, 12:47 AM
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.