Rebuild relic or buy new bike?
08-03-04, 03:09 PM
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Rebuild relic or buy new bike?
Hey folks, hoping I could get some advice here...
Back in the day, I used to be an avid cyclist. I've got an old GT Karakoram K2 that I bought new. I can't remember the exact year, but it was late 80s, and it was probably one of GTs first MTBs. Put *many* miles on it and loved it.
Now, I haven't ridden for a number of years now, and I'm looking to start again - nothing hardcore, just some trail/city riding. I know the drivetrain on the old GT was starting to wear out last time I was riding it, so if I were to consider riding it again, I'm sure it would need a rebuild. Does anybody know if I'll still be able to find components to fit this bike? How about things like headsets, BBs, etc. I'm just wondering it it's worth my time to try to bring this baby back from the dead, or if I'm going to run into problems finding parts.
I've test ridden a few bikes in the past with suspensions, but *really* didn't like them much. I really prefer the feel of the "old school" rigid bikes, which is why I'd like to keep the GT, if possible.
TIA,
__Jason
Back in the day, I used to be an avid cyclist. I've got an old GT Karakoram K2 that I bought new. I can't remember the exact year, but it was late 80s, and it was probably one of GTs first MTBs. Put *many* miles on it and loved it.
Now, I haven't ridden for a number of years now, and I'm looking to start again - nothing hardcore, just some trail/city riding. I know the drivetrain on the old GT was starting to wear out last time I was riding it, so if I were to consider riding it again, I'm sure it would need a rebuild. Does anybody know if I'll still be able to find components to fit this bike? How about things like headsets, BBs, etc. I'm just wondering it it's worth my time to try to bring this baby back from the dead, or if I'm going to run into problems finding parts.
I've test ridden a few bikes in the past with suspensions, but *really* didn't like them much. I really prefer the feel of the "old school" rigid bikes, which is why I'd like to keep the GT, if possible.
TIA,
__Jason
08-03-04, 07:11 PM
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Well parts are still available but the 6/7spd parts that are available now are generally very low end. I don't know if the bike is really worth fixing or not, or how hard it is to get the parts really. My gut instinct says don't put more than $100 in it, which with labor costs, isn't much. If you like rigid bikes, maybe check out a Redline Monocog or a Kona Unit and see how you like a rigid singlespeed?
08-04-04, 12:31 AM
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Upgrading your drivetrain will probably cost much more than the bike is worth.
If your drivetrain is shot, you could always ditch the derailleurs and shifters and turn it into a single speed.
Full rigid single speed. Very sweet! Especially an old steel Karakorum! I had a '91 or '92 model. LOVED that bike!
L8R
If your drivetrain is shot, you could always ditch the derailleurs and shifters and turn it into a single speed.
Full rigid single speed. Very sweet! Especially an old steel Karakorum! I had a '91 or '92 model. LOVED that bike!
L8R
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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
08-04-04, 08:13 AM
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Hmmm... I do like the thought of converting the old GT to a SS... maybe I'll keep that for a future project.
As for my immediate needs, I'm thinking that I'll end up buying a new bike. Sort of leaning towards a Rockhopper. Price looks good, especially because I'll probably be getting two... one for my GF as well.
Thanks for the feedback guys!
__Jason
As for my immediate needs, I'm thinking that I'll end up buying a new bike. Sort of leaning towards a Rockhopper. Price looks good, especially because I'll probably be getting two... one for my GF as well.
Thanks for the feedback guys!
__Jason
09-03-04, 07:30 AM
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I just love ALL bikes. A bike, any bike is a good thing!
I just hate to see people dump a lot of money on an old bike. The expense sways their decision then the bike just ends up sitting in a garage or storage area and dies a slow death. When, for just a few bucks (if any) you can turn it into a SS and be riding again.
There is something about the simplicity of a SS. It takes me back to when I was a kid riding my BMX bike EVERYWHERE. During the summer, my friends and I would ride 20 to 40 miles a day on our bikes, then make it home in time for dinner and then to the BMX track for practice.
L8R
I just hate to see people dump a lot of money on an old bike. The expense sways their decision then the bike just ends up sitting in a garage or storage area and dies a slow death. When, for just a few bucks (if any) you can turn it into a SS and be riding again.
There is something about the simplicity of a SS. It takes me back to when I was a kid riding my BMX bike EVERYWHERE. During the summer, my friends and I would ride 20 to 40 miles a day on our bikes, then make it home in time for dinner and then to the BMX track for practice.
L8R
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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
07-15-05, 12:22 PM
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For a slightly different spin on this old thread, consider what you might do if you suddenly had a new (ie, NOS/NIB) GT Karakoram to play with. I mean, other than riding it unto the ground, again.
This isn't purely hypothetical, either, since I recently found just such a Karakoram, and will have it within the week. NOS, black CroMo, my size, rigid CroMo fork and a decent mix of XT, LX and Deore DX components. For $150.
Would you do anything to bring it into the 21st century?
I'd been collecting bits and bobs to outfit another bike altogether, so this K could already get: Time ATAC Z-Control pedals, WTB Laser V Stealth saddle, a 60mm Azonic dh stem and Easton EC70 riser. And a set of Avid SD Ultimates w/Jagwire Rattler MAC cables. And a Mavic XC717 laced to an XTR front hub. And Specialized Armadillos.
What to do? Other than riding it into the ground. Again.
This isn't purely hypothetical, either, since I recently found just such a Karakoram, and will have it within the week. NOS, black CroMo, my size, rigid CroMo fork and a decent mix of XT, LX and Deore DX components. For $150.
Would you do anything to bring it into the 21st century?
I'd been collecting bits and bobs to outfit another bike altogether, so this K could already get: Time ATAC Z-Control pedals, WTB Laser V Stealth saddle, a 60mm Azonic dh stem and Easton EC70 riser. And a set of Avid SD Ultimates w/Jagwire Rattler MAC cables. And a Mavic XC717 laced to an XTR front hub. And Specialized Armadillos.
What to do? Other than riding it into the ground. Again.
07-15-05, 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Z33
What to do?
07-15-05, 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by unsuspended
start a new f**king thread and post a picture
the bike shop. A new thread for an old bike didn't seem....proper.
07-15-05, 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Z33
Until the K arrives (early next week), I've only got this f**king lo-res pic from
the bike shop. A new thread for an old bike didn't seem....proper.
the bike shop. A new thread for an old bike didn't seem....proper.
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07-16-05, 12:12 PM
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Obviously I thought anybody subscribed to this old thread might be more interested in talking about a GT K than whining about protocol. Never mind.
07-31-08, 01:07 PM
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(thread revival?)
So, were the Karakorams revived? I still have the '88 I bought new in '87 & I just picked up a slightly newer one (front shock fork...not sure the year...don't have it in hand yet). Not a lightweight, nor modern machine, but I love the bike. Also, the '88 still has almost all the original gear....that works! Stout bike!
So, were the Karakorams revived? I still have the '88 I bought new in '87 & I just picked up a slightly newer one (front shock fork...not sure the year...don't have it in hand yet). Not a lightweight, nor modern machine, but I love the bike. Also, the '88 still has almost all the original gear....that works! Stout bike!
