RCMoeur 

Two weeks ago at the big donation event, we got in this GT STS-2 mountain bike. Looks to be a late 1996 / early 1997 build date from the Shimano components (UJ-UL). Classic high-end mountain bike of the era - V brakes, Rapidfire shifters, 26" 559 wheels, 3x8 drivetrain. The shifters were thoroughly gummed, but I pulled them and after (many) passes through the ol' ultrasonic, they should click capably for a long time into the future.

From what I've read, the STSs were at the top of GT's mountain bike lineup at the time. Carbon fiber, internal cable routing, dual suspension, etc. However, the group is full STX-RC-8 (with an SR crank), which from what I've read is a mid-range group positioned below XTR and Deore.

As I started going through the bike, I saw it was in rather good overall shape - apparently stored under cover, no frame or major component damage. However, even after the fixed shifters, I'm spotting a few issues, including a disintegrating Tioga headset plastic top cover and a Judy C front fork with no boing or bounce at all.




Now to figure out its best and highest future destiny. Given that the frame is made primarily of thin plastic carbon fiber, it might not be a good match for a foster kid or teen. The fit is currently set up for what looks to be aggressive mountain biking, but I'd surmise most people wanting such a setup moved on to newer generations of MTBs decades ago. Placing higher bars and stem on it means committing to longer cable housings, which is why in the photo you still see the interim "fish cables" I used to preserve the internal routing. And the fundamental questions: is it worth the money or effort to replace the headset and fork, or is it more valuable parted out? Are GT STSs all that valuable or collectible? Should we build it as a city bike, retro MTB, or something else? And all of this keeping in mind what we could get for it at the co-op or nonprofit after refurbishment, or the diversion of resources should it go to direct donation to someone in need.

Feedback on current value and future fate is most welcome. We're just trying to do the best thing for the bike, our organizations, and who we serve without falling into a carbon fiber rabbit hole.

unterhausen

Sorry the forum doesn't allow all-caps, so we can't change the title.

RCMoeur 

Thank you for trying. Hopefully it won't affect people being able to see or react to it appropriately.

bargainguy

I remember these frames having a tendency to crack at the lower head tube carbon/metal joint, and owners not knowing about the developing crack because it was obscured by the metal forming part of the joint. Many of these frames were returned.

As such, I would never build up a frame like this, it's just asking for problems in case of failure. I'd sell all the parts separately and sell the frame as-is with the starkest warning that it may be cracked or may crack as above so someone does not buy this frame unaware of the possible consequences.

LesterOfPuppets

That fork needs some help. I think this was an elastomer type of fork so they may have deteriorated/melted.

Might be this kit is what's needed, but I'd probably email the company to make sure...
https://www.suspensionforkparts.net/...l-lt-1997.html

RCMoeur 

Well, dagnabbit.



At least it should be a source of some useful parts...

zukahn1

The fork looks to be cranked the whole way down good chance if you take it apart clean and lube it and re-adjust to a loser setting you can get it to work OK. To bad about the frame it is pretty common to see nicer mid 90's full suspension frames that are cracked damaged they were made fairly light and the suspension tended to put more stress on the joints and welds.

Desert Ryder

This page can answer questions.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GTLS...ell_discussion

It's worth some in parts. The rear RS Super Deluxe, the rear triangle, the frame could be a nice wall hanger.WTB saddle looks original.
I'd actually like the rear triangle seat stays to utilize rear V-brakes instead of the difficult to bleed rear Formula's on my STS.
As a comparison, my 1997 STS DH. It's hard riding days are over and it is now more of a ridable collector piece.

RCMoeur 

I'll do an autopsy on the fork and assess why it lost its oomph.

Earlier, this week, I disassembled an elastomer Manitou that was similarly forked up, and was unable to get the goo that used to be the elastomers out of the stanchions.

t2p

it is possible a petroleum based solvent might loosen the goo - maybe soak the parts ?

I have two early ‘forked up’ Manitou forks

RCMoeur 

Possibly.

As for my bike work backlog, I have too many needing more urgent attention now that peak nonprofit bike rehab season is starting, so the fork's going to the recycler without any more time spent on it.