I have a GT RTS-2 mountain bike. It was built in 1992, was one of the top of the line bikes having an aluminum frame, Rock Shox front fork and Noleen rear suspension. Triple chainring and 8 cogs on the cassette. Deore LX components.

I know this is an old bike and the newer ones are better, but can someone advise what is so different with the newer MTB's other than carbon fiber and disc brakes? I mean, for just casual cross-training and beginner MTB races am I at that big of a disadvantage with this old of a bike? I know for road bikes the weight is a big thing, and the lighter the better, but not sure what's going on with full suspension MTB's. I don't know for sure what my bike weighs, but I believe it was listed at about 30 lbs or a little less (28.5 lbs on one site, but that one has been modified).

Just trying to figure out if I need to get a new MTB if I decide to do more cross training or if mine is fine but I should do some upgrades or something (recommendations?).

Thanks all,
Dan'o :}

Are you going to be racing mtb's seriously or just the occasional race? If frequently it would probably warrant a new bike, but for the rare occasion and just cross training, I'd rock what you got at the moment.

Well, not all mtb frames are carbon fiber, a good chunk of them are still aluminum and some are steel and Ti.

The main issue is just wear/damage to the suspension innards. You'd have a pretty tough time finding any spare parts (seals, washers, etc) even for an '02 model suspension. If it's still working, ride it until the suspension dies, then buy a new bike.

Right now I'm just playing in the 50+ beginner class. Did my first race tonight and finished 6th out of 7, so not the slowest, and I haven't ridden MTB regularly in a couple of decades, so figure I did OK.

Doc told my I had to give up motorcycles because of my back, so I'll have to see what my back feels like tomorrow as the MTB may be just as bad.

Only three more races for this season, so unless I want to go looking, I'm done until next spring, where I may get more serious, so was wondering if I should look into getting something and getting used to it? With my back I was wondering if I need to stay full suspension, or if I should get something lighter with only front suspension?

For your back, I'd think about a newer full suspension bike, maybe 4" of travel front and rear. Don't test ride one until you are ready to buy though, they are significantly different than what you have. Realistically, ride the heck out of what you have unless your back screams at you. If you need it, spend the money on a new bike because it'll get you back out there enjoying riding without the pain (or hopefully less pain...)

The only real complaint I've heard about the RTS is stopping power. The rear brake cable is routed in a really awkward way, and the center pull cantilevers required good pads and frquent adjustment to work well.

The other thing is suspension travel -- there 'aint much. Two inches isn't much these days.

The rear brake is a little weak, but at my speeds it isn't needed too much (LOL). Prairie City has nothing but old mine tailings, so tons of rocks, and there were several times where it got a little hairy yesterday where a little more suspension might have been nice, but it did work. Only time I crashed was the sighting lap where I slid out in a sand/gravel/clay turn. Welcome to Prairie City!!!