What could I use to replace the collapsed elastomer on my GT LTS?

[tristanspeed]

I just bought a relatively tidy but unloved GT LTS-5, the motivation being to use its 7-speed parts and wheels on another frame. Now I have it at home, I'm thinking the LTS is not a bad looking bike in GT blue and yellow, and so I'm asking myself if I could I make it rideable for a bit at least? Problem is, the rear elastomer shock has squished into a sticky mess, leaving the top of the shock assembly touching the seat tube. So, I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas for an 'object' that can replace the collapsed rear elastomer and make the GT frame at least have the correct geometry and wheelbase? Has anyone got a quick and cheap hack to get it working again?

 

[ishaw]

I have heard people use car suspension bushes to get them by (land rover comes to mind, did do this once on something, I forget what or why, they were pretty hard so not much travel but in your case would get the rear end set up and give a little but of rear cushioning).I think someone on here makes and sells elastomers for other bikes like proflex, maybe they fit, maybe he can make some to fit?

 

[Markone]

One from here,maybe.

Cane Creek Thudbuster Elastomer | Tredz Bikes

Cane Creek Thudbuster Elastomer from £7.99 or available with 0% APR finance on baskets over £99. All Seatpost Spares are delivered free to the UK mainland*, 365 day returns & Price Match. Buy Now.

www.tredz.co.uk

 

[tristanspeed]

Yep, that might work. Does anyone know the approximate length of the original elastomers on these frames?

 

[grogee]

I went down this road. Ended up importing an elastomer from USA for around £80 inc shipping: https://www.suspensionforkparts.net/eshop/gt-lts.html

I'm sure it's possible to DIY one or use AN Other car part. I did start by buying some solid elastomer cylinder online and wanted to drill it out but I didn't have the required tools. From memory the length was around 80mm but I could be wrong on that.

 

[marc two tone]

There are alternatives if you are ofaire witha bit of tinkering. Such a v shape boat/keel rollers.

See...

Flat Keel Boat Trailer Roller 16mm Bore | eBay

Flat Keel Boat Roller 16mm Bore. AB, BT, HS, IV, KA, KW, PA, PH, ZE, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly and Channel Islands. Important information.

www.ebay.co.uk

And

High Quality Polyurethane Round Hollow PU Rod Yellow 20mm OD 8mm Bore 500mm | eBay

Used for all kinds of machinery acting as a buffer or shock absorber, a ideal die spring. Material: PU. Polyurethane provides better tear and abrasion resistance and can be more readily bonded to another material.

www.ebay.co.uk

40mm hard to get but you get the idea.

 

[tristanspeed]

So the spec would be 50 mm diameter and about 80 mm length, or shorter? Those Polyurethane rods might work quite well. I had been thinking of using two or three car suspension bushings, as you can find them in the right diameter, they have holes in the middle, plus they're lovely and cheap. I don't actually mind about not having much 'give' in the rear suspension, I just want to be able to ride the bike a bit. The original elastomer, or what's left of it, was very, very squishy, like a jelly cube, but I'm guessing this wasn't their original state, they must have been firmer, right?

 

[grogee]

So the spec would be 50 mm diameter and about 80 mm length, or shorter? Those Polyurethane rods might work quite well. I had been thinking of using two or three car suspension bushings, as you can find them in the right diameter, they have holes in the middle, plus they're lovely and cheap. I don't actually mind about not having much 'give' in the rear suspension, I just want to be able to ride the bike a bit. The original elastomer, or what's left of it, was very, very squishy, like a jelly cube, but I'm guessing this wasn't their original state, they must have been firmer, right?

Yes they go soft and sticky over time (UV?). Mine was like jelly too, completely unusable. I'd be interested if you find a cheap solution!

 

[ishaw]

You can make the car bushes more forgiving by drilling holes in them.

 

[mattbrown]

I imported the replacement from the USA as well, but found both the medium and hard ones too soft. It seems the original 1997 elastomer used isn't as good as the 1996 elastomer. So I've stuck with my 1996 LTS-3.