1991 GT Karakoram Elite Commuter/All Purpose

[Rich34]

I like that a lot - like the idea of turning the bars upside down too. How do you get on with those bars like that?

 

[chrisv40]

Still think it needs decals on it Will

 

[kingoffootball]

Finally back on the road today, after the FRM spider/Specialities chain ring failure:

I remembered I had some Topline cranks (in their original box!) that I had initially bought for the Karakoram, so I got a Stronglight chain ring for them and the bike can return to being my main ride:

By deviating slightly from the optimum chainline I've been able to switch to a 42T chain ring, replacing the previous 38T, so hopefully I'll be able to break a few of my best times (or find my legs aren't up to using top gear).

 

[kingoffootball]

Re:

I like that a lot - like the idea of turning the bars upside down too. How do you get on with those bars like that?

Just seen I didn't ever answer that, I love the position created by the upside-down Marys, it's very similar to the hand and wrist position I got used to on my motorbikes when I was younger. The Phorm grips I've switched to help too, as they are specifically designed for swept back bars:

Furtherest I've ridden in one stint on this bike was 88 miles and my hands and wrists both felt fine at the end.

 

[Black_puma]

That looks like a great comfy ride, a nicely done build on a classic GT frame.
And those Topline cranks brought back some memories from my 1993 Zaskar build, they were red anodised and really looked the part on my Zaskar! I wish I could find some Toplines again....

 

[kingoffootball]

That looks like a great comfy ride, a nicely done build on a classic GT frame.
And those Topline cranks brought back some memories from my 1993 Zaskar build, they were red anodised and really looked the part on my Zaskar! I wish I could find some Toplines again....

Thank you. It's been in storage for awhile and I can't remember why, so when I get the opportunity again I'll recommission it.

The Toplines were a bargain, vbarely used if at all with their original box, but I don't think I will ever buy another set ....