GT Karakoram Elite 1991 Retro Vintage Mountain Bike
I bought this last year and have now restored it to almost as new condition. When found it was for sale in my local bike shop. The frame had surface rust but the actual components were in fantastic condition. With the exception of the hubs, it is complete Shimano Deore DX throughout (including bottom bracket). The front and rear brake pads look to be original Shimano with very little/no wear. Looking at the wear on the rims (Matrix Single Track made in USA), I would say that the bike had been used a couple of times, perhaps no more than 50 miles before being stored. The hubs are Suntour Sansin and are made in Japan – the free-hub works silently and engages instantly. The frame, forks and stem have been shot-blasted and powder-coated in gloss black (the original colour).
It does have a few new parts, chosen to look similar to OEM. This includes the saddle, pedals, the handlebars and the tyres. I also had a local graphics company make up new decals and although they are not the same blue/splatter effect as the originals, they look better than nothing. I also have another complete set to be supplied with the bike if needed.
Why am I selling it? Well, I thought it would be the right size for me but I’m 5’10” and I’m too cramped on it. The frame is an 18.5” with a 21” top tube. I tried putting on riser bars but alas it was still too small (do have the original GT bars in great condition)…..since completion it has been used once!
I bought this last year and have now restored it to almost as new condition. When found it was for sale in my local bike shop. The frame had surface rust but the actual components were in fantastic condition. With the exception of the hubs, it is complete Shimano Deore DX throughout (including bottom bracket). The front and rear brake pads look to be original Shimano with very little/no wear. Looking at the wear on the rims (Matrix Single Track made in USA), I would say that the bike had been used a couple of times, perhaps no more than 50 miles before being stored. The hubs are Suntour Sansin and are made in Japan – the free-hub works silently and engages instantly. The frame, forks and stem have been shot-blasted and powder-coated in gloss black (the original colour).
It does have a few new parts, chosen to look similar to OEM. This includes the saddle, pedals, the handlebars and the tyres. I also had a local graphics company make up new decals and although they are not the same blue/splatter effect as the originals, they look better than nothing. I also have another complete set to be supplied with the bike if needed.
Why am I selling it? Well, I thought it would be the right size for me but I’m 5’10” and I’m too cramped on it. The frame is an 18.5” with a 21” top tube. I tried putting on riser bars but alas it was still too small (do have the original GT bars in great condition)…..since completion it has been used once!
