Its like waiting for a bus, then two arrive......

[Sailingjab1976]

After a long search for a replacement for a '91 GT Karakorum Elite, I managed to pick up two in a single weekend.

The first is a 16" frame in very good condition, and minimal rust, except under the drive side chain stay. Its lost its original forks, but has a very early pair (by the looks of it) Manitou sus forks - poss 1's. The elastomers seem shot, and there is constant sag on them, so un-rideable - How can I service them and replace the elastomers? I don't know where I will get a 5mm Allen key that will be long enough. I might have to get the machine shop at work to make me something. Sadly far too small, so will be destined to SWMBO I think who will suit the 16" frame. The bike has the original group sets pretty much intact (incl Vantage Expert rims, with DX hubs), and looks like everything will work once its had a service. Only missing a GT Bar and seat post, plus saddle.

The second bike is my size (20"), but sadly that's where the good news ends. Its in pretty dire condition, seat post is stuck, and has a significant amount of surface rust around the frame. Will strip it down and decide what to do with it once I've finished sorting out the current projects (Orange '94 Prestige and '91 Alu 'O'). Has anyone ever managed to replicate the finish on a '91 GT with the correct decals?

So, I guess I'm still looking for a '91 Karakorum Elite in a 20" frame, in the night sky paint finish.

 

[lewis1641]

suspensionforkparts.com for replacement elastomers

 

[brocklanders023]

Re:

Strangely enough one of these in 20" has just popped up at my work. One of the lads on another watch is thinking of fixing it up for his son but thinks it's too big. If he decides to let it go I'll point him in this direction.

 

[michael franks]

Re:

I don't know where I will get a 5mm Allen key that will be long enough

I made a 'long' 5mm allen key to undo the bolt in some quadra forks by cutting off the short end of a 5mm allen key amd then putting the long part into a 5mm hex socket. Maybe it'll work for your Manitous

 

[Sailingjab1976]

Michael, That idea for the Allen bolt sounds a very good idea. Will give that a try. Thanks

Brocklanders,

Don't suppose he would fancy a swap for a 16" with a nice pair of suspension forks??? What condition is it in?

It doesn't have a Eric Burgess sticker on does it? And a pair of Bahrama bars? Just wondering if its my old one as that could have been in the Skipton area when it was got rid off. I could find a way of getting it down to my parents house if he was interested in a swap. Where do you work?

 

[brocklanders023]

Re:

Hi Jab.

Condition of it seemed ok but the stem and some other bits are missing. Not sure if the lad has them or not. I work in Harrogate and should see the chap next week so will ask him for you.

 

[02gf74]

Re: Re:

I don't know where I will get a 5mm Allen key that will be long enough

I made a 'long' 5mm allen key to undo the bolt in some quadra forks by cutting off the short end of a 5mm allen key amd then putting the long part into a 5mm hex socket. Maybe it'll work for your Manitous

alternatively buy an allen key socket set - the hexagonal bit won't fall out

a long one like this actually may be better for forks