👋 New here: GT LTS 1996. Advice welcome!

[getoutofbed]

Hey RB,

Been here a few months now however this will be my first post. Pretty much a die hard roadie, however I spotted something in my local bike shop that took me straight back!

In the 90s (when I was wee), my Dad used to race a GT LTS, I have very very fond memories of him riding me on the handlebars to school and him tinkering in the garden with it. See below for a pic of him in the day:



So - the bike had been knocking around at the back of said LBS for a few months gathering dust and I couldn’t help but peek through the window and say ‘should I?’ I eventually said I should!

Here is the first photo from outside the shop:



As you can see it’s had a hard life but from my light knowledge of retro MTB, I spotted some choice parts and made a deal with the gaffer. A solid 80 quid well spent! (I think)

Here’s some more photos from when I picked it up. LOOK at those rings

 

[getoutofbed]

So, first things on my agenda were:
- Clean the frame
- Change the cockpit
- Get some fast rolling tan walled tyres
- Chainrings
- BRAKE PADS!!
Disclaimer - before I offend anyone here. The bike will not be exactly period correct, however it’s definitely an ode to the period in my eyes and in the old man’s honour

The bike is going to be used for cruising around London, and there is potential for me to do the odd XC ride here and there in the future..

I got the bike in the stand and had a quick go at cleaning it over 20 mins. I intend over the Christmas period to get up to my parents and use my Dads polishing gear. I’d like the frame to have a shiny (not mirrored) finish.



Before/after:

 

[getoutofbed]

Over the following days I picked up some Specialized Kicker Sport tyres on recommendation by @mrwizard1982 . Got them for £20 a piece, rode them home and they feel fast, grippy, comfy @50 psi. From the research I’ve been doing, I think if I do some off road it’s going to have to be a set of Smoke/Dart’s.

The old Kool Stop blues have been replaced with some Yellow’s. Picked yellow on the basis that they look cool.

I also stuck on a long stem, and a flat bar. Not permanent by any means but a much better solution that the modern oversize FSA that was on it at pick up. Found a super worn Flite saddle on the cheap also.

 

[Paul R]

a very good deal there id say very nice. you need to get that middleburn chainset back on with some ta rings though lol

 

[getoutofbed]

a very good deal there id say very nice. you need to get that middleburn chainset back on with some ta rings though lol

Thanks! There is more to come shortly…

 

[Dr Dremel]

Bit of a bargain this! And I´m loving the pic of your father getting air, any plans to recreate the shot?

On a side note: 50psi- "Tell me you´re a die hard roadie without telling me your a die hard roadie"
I mean ok you have a bit of suspension, but depending on your weight you can easily loose 10-15psi without compromising much in terms of rolling resistance and gain a lot of comfort in small bump compliance (at 75kg I ride with no more than 30psi in the tires).