1989 GT Karakoram K2

[zedstarr]

My ride 1989 GT Karakoram K2

I think this was just about the last year of skinny forks, before they got fatter and then went suspended...

Brief spec: Shimano Deore DX front & rear derailleur, Deore DX front & rear hub + QR, Shimano STI shifters, SLR levers & SLR front brake, rear Shimano U-II U brake. Wheels, saddle, pedals & toeclips original.... whatever they were.

Just getting back into riding after about a 10 year lapse!

I bought the bike 2nd hand (from the excellent BicycleDoctor in Manchester) in 1991 and rode it in anger (serious off-road) for about 4 or 5 years after that, but then marriage, kids etc. all seemed to take my time up and the poor GT got consigned to the shed... ;-)

The bike is still standard - apart from the bar-ends, sigma BC1600 and just fitted some new Tyres - went for Ritchey Z-max to stay true to the original Megabites that GT fitted. ("Redline" sticker was added by previous owner).

As I said, just gradually getting back into riding, building up some miles on the road to get fit, and signed up for a 60 mile charity ride, Manchester to Blackpool on the 4th July - so I've got a target to aim for...

 

[mechagouki]

Absolutely one of my all-time favourite GTs, thanks for posting!

 

[kaiser]

Nice story and nice bike too

 

[clockworkgazz]

cool bike and make sure you get some slicks for your bike ride

 

[Pickle]

Tidy example.

 

[zedstarr]

Thanks guys.

As I get back into things I'm think of going clipless pedals, and a new saddle too (with cutout to aid blood flow to those sensitive areas!).

As for slicks I think I'm too lazy to change tyres - more knobbles = more calories burned!

 

[mechagouki]

As for slicks I think I'm too lazy to change tyres - more knobbles = more calories burned!

That's the spirit! Putting slicks on that bike would be an insult.

 

[clockworkgazz]

you might not be saying that mid ride, and anyway slicks will mean you can go faster and thus use the same calaories, you will just get there a good bit quicker but whatever floats your boat big man.

 

[drystonepaul]

Nice looking bike. I do like early GTs.
I'll keep an eye out for you on the Manchester to Blackpool too. I usually end up riding it.

 

[Aeronaut]

Ahaa i'm finally seeing double!!

It's nice to see another one in the same colour on the forum.. hope you enjoy even more this time round, it's a cool bike you got there.

(check out mine below)