1997 GT Edge Aero

[Blackbike]

Some of my thoughts on the GT project.

https://flic.kr/p/2qVyrkL

https://flic.kr/p/2qVyrkF

Build quality is very nice and all the welds are hand tig welded, the joint prep and all the welds are very consistent leading me to believe the aero frames were built one at a time.
Reynolds tubing was also involved. Tiemeyer Cycles, Inc. in Colorado builder of the aluminum 1996 Olympic bikes for GT also fabricated the Aero Edge using the same hydroformed aluminum tubing used for the Olympic bikes. This makes sense as GT had to pay Reynolds for the tooling for the Olympic bikes, the cost recovery by manufacturing the production bikes from the same tooling and materials would spread out the costs.
So the bike and its history is interesting enough it was deemed worthey for a build.
I took some time to get the rear triangle aligned so the wheel/tire was actually on the centerline of seat tube, this frame has a bit of a "history" behind it so it took some time to bring it back to spec. Now it's pretty much dead on, it's a STIFF frame. Paint is 7 out of 10, so full speed ahead.
As usual I do my own thing so this build should be... Interesting.

Another mockup photo:

https://flic.kr/p/2qTWSst

: Mike

 

[Jonny69]

There’s only really one word needed here which is ALL THE YES

I had one of these a while back in bare alloy. I didn’t have the original fork so put on an early TCR carbon fork from the same era. Like you say, the frames are a work of art and the fabrication is sublime. They’re way lighter than they look. Brutally stiff and deadly in a changing cross wind!

Best bit by far was the sound of the gear changes resonating through the frame. CLINK CLINK up the block and CLANK CLANK down. I never got bored of that!

 

[Nob]

700c or 650c wheels?

 

[bikeworkshop]

700c or 650c wheels?

700s nob, I know, disappointing.

But not as disappointing as those bar end shifters!

The only acceptabe place to mount them is
ON THE END OF THE TRIBARS!

Happy to send a pair of period tribars FoC to correct this error

 

[Nob]

I ask as most of these I’ve seen came in 650c

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Why is 700c disappointing and what is wrong with barcons? I may regret having asked

 

[bikeworkshop]

700s are only disappointing to vintage time-triallists like Nob, as they will go faster on smaller wheels, and the ride comfort is reduced - important to our speed-loving brethren.
Less comfort=more speed.

To -er- normal cyclists, 650s are madness

Bar-end shifters, like Brooks saddles, bromptons, thumbies, e-stays, delta brakes, yeti etc attract the "buy-in" where the owner won't stop telling you how brilliant they are.

 

[Jonny69]

I ask as most of these I’ve seen came in 650c

I've never seen a 650c one. I was about to ask if you'd mixed it up with something else but it looks like the Vengeance model with the aero downtube were 650c. There's a catalogue scan here: https://www.pedalroom.com/bike/1997-gt-edge-aero-21036

They must have been brutal to ride!

 

[novocaine]

got to admit that bar end shifters on an aero bike do seem a bit odd. but otherwise, a nice build as usual.

oh and @bikeworkshop I agree with the rest. "Brooks saddles, bromptons, thumbies, e-stays, delta brakes, yeti etc attract the "buy-in" where the owner won't stop telling you how brilliant they are.".

 

[Imlach]

Obtuse Bike Builders United approves this as it seems to annoy purists!!!

What about a 26 in the rear and 28 front