1997 GT RTS All Terra Mountain Bike Advice on Bearings and Handlebars/Accessories Due to Hand Pain

[TheJay]

Hey all, I can't believe my first post was all the way back in 2008 for this bike. Got it out again this year and it's had a decent service.

The chap who serviced it said the bearings in the rear suspension ideally need replacing, but he said it may not be possible to find the parts needed? He also said that's the reason my chain seems to jump every so often when under a lot of tension mainly going up hill?

Whilst I am trying to find out more about that, can I please get some advice on handlebars? There seems to be so much choice these days, I want something longer and noticed when riding I was getting pain in my hands from holding handlebars.

I really have no idea: https://bikepacking.com/index/comfort-mtb-handlebars/

Currently have Specialized XC 640mm Wide Mountain Bike Handlebar 8° Backsweep Lo Rise MTB Black

In the last photo you can see the original GT handlebars. Pretty much the same design as the ones mounted with a narrower clamping point.

I have a road bike so this is intended for trails, mud, stones and rough roads.

Also considering something like this (SQ lab 410 v2):

https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycling/comments/16v7xfg/sharing_my_experience_inner_bar_ends_comfort

Thanks all.

 

[ishaw]

Not sure I trust the diagnosis for chain jumping. The rear end on the RTS doesn't move that much and even if bearings were an issue, can't see how they would skip a chain.

There is either a pair of top hat bushings or bearings in the main frame pivot. Top hats are hard to find but I do have a nos set. Bearings can be retro fitted if you want to go down they route there.

Bearings also in the rocker pivot (4 of) and can be replaced.

Bushings are fitted in the rear chain stay pivots.

Be careful if faffing with these, you don't want to break the stays but they are easily removed and can be replaced, you just need to know the size.

Happy to help with any measurements as I've got an rts in bits waiting to be put back together after a rear disc conversion and the bushings replaced with bearings.