98 GT Karakoram (Reynolds 525) - broken chainstay - HELP!

[rossthebossX]

My beloved 98 GT Karakoram is broken!

Today the drive-side chainstay broke at the derailleur end - see photos.

I'm wondering what my options are.

I've owned it since new and gradually upgraded the parts to Hollotech II BB, new Deore chainset, new LX/Mavic XM317 wheels, Deore XT Shadow RD and various other bits. It deliberately looks like sh_t to deter the Robin Bastards.

I'm considering my options:

Either buy an identical frame and swap all the parts over. Stick with what i know and like.

Get the frame re-welded. Don't need to get it fully repainted as I don't mind that look too much. I'm not confident (not have space/tools) to dismantle/rebuild the bike - by nice LBS still to it for £120. Can anyone recommend a frame repairer in London. I'm east, but can travel.

Buy something of my dreams like a rigid retro Parkpre frameset (with rack lugs), or something S-Works. Or a nice orange Stumpjumper from 1998. Downside is that i may not like the ride.

Ideally I'd like to keep my components and put them to good use on another bike.


I ride around London every day, some light touring. I'd like a replacement frame to be rigid, for 26" wheels, a-headset and V-brakes.


Any ideas gratefully received.

 

[jimo746]

Re:

Oh dear I'd imagine that being cro-moly steel at the rear it could be repaired, but if it were me, I'd take the money I would have spent repairing it and get something else, something S-Works sounds good or whatever takes your fancy.

 

[MRGRUMPY]

Re:

I worked in a GT dealer at the time these were new.
We had several do this.
The chainstays were under a lot of tension and snapped at the dropouts.
I think they were slightly out of line when welded,which led to the breakages.
Shame as they were a great riding frame.
Should be an easy enough repair though.

 

[PurpleFrog]

You're in London? Contact http://bikefix.co.uk/frame-repairs-0

I've not used them, but they're local to you and repair frames. They replace droputs for £80, so I'd guess that would be what you'd pay.

 

[rossthebossX]

Re:

Thanks for all of your answers. I'm drawn to buying another Karakoram frame from the same era.

Related to the known weakness, should I look at alternative makes? I'd been told that my Karakoram would go on forever, and having used my panniers recently (something I intend to go more of) perhaps this contributed to it?

Looking around few other nice retro MTB frames seem to have rack mounts.


I ride every single day, whatever the weather, so i need a comfortable workhorse that can also handle bridleways etc

Should I hunt around for a Hewitt or Thorn frame?


many thanks

 

[PurpleFrog]

GT had a great rep for quality. If you produced as many bikes as they did, then you are bound to make a mistake one some model - and as it was your K'm lasted decades. If liked the bike as you seem to, then why not seletc one of the especially well-regarded and bullet-proof GT models? There's at least one obvious candidate...

 

[rossthebossX]

Good point - the main advantage being that I like the feel. I recently bought a Lava Dome to build up a project (single speed), and I'm riding it at the moment, and I have to say it just doesn't feel right.

There's a yellow 96-99 (?) Karakoram on ebay at the moment I have my eye on, just need to check the sizing. It's not a Reynolds model but looks in good condition.

What was the next model up from the Karakoram?