GT Pantera/Avalanche Project

[Freddyman90]

Hi all,

Growing up GT’s from 92-96 were drooled over daily, there wasn’t a day went by when my head was stuck in the catalogue, looking at Zaskars, RTS’s and I was always lusting after a shiny aluminium GT. I managed to get a new sapphire blue tequesta but that was the closest I got. A few years ago I got back into the scene and purchased a 92 bravado in yellow - lovely ride.
I then stopped riding for nearly 10 years and the furlough has dragged me back in. Purchased an Orange O2 a month ago which was a bargain and in great condition. Having a conversation with my wife last week I mentioned I might get a new project, which she shot down as apparently “the garage is full”.
This morning when having a brief look at local selling sites this frame popped up- I was having it no matter what. Needless to say she wasn’t impressed when I came home with a boot full of bits and a frame lol.
Advertised as a Pantera but it could be an avalanche, needs a good polish and I plan to put this back to period spec as it had the original gt forks, get it back to its former glory only to be riden lightly and stored safely. Specialized chainset will be going as will the Sachs gripshift.

Few questions - am I right thinking it’s around 96?
What size headset are these?
Any ideas on how this can be identified as a Pantera / Avalanche?

Cheers!

 

[Double-E F]

Cool!
Not sure how to date or distinguish these, but that could make a nice project.
My first proper mtb back in the day was an Avalanche LE (if you don't count the preceding Raleigh Amazon..) that I enjoyed very much, but got stolen..
Will you keep it rigid?
Watching with interest how you will get it shiny again, as this might set me on the right track for my own GT build I have going on at the mo.

Enjoy! I bet she will be impressed once you have it back to its original glory..

 

[legrandefromage]

94 to 97 -ish 7005 frame

Pantera had a flat end cap whereas yours has a curved one so more likely an Avalanche

1 1/8 headset

Mid to late 90's LX was good kit with plenty of modern spares available, later stuff seems to be easy to source and it is all compatible, even up to SLX 9spd.

The chainset is worth a few pennies to some.

And why light riding? Ride it properly! Thats what they are for!

 

[Freddyman90]

Re:

Thanks guys. I’m really looking forward to getting started on it.
I thought only the Zaskars had a flat end on the top tube?
I will be keeping it rigid. I’ve got suspension on my O2 so seeing as this has the original forks I’ll keep it as it is.

Not sure what the build is going to look like at this moment, go period correct 100% or build it more modern - not too modern but v brakes instead of canti’s, late 90’s groupset, etc.
I prefer the decals from 94 ish with “all GT Terra” on the down tube rather than the single “GT” that came later - I love the 92 decals even more but I think that might be looked at as herecy if I use them lol.
I know once it’s finished I will end up riding it more than I initially plan to and probably make my O2 redundant!

Cheers

 

[legrandefromage]

My bad, certainly the older ones did but you are right, the later post 1994 frames were curved.

They run v-brakes well, you'll need a slightly wider cable end to slot into the cable guide under the top tube (you'll see it)

*those DX v-brakes are very sort after these days!

**here's my commuting effort from 2011 - Shimano LX570 9spd

 

[dandy1]

Re:

I'm guessing 95 or 96. These years the frames were identical, with the only difference coming from the spec - the avalanche was slightly better. If the rear mech is the original one I'd guess at an avalanche.

 

[Double-E F]

Re:

Here's an scanned image of my Avalanche AL back in the day, straight from the shop

And after putting some (most) of my savings into it..

 

[Freddyman90]

Re:

That looks lovely, definitely the look I am going for- although it looks fantastic with the mag 21’s on too.
I won’t be keeping the DX v brakes I don’t think as they don’t match the look I’m going for so will be for sale here soon along with the Specialized chainset when I get round to stripping it this week.

 

[Bullpup]

My bad, certainly the older ones did but you are right, the later post 1994 frames were curved.

They run v-brakes well, you'll need a slightly wider cable end to slot into the cable guide under the top tube (you'll see it)

*those DX v-brakes are very sort after these days!

**here's my commuting effort from 2011 - Shimano LX570 9spd

LGF what forks are they please?

 

[dandy1]

Re:

My 95 single speeded pantera, with the dx brakes.... And 96 avalanche