GT Tempest

[mcvw]

Hi,

I'm relatively new to this site - and have lurked long enough - therefore thought it about time to post properly

I'm picking up an old GT Tempest later (95 model I think) today and would like to rebuild it as a weekend hack/woods ride.

I don't really know what condition the bike is in. I believe the frame is undamaged but think the running gear and wheels are shot.

I haven't set a budget for this, but wouldn't really want to go much over 250 GBP. Can anybody suggest good, reliable (inexpensive) component with regards to forks (suspension), bars, stem, rims, brakes and gearset.

Thank you,


Mike

 

[kaiser]

You should be able to come in well under budget. I reckon keep it simple and go for Judys and LX and GT's always like Kore stuff. If you wanted to spend the dosh a nice set of hoops would be my first upgrade. Get some pics up when you get it.

 

[kaiser]

In fact this is a total bargain

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... highlight=


not totally period if thats your thing though.

 

[mcvw]

OMG! I am totally stoked.

I turned up expecting to find a tatty frame with bent rims, no bars etc etc... but much to my surprise I now find myself the owner of a VERY complete and VERY original red/yellow Tempest :shock:

I quickly put the bike in the boot and drove home. When home a few squirts with penetrating oil and some air in the tyres and I was bunny hopping around the garden like a new spring lamb!!

a) I can't believe my luck, and b) I can't get over how light the bike is. I mean... I thought my old Kilauea was light but this is awesome...

It's in really really good condition (I'll put some pics up when I've gone over it with a cloth) and (I think) it still has all it's original gear - with the exception of some bar Kalin ski-type bar ends.

I don't know the frame size but I'm 5'10" and it fits me fine. The number beneath the bottom bracket is SK6501772. What does that tell me?

Anyway... I'm still gobsmacked right now... so best I go off and calm down

 

[mcvw]

As promised, here's a couple of pics of the "new" GT - I swear this bike has never seen a trail in it's life!!

It has a bigger frame than my Kilauea (which is an 18") - and probably is a smidge too big for me... so I'm re-considering what to do with it... Maybe swap for a smaller framed bike? Any ideas?

And for good measure a couple of the old Kilauea

The K' is looking a bit dishevelled since I don't use it for work anymore It's also heavier than the Tempest too :shock:

 

[Pickle]

As promised, here's a couple of pics of the "new" GT - I swear this bike has never seen a trail in it's life!!

It has a bigger frame than my Kilauea (which is an 18")

Tidy.

That is an 18" GT frame; 18" c-c and 20" c-t.

 

[mcvw]

Yeah, it's running pretty well. The front mech needs a slight tweak, but otherwise the indexing works across all the gears.

It does feel quite nimble, but at the same time also too big (even if it is an 18"). I guess I'm used to the frame/geometry of the Kona :?:

Anybody want a swap?

 

[mcvw]

It actually measures 22.5" c-c (top tube) and 18.5" c-c seat-tube.