GT Tequesta 1992

[merckx]

looks even better! the flite and the DX crankset look really good on it. this is one of the nicest tequestas going around here on RB i reckon. its been well cared for, that is for sure

 

[Hairylegs66]

Thanks for the compliments, much appreciated.

I am impressed by the durability of the components (apart from the cheapo GT steel handlebars) - they have lasted pretty well considering their age and responded well to stripping down and a clean up. I did consider re-fitting the Onza bar ends, Klingon amberwalls and Turbo Gel saddle but the bar ends were too far gone with rust pitting, the tyres were awful to ride on 20 years ago and the Turbo Gel saddle is just plain ugly in my opinion. The choice of saddles at the LBS seemed really limited in the old days and my butt hated the stock GT one, so it was a bit of an impulse buy at the time to go for the Turbo Gel.

I also wasn't tempted to refit the GT toe clips & straps (my 5 Ten shoes don't work well with them) or the original 400 Exage black crankset - it weighs a ton and used to flex alarmingly when I put the hammer down.

 

[thchen]

Re: GT Tequesta 1991

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hairylegs66/sets/72157632896627020/

Frame:- 1991 GT Tequesta, Baja blue, 20 inch, Tange Infinity Double butted tubing
Fork:- GT Unicrown
Headset:- GT

Handlebars: Ritchey Pro alloy

Seatpost: Brand X alloy inline 26.4mm
Saddle: Selle Italia Flite Ti 1990 reissue

I just got the exact frame/color (I think it's a 16" not an 18" though, uncertain how GT measures seat tube still.) and your build is great inspo. Would you happen to know what the new weight is after all the weenie parts were tossed on? I see my handlebar is also steel (and rusty), that ritchey handlebar must've dropped a lb alone.

 

[dirttorpedo]

I have to admit I wasn't a big fan of GT's BITD - thought the 3xtriangle frame design was just a marketing ploy. I did test ride earlier versions of the Tequesta against the Kona Cinder Cone, Rocky Mountain Fusion, etc. Now in the fullness of time I appreciate GT bikes and have even added a Zaskar to my frame collection.

Lovely example - I can see why you waited for the blue. I love the colour matched GT stems too - really set of the design.

 

[Hairylegs66]

I just got the exact frame/color (I think it's a 16" not an 18" though, uncertain how GT measures seat tube still.) and your build is great inspo. Would you happen to know what the new weight is after all the weenie parts were tossed on? I see my handlebar is also steel (and rusty), that ritchey handlebar must've dropped a lb alone.

Hi, thanks. I'm afraid I don't know the weight loss other than it improved the rideability significantly. Bike has long been sold now. Have updated the thread title as it is definitely a 1992 model; the 91 model had a Suntour drivetrain.

 

[thchen]

Hi, thanks. I'm afraid I don't know the weight loss other than it improved the rideability significantly. Bike has long been sold now. Have updated the thread title as it is definitely a 1992 model; the 91 model had a Suntour drivetrain.

thanks for even commenting. I double chceked the '92 catalog and it is indeed a '92! Mystery solved. I also found out someone hammmered a 26.8 bmx seatpost into the 26.4mm collar and had to go to the bicycle co-op to pull the seat post out with a vice. Already put a specialized alumi handle bar on (400g vs 900g of the OE steel bar) and found an alloy 26.4 seat post as well. I will post up a pic after I get the sprayed paint off the original stem. It's really bothering me.