How to recognize different GT RTS types (added some pics)

[Bikebuster]

Recently I got hold of an old GT RTS frame. The previous owner couldn't tell me much about the bike except that it had cost him a lot, but in those days anything with shocks was expensive so this says nothing. Still I saw a thread a few days ago about an RTS sold on ebay and read remarks about how it had to be an RTS-3 judging by the position of the head tube stiffener under the top tube and so. Now I am not privy to this kind of lore, but I would like to find out which RTS I have. The frame only has black and white GT stickers, nothing about being 6061 or 7000 series alu, and the original rear shock has ben replaced by a NOS Noleen but without reservoir, so I can't use this as a clue either. Frame number is 002960356rts 18, I assume the 18 is the size and manufactured february 1996. Rear arms are still in cr.mo. If you let me know which parts I should photograph for any of you to be able to identify the correct type, then please let me know as I would really like to figure this one out.

 

[cherrybomb]

Hi dude.

The best place to look is the GT section of the Archive. Most of the GT catalogues are there from 1990 onwards.

The key details to watch for on alloy gt frames are:

1) Canti hangers at the rear date a frame to pre 1993 ish.

2) A flat finishing plate on the rear of the top tube denotes a top end USA built Frame.....Zaskar & LE, RTS / LTS Team & 1 etc.

3) The position of the headtube gusset changed for 1996. prior to that it was under the top tube, after it was under the down tube.

There are other details specific to frames (steel rear triangles on RTS & Ti. rockers on LTS etc.).

Hope that helps.

I'd suggest that if your RTS has a steel rear end, then it is either an early one or either an RTS 2 or 3. I'd guess at the latter given the frame number.

 

[Bikebuster]

Thanks for the info, when you know what to look for it makes things a lot easier. My camera is loading now, so I'll make and post images in an hour or two, but I can already say that the finishing plate with the GT logo is flat and the position of the headtube gusset is under the top tube. I checked the catalogues earlier and found nothing which would be consistent with a 1996 frame. It looks most like the 1994 RTS-1 (ball-burnished and with black and white stickers) or 1995 team, I think these also had the black and white stickers. Maybe the rear was changed at a giiven moment? More for later.

 

[Bikebuster]

So here are the pics I made today, hope this is enough for identifying it. What I noticed when looking at images of other RTS bikes is that there were several types of rear triangles, I think I saw at least three different ones. If I am correct this frame looks like an early one, still according to the serial number it's a 1996 frame.

 

[SLIM]

only ever seen those lugs for the rear brake rocker/lever type thing on the later frames

earlier ones had a single brake boss type thing , for two pulleys ??

 

[Pickle]

http://www.mtb-kataloge.de/html/gt.html

See if this helps you :?