I think it's a '97 LTS DH?

[Mark S]

To all on the board, I've asked a couple of questions before regarding the old GT models. I had actually purchased a carbon STS frame, but the deal fell through (I did get my money back - phew!).

I have now purchased this LTS which, by scouring the catalogues, I believe is a '97 LTS DH. The catalogue only shows the frame - is that how this model was sold?

Pleased to finally own an LTS!

Thanks, Mark.

 

[ashes_mtb]

Hard to tell by the photo but it looks like it has the double bend in the seat tube which suggests its a 97 LTS DH. I think the LTS DH versions had been phased out by 98 when usurped by the STS models, although I could be wrong.

The 96 LTS DH had a single bend in the seat tube and the titanium linkage plates, wanted one ever since seeing pics of Michael Ronning riding a factory version!

 

[Vitorzip]

I´t in fact an 97 Lts DH model, that came with a Judy Dh (not the DHO, that one came on STS-DH) and AC chainguide and crankset. It was sold as a complete bike or frame /crankset only.

 

[Corduroyboy]

Yep - same as mine!
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12727

 

[Mark S]

Please forgive me, I'm still not clear on whether this is a '96 or '97. Help, confused. Regards, Mark.

 

[Mark S]

Sorry, I should explain why I'm confused. We seem to have agreed that it was a '97, but the last post "same as mine" is a '96. Sorry for taking up so much time. Regards, MArk.

 

[dom_k]

was 96 the last of the ti link plates then?

my mate had a factory anodised red LTS DH with the ti plates! Head angle was slack as **** for some reason. like a chopper!!
must be a rare bike - he said it was only 1 in the UK - if you see 1 it was stolen so let me know!!

 

[Mark S]

I have done a little bit more research - I came up with the following theory:

'96 - post has the double curve. Large GT lettering is black with yellow edging.

'97 - post has the single curve. Large GT lettering is yellow with black edging.

However, the LTS DH in the '97 catalogue looks like the '96 described above.

Regards, Mark.

 

[Cristian-T]

the original had 5.5" travel & had a titanium "curved" linkage, the 97' version had the alu cnc'd "flat" linkage with adjustable travel chips in the trunion mount.

i remember selling some of the first in the country, they did a frame kit that had single crown judy dh forks (ive got some ), ac chainguide/cranks & other bits i cant remember! but we sold quite a few!

i think they are actully quite important bikes, as developed by nico v. they were the first to have full-on DH spefic geomerty.

 

[ashes_mtb]

I'm certain the single bend seat tube came first (96) and the double bend came later (97). I remember when Michael Ronning and Nicolas Vouilloz started racing the first downhill specific LTS it was a single bend seat tube, and the production version didn't seem to change much when it was released.

In any event, the cnc'd shock linkage suggests 97 as I don't think they were around in 96.

The stickering also looks a little more modern than 96.

Summary - I'd be fairly confident its a 97 not a 96.