Newbie advice - sell a GT Lighning complete or split?
- Thread starter alf_e90
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I bought a Lightning, probably in '98 or '99 when Caratti were blowing out remaining stock at very silly prices. Build quality was just fine and what you'd expect from a far eastern factory - I always assumed it was Taiwan, but might be wrong. Ride quality was really nothing special though, and even with the stock spec (STX/LX/Indy SLs) very upgraded, it just didn't do anything for me. It lasted about six weeks in my ownership - but the guy I sold it to loves it and still has it! 
Thanks for the replies.
I like the ride of my Lightning - it has a much more lively, comfortable ride than the Alu bikes of the same era (and a fair bit later) that I have ridden, and does not lack anything I notice in responsiveness for that comfort. Nothing stays looking as good over time as Ti either (if actually used). I have to say the welds and detail areas like the mech hanger and BB threads are lovely on mine too. I didn't think much of the cheap looking stickers (which is why I removed them) and I have kept the frame looking good by occasionally polishing it with gentle metal polish which has given it more of a polished than ball burnished look over time.
As stock it had rubbish kit on it - I upgraded mostly to 8 speed XT in the years I rode it the most. The elastomer forks in particular were awful - I later became a Pace fan and still use them or DT Swiss on all my bikes.
I would keep it if I was not such a (short travel, lightweight) full suss junkie - I generally ride sitting down with a high cadence and it just suits me. This bike is too good for the occasional ride when I think it is too muddy to need suspension (very occasional, as I ride less in winter...).
I like the ride of my Lightning - it has a much more lively, comfortable ride than the Alu bikes of the same era (and a fair bit later) that I have ridden, and does not lack anything I notice in responsiveness for that comfort. Nothing stays looking as good over time as Ti either (if actually used). I have to say the welds and detail areas like the mech hanger and BB threads are lovely on mine too. I didn't think much of the cheap looking stickers (which is why I removed them) and I have kept the frame looking good by occasionally polishing it with gentle metal polish which has given it more of a polished than ball burnished look over time.
As stock it had rubbish kit on it - I upgraded mostly to 8 speed XT in the years I rode it the most. The elastomer forks in particular were awful - I later became a Pace fan and still use them or DT Swiss on all my bikes.
I would keep it if I was not such a (short travel, lightweight) full suss junkie - I generally ride sitting down with a high cadence and it just suits me. This bike is too good for the occasional ride when I think it is too muddy to need suspension (very occasional, as I ride less in winter...).
Barneyballbags
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In response to alf_e90's original post:
Definitely split it and sell it all separately if you want to make more money - The hassle of splitting the bike down will more than pay for itself. Plus I can't see you having a problem selling any of the kit that's sitting on it - it's all pretty desirable stuff on Retrobike (remember there's a >98 section too!).
If money isn't your thing(!), then sell it as a complete bike, but bear in mind that you won't get anywhere near as much for it.
Whichever route you go down, I can't see the bike/kit lasting long once it's been listed in the for sale section!
Definitely split it and sell it all separately if you want to make more money - The hassle of splitting the bike down will more than pay for itself. Plus I can't see you having a problem selling any of the kit that's sitting on it - it's all pretty desirable stuff on Retrobike (remember there's a >98 section too!).
If money isn't your thing(!), then sell it as a complete bike, but bear in mind that you won't get anywhere near as much for it.
Whichever route you go down, I can't see the bike/kit lasting long once it's been listed in the for sale section!
Thanks - I will be splitting it - I have seen various threads on here suggesting people but bikes whole then split for parts at profit!
I have had trouble Ebaying less well known parts parts before but I am a bit of an XTRM050-3 and Pace spotter and know it sells well. Old XTR gear is annoyingly expensive now actually, what with retro stuff commanding a premium and especially new XTR being silly money. I run 8-speed XTRM950-3 on all my bikes and finding good stuff is hard now - I had some real finds in the past, such a complete set of unused chainrings, and casettes, for silly money. Now I could do with some more M950 or 951 12-32 casettes and they cost a fortune whenever they do come up! As do chainsets where the "XTR" logo has not been worn off (which doesn't take long...). Prices are well up in the last couple of years.
I have had trouble Ebaying less well known parts parts before but I am a bit of an XTRM050-3 and Pace spotter and know it sells well. Old XTR gear is annoyingly expensive now actually, what with retro stuff commanding a premium and especially new XTR being silly money. I run 8-speed XTRM950-3 on all my bikes and finding good stuff is hard now - I had some real finds in the past, such a complete set of unused chainrings, and casettes, for silly money. Now I could do with some more M950 or 951 12-32 casettes and they cost a fortune whenever they do come up! As do chainsets where the "XTR" logo has not been worn off (which doesn't take long...). Prices are well up in the last couple of years.
