Original except... Gt Karakoram on FB Marketplace

[Black_puma]

Is it really a Karakoram? Read new decals and replaced just about everything, it seems.

Facebook

www.facebook.com

 

[PhillB]

Its a bit like Triggers Broom....

He's done a nice job, although I think he's about to find out that spending $800 restoring a bike doesn't make it worth $800!

 

[Black_puma]

I doubt very much that is a Karakoram, on closer inspection it has double eyelets on the rear dropouts, which to my knowledge only appeared on lower end frames, like the outpost. There were only ever single eyelets for racks on older Karakoram frames IIRC.
Another problem on this bike is he's put black wheels on with nuts for fasteners, no quick release? Black rims are bad, as they are not rim brake friendly, irregular wear and looks awful once the black starts wearing off. The forks look like basic steel Aheadset forks, nothing worthy of the Karakoram legacy. Need I say more?
Also, any GT Karakoram has never had STX parts on them, whilst I appreciate it may be cost saving, it's not considered an upgrade. And lastly, why put Karakoram decals on a bike that is not a GT Karakoram!
It's not worth $800, ever.
Rant over,

 

[kingoffootball]

I can't see the listing, but as you say if it has double eyelets I'm pretty sure it is not a Karakoram. Does it have an integrated seat clamp?

And lastly, why put Karakoram decals on a bike that is not a GT Karakoram!

It happens:

Late 1980s GT Karakoram

Hi All, I found a vintage late 1980's GT Karakoram on Craigslist for $160. However I have my doubts if its a real or if counterfeit. and If real is it $160 a fair price for one? My main worry is that I've googled 1988 GT karakoram's and none of the labels look as plain as this one (almost as if...

www.retrobike.co.uk

 

[Black_puma]

The description reads; Original except for customized handlebar, grips, petals, wheels, tires, and seat which are all brand new. Added new chain and decals as well

 

[PhillB]

I doubt very much that is a Karakoram, on closer inspection it has double eyelets on the rear dropouts, which to my knowledge only appeared on lower end frames, like the outpost. There were only ever single eyelets for racks on older Karakoram frames IIRC.
Another problem on this bike is he's put black wheels on with nuts for fasteners, no quick release? Black rims are bad, as they are not rim brake friendly, irregular wear and looks awful once the black starts wearing off. The forks look like basic steel Aheadset forks, nothing worthy of the Karakoram legacy. Need I say more?
Also, any GT Karakoram has never had STX parts on them, whilst I appreciate it may be cost saving, it's not considered an upgrade. And lastly, why put Karakoram decals on a bike that is not a GT Karakoram!
It's not worth $800, ever.
Rant over,

I agree on the eyelet number though ( I hadn't spotted that). He's used Karakoram K2 decals. I think that the K2 model was only produced in 89/90 - none of those had double eyelets. AFAIK

My bet would be this is a 94 Timberline...but that's just a wild guess.

I've never bought someone else's resto or restomod (or spent $800 on a retobike!)

 

[Black_puma]

Looking though the catalogues from that era, it's most likely a '95 Tequesta as it has a separate seat collar, but still has two eyelets on the dropouts, also this model has STX groupset. Either way, still not a 1990 Karakoram!
Looking at the shape of the seat stays, it would make sense that is a '95 Tequesta, I just hope they didn't respray over the Team Scream colour way.

 

[Markybeau]

It's just a GT Karakorscam, move on. We know better than to entertain this.