Long time reader, first time poster.
First of all, I want to thank you all and the forum for the great information. It really helped me a lot to understand the material and mindset behind this wonderful hobby.
Also, please excuse my mediocre English since it's not my native language.
I still can vividly remember me as a kid in the early 90ies going through roadbike/MTB magazines from friends and every time a triple triangle frame is displayed my heart rate went up by 100. Unfortunately I never had enough money to buy one.
Almost three decades later I bought myself a GT Tequesta 1997 for offroading with my kids...and two days ago a GT Force (I guess its from 1994) for EUR 300. All components are original (except of the rear tire), full Shimano RX100 and steel frame.
It hasn't been ridden much and condition of the bike is, imho, almost mint.
Of course I took it for a spin to my office yesterday. In comparison to my other roadbike, a Trek Domane ALR 5 2018, this bike really has a soul and charisma...no noise, crisp shifting...now I truly understand why some of us rather ride something vintage/retro bike than a "modern machine".
There a three things though which attracted my attention:
1. Those pedals are harakiri when commuting
2. Braking is inefficient due to the geometry of the shifters and performance (maybe the brake pads are hard/brittle/old
3. staying on top of the hood for a longer time doesn't feel comfortable
Now here is my dilemma:
I'm aware that the GT Force is not as desirable as a GT Edge but the condition is extremely good and I think that I might have a trusty and soulful bike by changing the following components:
1. Tires (Continental GP5000, 28mm front, 25mm rear)
2. Handlebar and stem (shorter stem and handlebar with modern geometry)
3. Shifters and maybe brake caliber
4. SPD pedals
5. Modern wheels (optional)
What would you guys do? There are two options for me:
1. Clean it up, keep it original, hang it on the wall and adore the aesthetics (potential investment?)
2. Change it and ride it
Thanks for your time
First of all, I want to thank you all and the forum for the great information. It really helped me a lot to understand the material and mindset behind this wonderful hobby.
Also, please excuse my mediocre English since it's not my native language.
I still can vividly remember me as a kid in the early 90ies going through roadbike/MTB magazines from friends and every time a triple triangle frame is displayed my heart rate went up by 100. Unfortunately I never had enough money to buy one.
Almost three decades later I bought myself a GT Tequesta 1997 for offroading with my kids...and two days ago a GT Force (I guess its from 1994) for EUR 300. All components are original (except of the rear tire), full Shimano RX100 and steel frame.
It hasn't been ridden much and condition of the bike is, imho, almost mint.
Of course I took it for a spin to my office yesterday. In comparison to my other roadbike, a Trek Domane ALR 5 2018, this bike really has a soul and charisma...no noise, crisp shifting...now I truly understand why some of us rather ride something vintage/retro bike than a "modern machine".
There a three things though which attracted my attention:
1. Those pedals are harakiri when commuting
2. Braking is inefficient due to the geometry of the shifters and performance (maybe the brake pads are hard/brittle/old
3. staying on top of the hood for a longer time doesn't feel comfortable
Now here is my dilemma:
I'm aware that the GT Force is not as desirable as a GT Edge but the condition is extremely good and I think that I might have a trusty and soulful bike by changing the following components:
1. Tires (Continental GP5000, 28mm front, 25mm rear)
2. Handlebar and stem (shorter stem and handlebar with modern geometry)
3. Shifters and maybe brake caliber
4. SPD pedals
5. Modern wheels (optional)
What would you guys do? There are two options for me:
1. Clean it up, keep it original, hang it on the wall and adore the aesthetics (potential investment?)
2. Change it and ride it
Thanks for your time
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