What price to pay for a good chromoly GT frame like Avalanche, Bravado or Karakoram?

[minor_LEGEND]

Cranks tend to have a optimum b/b width & is specc'd by Shimano. From memory old MT60 (DX) & XT M730 are 127mm for example. Black LX 560 is 110mm as modern cranks took on a lower profile. Throw in 68mm/73mm shell widths & differing frame design & things are not set in stone, but it is a starting point for most applications. The correct question should be which axle length do I need for 'X' crankset?

 

[Black_puma]

Cranks tend to have a optimum b/b width & is specc'd by Shimano. From memory old MT60 (DX) & XT M730 are 127mm for example. Black LX 560 is 110mm as modern cranks took on a lower profile. Throw in 68mm/73mm shell widths & differing frame design & things are not set in stone, but it is a starting point for most applications. The correct question should be which axle length do I need for 'X' crankset?

Thanks for your input.
127mm length seems excessively long, I have a 120mm long BB for the Bravado and even that seems long, But I'll have a play around with a couple of bottom brackets once I get a chain and cassette fitted. According to the Sheldon Brown website it recommends a 122mm length spindle/axle for the MT60.

 

[Lucidone]

GT had saddles with rivets fitted on their high end bikes back then, though the one fitted to my bike is not original GT branded as they're near enough impossible to find!
https://www.retrobike.co.uk/archive/1992-gt-catalogue.610/download see page 6

Just in case.....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/176617481498
Not mine.

 

[Black_puma]

Just in case.....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/176617481498
Not mine.

Cool find, shame it's in such poor condition.

 

[Black_puma]

Hello all,
It's been a while since the last update, but here it is, made some progress on this build.
I fitted a new bottom bracket, a Tange Seiki 68x118, found a size suitable after playing around with different sizes.
Finally got to fit the cables too, set up the gears and brakes. I have not been out on the bike yet as it was getting dark. I may test ride in the morning.
I am still waiting for some brake pads and a cassette, the cassette that is currently fitted came off a 1991 Trek so I can't guarantee it will work with the new chain fitted. I have just put it on to set up the gears for now.

 

[Black_puma]

The day has come today to take my Bravado out for it's first test ride and I am impressed with how it rides already!
The front mech needed slight adjustment to get onto biggest chainring but other than that it's good to go.
I should have had new brake pads and cassette (HG70) delivered, but I missed the post as he came later than expected and I had to go to my volunteering workshop.
Anyway, so far I am very happy with this build and I absolutely love the bright yellow colour, it really pops out in the sun.
I am hoping that at some point in the future I will get hold of a matching yellow 120mm GT Flip Flop stem, but until then I love how this stem looks and feels.
Originally the plan was to fit a silver GT handlebars but found the black True Temper bars taken from my 1991 Trek 950 a better fit both in colour and sweep. And as a bonus the True Temper bar is a better match with the frame too.
This bike to me was build as a bike to ride not just for display, it fulfills both functions very well though.
Again, I would like to thank henrysthreeironbands for giving me the opportunity to buy the frame and forks and have them shipped to me!
Without this great deal this build would not have been possible. I have made a great effort to keep it as close to period correct as I could manage but still give it a personal touch!

 

[Camelos]

Looks awesome. Nice touch with the blue outer cable

 

[R-V]

The True Temper bars and the thumbies are a good choice too. Should check rims for damage if those brake pads are from '93. Tasteful build

 

[Black_puma]

The True Temper bars and the thumbies are a good choice too. Should check rims for damage if those brake pads are from '93. Tastful build

Thank you, I thought it looks great with the black bars and stem combo.
The rear brake pads will be replaced with new pads (in the post), the front ones are good.

 

[R-V]

Thank you, I thought it looks great with the black bars and stem combo.
The rear brake pads will be replaced with new pads (in the post), the front ones are good.

I thought those were NOS, they are a reissue then?
Indeed it looks great, cockpit matches the seatpost/saddle combo nicely