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

[Black_puma]

As for the chainset, I am looking to get a period correct Shimano Deore DX or XT, I know the original spec was Deore DX, but I would be happy with either, depending on how much I'll end up spending. How much difference is there between the Deore DX and XT, apart from weight?

 

[minor_LEGEND]

/\ Shape & design wise they are identical. DX are cast & XT forged, the DX appear more shiny/polished if in good cond. Chainrings may vary, early XT might be black or bio-pace if even earlier. Not much in it really.

 

[Black_puma]

/\ Shape & design wise they are identical. DX are cast & XT forged, the DX appear more shiny/polished if in good cond. Chainrings may vary, early XT might be black or bio-pace if even earlier. Not much in it really.

Thank you for that info, I may end up going for Deore XT as there seems to be more for sale on eBay.
However if anyone on this great forum has one for sale at a reasonable price I might take them up on the offer.

 

[PhillB]

Still on the look out for for other parts, but money's a bit tight atm. However I am in two minds whether I should put my XT Thumbshifters and matching brake levers, or try to locate a nice set of Shimano Deore XT MO-95 shifters/levers combo, as they were fitted originally according the catalogue specs, if I am not mistaken.
Other parts yet to find and buy are the BB, chainset, cassette, chain and cables.
For the cables I am hoping to get blue outer casing, like Jagwire, unless someone can make better recommendations.
Hope you enjoy the progress so far?
I can't wait to get this bike on the road soon!

Yes!, I hadn't seen this thread until now, Your Bravado looks in super condition!

Jagwire, are great if a little over-priced. although you won't go wrong with them and everything you need is in the kit.

Thumbies are a cool option. If you do go for some M095 Shifters, I've found that scratched ones can easily be restored by careful masking and the black spray paint for car bumpers. Give a similar black finish and is easy to do ;-) Look like new!

 

[Black_puma]

Yes!, I hadn't seen this thread until now, Your Bravado looks in super condition!

Jagwire, are great if a little over-priced. although you won't go wrong with them and everything you need is in the kit.

Thumbies are a cool option. If you do go for some M095 Shifters, I've found that scratched ones can easily be restored by careful masking and the black spray paint for car bumpers. Give a similar black finish and is easy to do ;-) Look like new!

I like the M095 shifters as I had them on my custom build '93 Zaskar back in the day, and in my opinion they're the best looking rapid-fire shifter brake combo, ever made! If I am not mistaken they came as stock on the '92 Bravado according to the catalogue. So it would make sense to fit them to my Bravado!

 

[Black_puma]

Quick update on progress;
Some parts have arrived in the post today !
Shimano Deore DX Triple Chainset FC-MT60 M650 SG 46/36/24 175mm and Shimano XT SLR Brake Levers BL-M733
Now fitted
I was planning to fit a polished aluminium GT handlebar but it turns out that the shifters would not clamp tight enough, it seemed that the diameter was smaller than the standard, but I took this True Temper from my 1991 Trek 950 and I think it looks better in all black anyway.
The crankset looks good too, I have some XT pedals ready to fit too.
The only parts need now are Shimano UN72 BB, (currently has a UN52 fitted for display/placeholder), need to figure out the ideal spindle length before ordering.
Shimano XT cassette and Chain
Brake and gear cables

Getting more excited about finishing this build!

Despite fancying the Shimano M095 I ended up going for the thumbshifters, just because I already had those ready and it was the logic route, saving some money in the process. I think it doesn't look out of place either!

 

[bikeworkshop]

Looking good - I'm not sure about the rivets on the saddle though, seems more 80s tour-y than radical new 90s mtb-er?

 

[Black_puma]

Looking good - I'm not sure about the rivets on the saddle though, seems more 80s tour-y than radical new 90s mtb-er?

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

 

[27motorhead]

Looking great! Do love a yellow Bravado!!!

 

[Black_puma]

Looking great! Do love a yellow Bravado!!!

it's even better in sunlight, it has a certain luminescence about it, like my red Pantera AL, got to love those bright colours!