fleslider 

Thanks for the info T-Mar I wasnt sure if it was original or not as i am assuming this is a Late 1988 build since its Red and according to the 1988 Catalog that was not a color option. Did it still have the cable crossover just without the guide in 1988?
the All-Terra was there originally but i touched it up . It really made a difference in the looks dept.

Now i need to get the 1988 Avalanche done!

T-Mar

I stated 1988 because the components looked like Deore, as opposed to Mountain LX which was spec'd in 1989, which was also the last year for thumshifters on the Karakoram. 1988 used a standard yoke cable that went around the seat tube, without crossing-over. The serial number may provide more confidence, one way or the other.

The crossover cable guide was a popular aftermarket upgrade because Mountain Bike Action magazine voted it one of the Top 20 ATB innovations for 1989. It was ranked 3rd, behind Nishiki's elevated chainstays and Fisher's Evolution headset but ahead of many revolutionary products, such as Shimano's Hyperglide and Rock Shox's suspension forks.

2old

Looks like my 2000 which was the last year they were manufactured in the US (Santa Ana, CA, just down the street from where I reside). Has performed perfectly geared, SS with "magic" ratio and now as an e-MTB. Snap it up like the Geico gecko at a cricket convention.

fleslider 

Thanks T-Mar . It is definitely a 1988 model the graphics and Deore are 1988 specs. I will make the changes to the straddle cable. would like to keep it close to 1988 specs.

the SN is T88011445

madpogue 

I'll buy that crossover guide, if you're interested in selling it.

fleslider 

I will let you know if i will sell it, not sure at this time i might need it for my 1990 Avalanche.

T-Mar

Thanks for the serial number. I'm going to visit my son this afternoon. I'll get him to scan the 1988 advertisement, which I believe was the same photo used in the catalogue. Once you've ditched the crossover guide, all you'll have to do is repaint the the fork emblem.

fleslider 

Thanks T-Mar looking forward to seeing that Advertisement.

The Fork decals are really far gone i was contemplating to see if any one offered repro decals of them or trying to paint them in..

T-Mar

1988 Karakoram advertising, clearing showing showing no crossover cable guide.

rccardr 

I was stupid to sell this bike. Stupid.

fleslider 

Thanks for posting the Ad, i can see clearly the way the U-Brake cable is routed

Carvingtr

Got this for free, going to convert the bike back to rigid and do a build but don't have solid plans yet.

SalsaShark

Refurbished and sold this GT Force steel road bike this winter. Kinda wanted to keep it, but had bought it to flip, and no room in the stable.

Johno59

Found abandoned no wheels, fixed as a winter hack/rain bike and was very surprised at how well it went. Like it so much I did about 2000 miles on it so have done a much deserved full service with no major issues.

cabledawg

Just picked this up over the weekend. Not all original as the seller rebuilds and sells used bikes. But it's all functional and in pretty good shape. It's an Avalanche 3.0 (non-disc) and from what I can tell it's a 2010 model. I'm going to build another set of wheels so it'll be dual purpose casual and off-road rider. this will be the third GT I've owned and the second one in my stable currently.

ctmullins 

I recently decided I needed a fat-tire bike to ride on the beach. And since I’m a “why buy it when you can build it” kinda guy, with boxes of vintage componentry, I decided to pull the old Talera frame down from the rafters and base the build around it.

I also wanted to try the new Sturmey Archer drum brake hubs, so I bought a pair of them, some Sun MTX33 rims, and some spokes, and laced ‘em all up.

My preliminary measurements told me the absolute fattest tire I could probably fit would be a 26 x 2.8. So I bought a set of WTB Rangers in 2.8 width, which are really 559 x 67. And they fit - just. I need to work a little harder on truing the wheels, and I need to do a small amount of dimpling in the rear, but they just fit.




The Sturmey Archer hubs feel sturdy, turn smoothly, and look super-cool. I’m excited!

Night Treker

Needs a good going over...need tires , pads ,seat and maybe shifters

Night Treker

Cleaned up a little...new tires ( the only ones i could get quick "thanks corona") new seat and some pads

pressed001

Gorgeous bikes. Those hubs do look cool.

griffey

GT Timberline Anatomica. Bike was just abandoned at the apartment complex where I work . Everything is in good shape ,nothing needed to be renewed or restored . I really enjoy riding this bike , it seems to be well made.

UKFan4Sure

Built this one up and gave it to my buddy as a birthday present..... He was happy me thinks....

USA frame number 1073, a very early one. I built it up with 100% 600 Ultegra 8 speed, all NOS out of the box. H Son Plus rims.. I don't even want to think what I have in this bike, but a good bud is worth it all day long.

The decals are custom, so don't let that throw you off. It was a tribute to him.

ctmullins 

Talera fat-tire build finished. Mostly. Cable routing is still a bit of a mess. And I think I want different bars. And better pedals. But I’ve been riding it a bit over the past week, including twice on the actual beach. Man, this powder-fine beach sand we have is no joke! Between the sheer muscle power needed, and the intense concentration on balance and coordination, this is quite the workout! At least for a spud like me....







The drum brakes feel just fine. No different than rim brakes, but much better protected from the sand.







And they look frankly gorgeous. Say what you want about the Chinese, but they are capable of manufacturing some fine quality goods.




This is where things get really tight with the 2.8 tires. After flatting with C-clamps and further bashing with the mini-sledge, and lots of massaging the tire to get it concentric instead of lumpy, there is still a tiny bit of rub. This may not be the right frame after all. But it’ll do for now.

abshipp 

So I've been enamored by the Force series for a while. Does anyone know what the general tire clearance on those are?

I know they were made over a few years in different materials, but has anyone fit a true 28mm tire in one?

3speedslow

If I can get to the dragons den, I will check what an aluminium Force will roll. Love mine in a years time!


Vroom fork but only 23mm

Fitted now with CF front fork

abshipp