Help upgrading a 93' GT Karakoram
09-16-23, 03:08 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Help upgrading a 93' GT Karakoram
Hi all,
Just picked up this 93' GT Karakoram. I bought it to do more bikepacking trips, but also quite fond of the frame.
I don't know much about MTB / BMX world, so looking for advice on parts.
I need a new headset, original is shot. Recommendations?
Would like to upgrade to a 1x with 7 or 8 speed cassette. Should I change to external BB? Original doesn't feel too bad, but I need to change the crankset as part of the 1x upgrade. Crankset recs?
Would like to swap the bars to a BMX style, more relaxed. Recommendations?
I'll upgrade to V-brakes
Any help much appreciated.
Just picked up this 93' GT Karakoram. I bought it to do more bikepacking trips, but also quite fond of the frame.
I don't know much about MTB / BMX world, so looking for advice on parts.
I need a new headset, original is shot. Recommendations?
Would like to upgrade to a 1x with 7 or 8 speed cassette. Should I change to external BB? Original doesn't feel too bad, but I need to change the crankset as part of the 1x upgrade. Crankset recs?
Would like to swap the bars to a BMX style, more relaxed. Recommendations?
I'll upgrade to V-brakes
Any help much appreciated.
09-16-23, 11:43 PM
#2
Senior Member
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Is that a 1" threaded headset? Can't tell, maybe not.
Don't need to change cranks if you have removable chainrings - just take off the small and large rings and keep the middle or get a new narrow wide ring with the number of teeth and BCD you need (ok maybe you need new cranks then).
Cantilever brakes with new pads might be all you need. If switching to v-brakes you may need new levers. Avid FR7 (or some of the older SD models) have adjustable pull that works for canti or v.
Don't need to change cranks if you have removable chainrings - just take off the small and large rings and keep the middle or get a new narrow wide ring with the number of teeth and BCD you need (ok maybe you need new cranks then).
Cantilever brakes with new pads might be all you need. If switching to v-brakes you may need new levers. Avid FR7 (or some of the older SD models) have adjustable pull that works for canti or v.
09-17-23, 07:12 PM
#3
Newbie
Nice looking bike!
Two options for bars that I think fit the bill are the Surly Sunrise and the Velo Orange Klunker. You'll need a removable faceplate quill stem or threadless adapter to run them.
There are also a bunch of relaxed style bars that offer alternate hand positions and even storage which you may want for bikepacking: Surly Moloko, Jones H Bar, VO Crazy Bars. Very different from the BMX look of course, but just incase you want some more versatility.
Two options for bars that I think fit the bill are the Surly Sunrise and the Velo Orange Klunker. You'll need a removable faceplate quill stem or threadless adapter to run them.
There are also a bunch of relaxed style bars that offer alternate hand positions and even storage which you may want for bikepacking: Surly Moloko, Jones H Bar, VO Crazy Bars. Very different from the BMX look of course, but just incase you want some more versatility.
09-27-23, 12:09 PM
#4
Junior Member
Should be a 1 1/8" Headset. Check this link out:
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[url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CtL2P0Gs7aH/]
10-04-23, 04:20 PM
#5
Newbie
Thread Starter
Thanks everyone for the replies, much appreciated! I've sorted a Gusset 5.75" riser bar, and fresh 1 1/8" headset. I'm thinking about upgrading the BB to external BB. Still thinking about it!
