Dusting off the ol 96 GT Karakorum.
10-24-13, 05:23 PM
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Dusting off the ol 96 GT Karakorum.
Bought this brand new in 96. Rode the hell out of it for a year , then I got married, built a house , and hung it in the garage like 10 million other bikes.
Funny thing is...now I want to ride it again, I cant just yet. I have ruptured some discs in my back and neck and have been home since May 1st. I may or may not be getting surgeries. Time will tell. I do plan on using the bike as part of my PT when I am able. But I want to go over the entire bike and tune it up.
Here are some pics of a vintage garage cruiser...
Funny thing is...now I want to ride it again, I cant just yet. I have ruptured some discs in my back and neck and have been home since May 1st. I may or may not be getting surgeries. Time will tell. I do plan on using the bike as part of my PT when I am able. But I want to go over the entire bike and tune it up.
Here are some pics of a vintage garage cruiser...
10-24-13, 06:47 PM
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I have a couple of bulging discs in my back. L4 and L5 area. As long as I stretch hips and lower back I do OK.
That bike begs for some dirt!
Sorry to hear about your injuries! Hope you are heading in a good direction health wise.
That bike begs for some dirt!
Sorry to hear about your injuries! Hope you are heading in a good direction health wise.
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10-24-13, 07:29 PM
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You should hang upside down in the garage for awhile too. Might help those discs.
Nice rig. Get healthy and put it to use.
Nice rig. Get healthy and put it to use.
10-24-13, 09:35 PM
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again. I have put on 30 lbs since I got hurt in May. Ill work on this bike, even if I can only take 20 minutes a day. Standing /sitting for long kills me. I went from 22 years as a balls to the walls Tile setter to an instant couch potatoe.
10-25-13, 05:26 AM
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Wow, that sucks. I have a friend that is going through serious back issues and it ain't no fun. Hopefully the docs can figure it out. Have you looked at recumbents? I have a good recumbent stationary bike and it is very comfy. Of course 'bents don't do single track too good.
i am sure someone will post an MTBent pic soon.
i am sure someone will post an MTBent pic soon.
10-25-13, 09:23 PM
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Might want to consider a dual sus, really reduces shock on the spine.
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10-26-13, 06:09 AM
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dood that bike looks as if it will kill your back. The seat is very low the bars stretched out....needs some work to make it back friendly..I bet shock is toast. sell it and buy a comfy bike. No shame.
10-26-13, 07:17 AM
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Seat is not at riding height, I'd have to be 3ft tall.....lol I was wondering what I could do to bring the bars up and back some. Hell my back may only tolerate really light trails....but Imma gonna be out there!! We will see what I end up having done as far as surgeries go. Dont' steal my hope!! Allthough a new full suspension bike would be awesome. Sell it? Never. I wouldnt take $1000 for it.
Took a couple small sessions....but I managed to get her reasonably clean. With all the ebooks and videos I have been watching....everthing is out of proper adjustment.
Plans are tires and a new saddle. Go over all brakes, bearings, etc.
One question. My BB is a UN51 73/113 Is it "regreasable" ? or should I replace it? With what if so?
Few pics clean...
Above is Zues. I have 3 Shepherds....Zues would not let them near the bike. It was his duty to protect it. The others were very curious when I brouught it inside. Zues would not have that. He chased them off while I cleaned it.
10-27-13, 01:46 PM
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To give you an idea of what a bike from 1996 updated to a more modern spec will look like, this was my 1996 GT Bravado from 2011
10-27-13, 02:56 PM
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Looks like Im just going to clean her up and ride her when Im healed up. Plans are seat and tubes plus total tune up. I can do that and keep myself busy for awhile. Cleaning up the wifes Raliegh as well. I hope to be recovering by spring. Depends on how this plays out. I am facing 3 possible surgeries. Lower back (second time) Cerivcal neck. And I have an elbow thats shot.
Hell I may dreaming about riding anyways. So Ill see hows things go and if I can tolerate road/light trail stuff at all..ride the GT as is and do a new bike if it works out. I bet I can tune this bike real good with a few months time...lol I can find enjoyment in simply tinkering with them. Parts are light and no heavy lifting really.
I have a rare Toyota 4x4 in the garage I'd love to get to restoring...but all that work is beyond my physical limitations for now. So at least I am getting a small mechanical fix for boredom.
Hell I may dreaming about riding anyways. So Ill see hows things go and if I can tolerate road/light trail stuff at all..ride the GT as is and do a new bike if it works out. I bet I can tune this bike real good with a few months time...lol I can find enjoyment in simply tinkering with them. Parts are light and no heavy lifting really.
I have a rare Toyota 4x4 in the garage I'd love to get to restoring...but all that work is beyond my physical limitations for now. So at least I am getting a small mechanical fix for boredom.
