GT Tequesta specs?

mr E said:

Hey all,
Would anyone be able to help me out? I have a GT Tequesta from the mid-90's
(i'm thinking 96, but possibly 2 years earlier/later) with a rigid fork, STX
components, and cantilever brakes etc etc. Looking to upgrade the fork for
shocks, and I'm curious as to what I should be looking into.

http://www.j-harris.net/bike/ambfaq.htm#3.17

Quoted message said:

Oh and if a fork says it supports V-Brakes, does that allow for
cantilever as well, or does it need to be canty compatible specifically?

Good point, I ought to add that to the FAQ. Cantis need a hanger on the
brake arch (or elsewhere). No modern forks have this, so you'd probably
have to change to V-brakes. You'd then have to change your brake levers,
and if they're integrated with the shifters, you'll have to change those
too.

--
a.m-b FAQ: http://www.j-harris.net/bike/ambfaq.htm

a.bmx FAQ: http://www.t-online.de/~jharris/bmx_faq.htm

"mr E" <[email hidden]> schreef in bericht
news:8Gilc.19308$kh4.1127320@attbi_s52...

Quoted message said:

Hey all,
Would anyone be able to help me out? I have a GT Tequesta from the

mid-90's

Quoted message said:

(i'm thinking 96, but possibly 2 years earlier/later) with a rigid fork,

STX

Quoted message said:

components, and cantilever brakes etc etc. Looking to upgrade the fork

for

Quoted message said:

shocks, and I'm curious as to what I should be looking into. I'm more of

a

Quoted message said:

casual rider if you can't tell by the components or the age of the bike,

but

Quoted message said:

thats fine and I'm not looking to win any races. I do however feel that a
bit more comfort and less stress on my arms and upper body are in order,

so

Quoted message said:

I am definitely going with shocks. The headset on the bike needs to be
replaced, and I figured what better time to upgrade to front shocks.

A few minor questions... What size should the steerer tube on the shocks

be?

Quoted message said:

Is it dependent on the bike or the headset? Threaded or threadless?

Again,

Quoted message said:

dependent on the headset, handle bars, or the frame? If anybody has any
information on this specific bike, I would be much obliged. I'm a fairly
handy kind of guy, but I don't know enough about bike components to be
tinkering there much. I could get any other info you needed to make a
judgement though, just didn't want to muck about if I didnt have to.

On a second note, any suggestions for a fork/headset combo that might fit
me? I would prefer to spend around 200 bucks, but could do as much as 3. I
realize that doesn't get me a great fork, but I think I could find some
deals in that price range. (Nashbar has the Judy XC for 90 bucks,

quality?

Quoted message said:

or should I shy away?) Is nashbar even quality anymore? Any other
suggestions? Oh and if a fork says it supports V-Brakes, does that allow

for

Quoted message said:

cantilever as well, or does it need to be canty compatible specifically?

Finally, I do plan to do this work myself, mainly because I enjoy the
challenge of new things, and working with my hands, but if its a bit

tougher

Quoted message said:

than it seems, let me know cause I don't have a problem bringing it in for
the service.

I appreciate you actually reading this far...thanks in advance,

Matt Oliphant

http://www.mtb-kataloge.de/

vielleicht vinden sie es hier

"bomba" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

mr E said:

Hey all,
Would anyone be able to help me out? I have a GT Tequesta from the

mid-90's

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

(i'm thinking 96, but possibly 2 years earlier/later) with a rigid fork,

STX

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

components, and cantilever brakes etc etc. Looking to upgrade the fork

for

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

shocks, and I'm curious as to what I should be looking into.

http://www.j-harris.net/bike/ambfaq.htm#3.17

Quoted message said:

Oh and if a fork says it supports V-Brakes, does that allow for
cantilever as well, or does it need to be canty compatible specifically?

Good point, I ought to add that to the FAQ. Cantis need a hanger on the
brake arch (or elsewhere). No modern forks have this, so you'd probably
have to change to V-brakes. You'd then have to change your brake levers,
and if they're integrated with the shifters, you'll have to change those
too.

--
a.m-b FAQ: http://www.j-harris.net/bike/ambfaq.htm

a.bmx FAQ: http://www.t-online.de/~jharris/bmx_faq.htm

Thanks a bunch, didn't expect that question to appear in the FAQ so I didn't
bother to check (though I'm sure not many do).

If I'm still set on adding suspension, and at this point I am going to
seriously consider whether its warranted or not in my case, could anyone
recommend an outlet where I may find a late 90's model fork? Ebay is always
an option, but I'm not sure how abused the forks on there woudl be, and if
it would even be worth it. Any ideas?

Keep in mind that I do need a new headset, and I assume it would be easy
enough to install a new fork during the whole schpiel if I am doing it
anyway.

Thanks for the quick reply. Witty FAQ. 🙂

Matt

"mr E" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:Eizlc.24141$0H1.2152480@attbi_s54...

Quoted message said:

If I'm still set on adding suspension, and at this point I am going to
seriously consider whether its warranted or not in my case, could anyone
recommend an outlet where I may find a late 90's model fork?

There are some older models here:
http://cambriabike.com/SALE/fork/index.htm

And your friendly LBS might have something lying around the back they'd like
to get rid of.

Quoted message said:

Ebay is always
an option, but I'm not sure how abused the forks on there woudl be, and if
it would even be worth it. Any ideas?

Chances are, anything on Ebay will be hashed and poorly maintained.

Quoted message said:

Matt

Chris

"mr E" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<8Gilc.19308$kh4.1127320@attbi_s52>...

Quoted message said:

Hey all,
Would anyone be able to help me out? I have a GT Tequesta from the mid-90's
(i'm thinking 96, but possibly 2 years earlier/later) with a rigid fork, STX
components, and cantilever brakes etc etc. Looking to upgrade the fork for
shocks, and I'm curious as to what I should be looking into. I'm more of a
casual rider if you can't tell by the components or the age of the bike, but
thats fine and I'm not looking to win any races. I do however feel that a
bit more comfort and less stress on my arms and upper body are in order, so
I am definitely going with shocks. The headset on the bike needs to be
replaced, and I figured what better time to upgrade to front shocks.

A few minor questions... What size should the steerer tube on the shocks be?

Probably 1", as opposed to 1 1/8", for this bike, threadless.

This will require a threadless headset and a stem, if you're currently
running a threaded.

I went through this same thing with my beater two years ago.

Quoted message said:

..., handle bars, or the frame?

Your bars should be good.

I think I may be able to help you with your whole dilemma, and there's
more to it than you think, especially if you have a threaded headset.
If you have a threadless headset, then things will be slightly cheaper
for you.

[snip]

Canti issues can be solved too. V-brakes are better, IMO, just
because they are so much easier to set up. And *can* be pretty cheap
to get. And I have a cheap solution for you, and the parts you need,
AND where to go to find the info on how to install all the stuff
yourself, without too much hassle.

I also have some more-advanced issues for you that you haven't
considered yet, and may nix the whole deal. So, if you can parse
this, you and I can discuss:

rfjonesy *at* hotmail *dot* com

Ignore the beelzebubba address, it's the spam-trapper.

Start here: Rock Shox forks, especially the low end ones, are heavy
and crappy. Don't throw away good money. Fox or Marzocchi forks
are more spendy, but they are worth the money. I prefer coil and oil
shocks, due to their smoothness. And, even if you were to blow a seal
on the trail (shut up Sorni, this has nothing to do with oral sex with
marine mammal), your coil wouldn't leak out, and you could still ride
the thing home, even if all the fork oil leaked.

E-mail me, and we'll see what we can't figure out for you - I got
extra parts lying around, in good or excellent condition, you need
good parts cheap, I could use some extra beer money. 🙂
--
Jonesy

mr E said...

Quoted message said:

Hey all,
Would anyone be able to help me out? I have a GT Tequesta from the mid-90's
(i'm thinking 96, but possibly 2 years earlier/later) with a rigid fork, STX
components, and cantilever brakes etc etc. Looking to upgrade the fork for
shocks, and I'm curious as to what I should be looking into. I'm more of a
casual rider if you can't tell by the components or the age of the bike, but
thats fine and I'm not looking to win any races. I do however feel that a
bit more comfort and less stress on my arms and upper body are in order, so
I am definitely going with shocks. The headset on the bike needs to be
replaced, and I figured what better time to upgrade to front shocks.

A few minor questions... What size should the steerer tube on the shocks be?
Is it dependent on the bike or the headset? Threaded or threadless? Again,
dependent on the headset, handle bars, or the frame? If anybody has any
information on this specific bike, I would be much obliged. I'm a fairly
handy kind of guy, but I don't know enough about bike components to be
tinkering there much. I could get any other info you needed to make a
judgement though, just didn't want to muck about if I didnt have to.

On a second note, any suggestions for a fork/headset combo that might fit
me? I would prefer to spend around 200 bucks, but could do as much as 3. I
realize that doesn't get me a great fork, but I think I could find some
deals in that price range. (Nashbar has the Judy XC for 90 bucks, quality?
or should I shy away?) Is nashbar even quality anymore? Any other
suggestions? Oh and if a fork says it supports V-Brakes, does that allow for
cantilever as well, or does it need to be canty compatible specifically?

Finally, I do plan to do this work myself, mainly because I enjoy the
challenge of new things, and working with my hands, but if its a bit tougher
than it seems, let me know cause I don't have a problem bringing it in for
the service.

I appreciate you actually reading this far...thanks in advance,

Matt Oliphant

I have a Tequesta made in '97 or '98. Are you sure you have canti
brakes? Mine are v-brakes. Everything else sounds the same as mine. My
steerer is 1 1/8", the current standard. You probably won't want more
than 80mm travel for the fork since this is an older rigid bike. Lots of
shocks have 80mm travel or can be adjusted to it. The better RockShox
models have the U-turn travel adjustment which lets you set the travel
to whatever you want and can be bought with your $300 price limit. I
don't know which of the Marzocchi forks offer 80mm travel in your price
range, if any, but they would be a more robust choice. I'll leave that
research up to you. Installing the headset and crown race is usually
done in bike shops with specific tools. You can do it at home with
ordinary tools, but you need finesse and patience instead of trying to
do it fast and with brute force, because you can damage your head tube
forcing the headset cups in or out at the wrong angle. Buying the
headset from the LBS and having them install it would be my advice.

"Chris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"mr E" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:Eizlc.24141$0H1.2152480@attbi_s54...

Quoted message said:

If I'm still set on adding suspension, and at this point I am going to
seriously consider whether its warranted or not in my case, could anyone
recommend an outlet where I may find a late 90's model fork?

There are some older models here:
http://cambriabike.com/SALE/fork/index.htm

And your friendly LBS might have something lying around the back they'd

like

Quoted message said:

to get rid of.

Thanks here, I'll definitely check around town.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Ebay is always
an option, but I'm not sure how abused the forks on there woudl be, and

if

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

it would even be worth it. Any ideas?

Chances are, anything on Ebay will be hashed and poorly maintained.

As I figured.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Matt

Chris

Thanks again,

Matt

"Super Slinky" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

<snip>

Quoted message said:

I have a Tequesta made in '97 or '98. Are you sure you have canti
brakes? Mine are v-brakes. Everything else sounds the same as mine. My
steerer is 1 1/8", the current standard.

<snip>

Pretty sure, I guess. Haven't been into biking since the late 90's, but
canti's are the upside-down Y shaped brakes, right? If so, then yep, I have
cantis. At any rate, I know they aren't V-brakes.

Matt

mr E said:

Thanks a bunch, didn't expect that question to appear in the FAQ so I didn't
bother to check (though I'm sure not many do).

If I'm still set on adding suspension, and at this point I am going to
seriously consider whether its warranted or not in my case, could anyone
recommend an outlet where I may find a late 90's model fork? Ebay is always
an option, but I'm not sure how abused the forks on there woudl be, and if
it would even be worth it. Any ideas?

Old forks are rubbish. I know because I still own some. I'd say you're
better off keeping your old bike rigid and putting any cash towards a new
bike. Even the $300 you have would probably get you a better bike with
suspension forks than just trying to upgrade your old machine.

Quoted message said:

Keep in mind that I do need a new headset, and I assume it would be easy
enough to install a new fork during the whole schpiel if I am doing it
anyway.

Hmm. Maybe not as easy as you imagine.

Quoted message said:

Thanks for the quick reply. Witty FAQ. 🙂

Thanks 🙂

"Chris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"mr E" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:Eizlc.24141$0H1.2152480@attbi_s54...

Quoted message said:

If I'm still set on adding suspension, and at this point I am going to
seriously consider whether its warranted or not in my case, could anyone
recommend an outlet where I may find a late 90's model fork?

There are some older models here:
http://cambriabike.com/SALE/fork/index.htm

Yeah - but they are of lower quality...

Quoted message said:

And your friendly LBS might have something lying around the back they'd like
to get rid of.

Also not usually of high quality.

[censored] parts are no bargain.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Ebay is always
an option, but I'm not sure how abused the forks on there woudl be, and if
it would even be worth it. Any ideas?

Chances are, anything on Ebay will be hashed and poorly maintained.

If you are not a discerning buyer, this can be true.

I have bought three Marzocchi forks on eBay (still waiting for the
three "Bomberhood Welcome Packages" from Carla, LOL), and all three
have had only cosmetic issues. One had an oil seal which was just
starting to go, but since I had seals lying around, and oil, and a
seal press, it was a 20 minute job, and the fork is as good as new.

Your blanket statement is rubbish, pure and simple. There are
bargains to be had, if one is willing to be patient. Hell, I got a
steel XTR cassette, 11 x 34, in the box, never-been-mounted (shut up,
Sorni) for $30. Of course, it was the guy's bad luck to try and sell
when there were no fewer than 5 other XTR cassettes for sale, all of
them the Ti kind.

In any case, upgrading an old bike is going to be more expensive than
just buying the right bike the first time out. But it's fun. And if
you find someone who has a butt-load of parts, waiting to sell to
someone who needs them, everybody wins. :wink:
--
Jonesy

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Keep in mind that I do need a new headset, and I assume it would be easy
enough to install a new fork during the whole schpiel if I am doing it
anyway.

Hmm. Maybe not as easy as you imagine.

Yeah, I'm getting the feeling that I will be using the LBS on this job. All
in all, not a bad thing.

Matt

"Jonesy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Chris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Chances are, anything on Ebay will be hashed and poorly maintained.

If you are not a discerning buyer, this can be true.

Quoted message said:

Your blanket statement is rubbish, pure and simple.

Anything prefaced "chances are" is not a blanket statement. If you - a
"discerning buyer" - needed to replace seals on 1/3 of all the forks you've
purchased from Ebay, then imagine what the OP - a guy who doesn't know
threadless from threaded - would pick up. So, for this guy, chances are
anything he picks up on Ebay will be hashed.

Chris

"Chris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"Jonesy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Chris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Chances are, anything on Ebay will be hashed and poorly maintained.

If you are not a discerning buyer, this can be true.

Quoted message said:

Your blanket statement is rubbish, pure and simple.

Anything prefaced "chances are" is not a blanket statement.

Unmitigated [censored], but a nice attempt at backpedal. When you say
"chances are" you are painting with a very broad brush, and thus it
*IS* a blanket statement.

Quoted message said:

If you - a
"discerning buyer" - needed to replace seals on 1/3 of all the forks you've
purchased from Ebay, then imagine what the OP - a guy who doesn't know
threadless from threaded - would pick up.

"Discerning" would mean that you did your homework, and was a careful
buyer. You will notice that the advice there is not limited to MTB
parts or even eBay. It's just being a smart consumer. Suggesting
that this guy is not bright enough to figure stuff out is sort of a
[censored] thing to imply, dontcha think?

Quoted message said:

So, for this guy, chances are
anything he picks up on Ebay will be hashed.

Reiterating your [censored] doesn't make it smell any better. Here's
some facts for you, since you missed them the first time around:

I bought three forks from eBay. All of them were in good, used
condition. One of them had one seal that was slightly weepy - on any
other fork, you'd say "that's normal" and let it go. Less than a drop
every ride - enough to raise a slight dust/oil ridge at the travel
limit. If I hadn't had seals just sitting around, and fork oil just
sitting around, AND if I didn't know what kind of performance to
expect of Marzocchi seals, I wouldn't have bothered. Hell, I rode
around on this weepy seal for months before I got bored enough to
change it out. It wasn't necessary, and the fork was damn cheap.
Even if I had replaced every seal on the whole fork, it still would
have been a bargain. If I would have had the LBS do the work - still
a bargain.

Now, if you go on eBay, and just buy any old thing, regardless of
brand, regardless of the feedback, regardless of the seller's comms
with you, then yes, you *might* get shafted. No "chances are" about
it. I have found most eBay bike part sellers to be honest, and
willing to compromise if the item and the description do not quite
match. I had a guy sell me a SRAM 9.0SL rear der with a broken jockey
wheel tooth that wasn't mentioned in the ad. We worked out a deal - I
got some money back, enough to buy new jockey wheels. The der works
like new now, and I essentially picked the thing up for about $25, all
told.

Your blanket proclamations about "hashed parts" is just plain old
B.S., no matter how much you want to spin. I will agree it is
possible to get screwed, and it is possible to pay too much. But no
feckin' way is it "chances are" when you click on "submit bid."
--
Jonesy

Quoted message said:

imagine what the OP - a guy who doesn't know
threadless from threaded - would pick up. So, for this guy, chances are
anything he picks up on Ebay will be hashed.

Chris

Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I am not an idiot. I merely hadn't
checked my ride out in a few years and couldn't remember what type of
steerer tube it had. Let's not get nuts and jump to some wild assumptions.

Matt