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Submitted by
isleblue65
a Cross Country Rider
from Plymouth, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Annadale, Norhern Cal | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclery, Missoula MT | | Strengths: | Great geometry, plush suspension, durable frame, beautiful design. | | Weaknesses: | Bushings, not bearings, original RockShox front disc brake, parts availability. | | Bike Setup: | LTS 1000 DS, Shimano XT front disc, grease fittings added to pivots, XTR components | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden this bike for 11 years and have not been gentle on it. I've had the seat tube welded once where it cracked, and then cut the top of the tube off completely when the crack came back. I've replaced the rear shock once when it started leaking. I've rebuilt the suspension twice, and installed automotive grease fittings in all 4 major pivot points. I inject synthetic grease into the pivots every 4 or 5 rides and the bushings have lasted 7 years and no longer squeak. Before the grease fittings, bushings were only good for 2 to 3 seasons. The bike is still as fun as ever to ride and I ride it weekly. I'm getting a 29er, but will keep my trusty old LTS 1000 DS as my FS alternative. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dedbiker
a Weekend Warrior
from battle creek, mi
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | fort custer battle creek green trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | best friend of many | | Strengths: | Great all around ride. Geometry makes for a smooth run in any condition. | | Weaknesses: | will squeek in places if not maintained properly | | Similar Products Used: | all | | Bike Setup: | stock. Replaced both shocks (due to age).. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome, looking for a second one for girlfriend ;).. Should be sweet to have two in the stable. This bike is great for beginner to expert. Light weight. Strong frame. I've beaten up on it, and it has never let me down.. I keep an allen wrench set handy (under seat :) ), but havent needed it on the trail.. with good maintenance anything will last the duration.
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Submitted by
Callmecannonball
a Weekend Warrior
from Hemet, Ca
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | E101 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | Woodcrest Bikes | | Strengths: | Great all around geometry. Very Plush ride. Strong frame. A thing of pure beauty. | | Weaknesses: | First rear triangle broke on a very steep climb but was replaced with a thicker unit inside of 2 weeks by the factory around 1997. Rear bushings are high maintenance to prevent squeak. Have replaced three sets. Must clean and lube frequently in wet conditions. Rear rock shock (96 LTS1 model) seals would not hold. 3 rebiulds over 2 years. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y Bike and a few hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | All XT, GT hubs. OE Mavic wheels with heavier spokes. GoFast downhill bars. 555spuds. Gore cables. OE Judy forks upgraded with Speed Springs. Kevlar Smoke and Dart. | | Bottom Line: | Who the f needs lock out when you can spin and have a bike this well designed. I was able to make steep, loose rocky climbs with this f/s that I could not make with my hard tails. I purchased this bike new in 96 and rode it close to a hundred miles a week for 2 years before a severe leg injury ended my cycling. I rode this bike on everything from tight single track to very high speed fire roads. From 6k foot climbs to rocky ski resort downhills. I credit this bike for the rider I was.
The only reacuring problem was the rear shock seals and bushing squeak.
I am now pulling the bike out of moth balls to attempt cycling again after some muscle regrowth. I have all new seals (still available through an industrial seal supplyer)for the rear rock shock but I need the OEM Oil quantity and pressure specs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aaronbr
a Cross Country Rider
from Elyria, Ohio, USA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Vultures Knob | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop, Honol | | Strengths: | Strong frame, great look, good component spec (except forks) | | Weaknesses: | Age is the only problem with this bike - MCU sprung forks, bushing pivots, rear linkage design prevents use of V-brakes and there are no disc brake tabs. Not an issue in 1996 but now it's hard to find repair parts or upgrade the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | 2007 Kona Dawg | | Bike Setup: | Stock derailleur’s, Rock Shox Super Deluxe rear shock, 1997 Marzocchi Z1 forks. | | Bottom Line: | Wonderful bike! Still rideable to this day! I rode this bike for 12 years before buying my Kona and the only reason I finally bought a new bike was because it became very difficult to find repair parts for my GT LTS-2. What I miss most about riding the GT is the quick handling. I do not know what the head tube angle for the GT is, but I'm thinking the Kona must be slacker because I can't take tight turns and switch backs as fast as I can on the GT. The GT's rear suspension feels just as good as the Kona I currently ride which says a lot since it’s a 13 year old design.
This bike has taken me on many great rides. Hawaii, San Diego, Vancouver and Ohio, it's done it all. Only problem with it is the age. It's almost impossible to find repair parts for it and no matter how good I clean and lube the lower bushings they will squeak like a well used bed in a brothel if even the slightest amount of water gets on them. It really is terribly annoying.
All in all the GT LTS line was a very well designed bike which outlived any new parts being made for it. They eventually redesigned the rear suspension to accommodate V-Brakes but at this stage it wasn’t worth looking for a newer “rear triangle” just to put better brakes on the bike.
I love the looks and comments I get when I do decide to take it out for a spin and people see the brushed aluminum frame with the first year orange Marzocchi Bombers on it. This GT was money well spent. Anyone wanting a bike with "cult classic" appeal this is it. A few upgrades and care and this GT rides just as good as newer designs.
4 Flamin' Chilies on overall rating because of the MCU sprung Quadra 21R fork it came with stock. I switched it out right away. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GTLTS1
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, FL USA
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Olita and Markam Parks | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | from another Gary Tu | | Strengths: | The GT LTS series are one of the best, time prooven, bikes out there. The frames are super strong, light and like a work of art. | | Weaknesses: | If you take care of it, it will ride you for years. The proof is how many people still ride these bikes 10-12 years later. Grease the pivot points and check e-bay for parts. | | Bike Setup: | GT LTS-1. Rock Shok Judy XL up front w/ stock shock in the rear. The Panaracer Red tires are period correct and look great. | | Bottom Line: | I wish Gary Turner of "GT" Bikes still had a hand in the company. It is an all around good bike. People stop me all the time to comment about its unique set-up and great rpeutation. If you can find an old GT, the bike is well worth the investment of time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordi
a Weekend Warrior
from Castelldefels, Barcelona
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Matamoros | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike House | | Strengths: | Super-tough frame, great looks and stability. | | Weaknesses: | Noisy suspension when raining, spare parts | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS-DH (the one with titanium lever) and GT STS-1 (I still own this one) | | Bike Setup: | GT LTS1 with bomber dual crown, Azonis bar and stem, Hope 4 pots front with big'un and 321, Kooka, XTR, Tioga Factory DH and Hope 2 pots rear waiting to be fitted (need adapter)
STS1- Sid carbon, full XTR, Spinergy wheels and waiting for a sid rear shock | | Bottom Line: | Great bikes! They may be getting older, but whenever I take them for a ride, people in the know look at them, seeing the special machines they are | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MTB Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Monte Carlo | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Great Ride. Light weight compare to other full susp bikes. Very strong frame. | | Weaknesses: | Hard to find replacement parts... | | Similar Products Used: |
| | Bike Setup: | GT LTS-2, XT-XTR upgrade. Rock Shox | | Bottom Line: | This is my real first mountain bike. Bought if off a hardcore rider and fixed it up. He wanted it back once we were done rebuilding it. I tested many bike and my GT felt smoother than many high priced bikes. I like my ride better with every ride we take. These reviews helped me understand what a good deal I got, Thanks!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Forrest
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, Wi, USA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Undecided | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | That includes the up | | Strengths: | Incredibly plush and LIGHT, great climber. | | Weaknesses: | It's old, and parts are impossible to find. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized rockhopper (old school), Treck fuel 7 (my bro bought it this winter) | | Bike Setup: | Original XT components all around. Manitou mars super (soon to be Marzocchi x-fly) Crappy old wheels and hubs. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is incredible, unbelievable climber for a FS w/out lockout. This bike is faster than new bikes that cost 1,500 or even more, so until i've spent that much or more on maintenance and upgrades, I will never give up this frame. The adjustable travel is a unique feature on a cross country bike and allows for free-riding this light-weight frame, especially because of its durability. I'm moreOf course, that is excepting the pivot bushings, all of which I will replace at some point. BETD bearings are horribly over-priced, especially with the exchange rate the way it is these days. So everyone, please read Adam's post from Oct '06, I spoke with him over email and he is still serious about ressurecting the famous GT LTS rear triangle (now with DISC mounts), as well as other parts that BETD doesn't make (like the main pivot bearing) so please email him with your support so he can put his plans into action. Otherwise we will all be forced to spend way more money on a bike that is heavier and crappier than our trusted old GT LTS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nessus
a Cross Country Rider
from Wollongong, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Sparrow Hill | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | Absolutely bulletproof responsive frame | | Weaknesses: | Unfortunately, lack of factory spares, but with BETD not longer an issue | | Similar Products Used: | GT Xizang Ti | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Rock Shox WC SIDS, Rock Shox SID rear, 2006 XTR all over (disc front, V brake rear), Mavic rims, Kore Stem, Chris King headset | | Bottom Line: | Without a doubt the best frame (bar my Xizang) I've ever ridden. I use it for 24 hr enduros and and it has never skipped a beat. Original oil/coil RS Deluxe shock failed last year but I replaced that with a RS SID and the plushness has increased. This bike is a head turner everywhere and people are always impressed. A true engineering marvel.
Currently looking to convert to a rear disc set up but its not absolutely necessary. Lucky enough to just score a small STS frame complete with a factory rear disc mount for my son for USD$700. You just can't go wrong with these old GT frames | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Grummett
a Weekend Warrior
from Littlehampton west sussex England
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Southdowns way | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | swapped with a mate with my kona kikapu | | Strengths: | The frame is bomb proof you feel planted and want to push the bike to its limit and i no it can do it with ease | | Weaknesses: | the rear pivot bushes start to squik and need alot of looking after ive now changed mine and it seems fine. | | Similar Products Used: | scott genius mc10 which i had for 18 months and think there crap
kona kikapu i had and swapped with a good friend for the gt lts THE BEST THING IVE EVER DONE i love it | | Bike Setup: | fox vanilla shocks xt rear mech hope mini front brake magura hs33 rear brake race face chainset easton ea50 seat post stem and bars kenda tyres lx shifters deore front mech | | Bottom Line: | The best bike ever great ride looks good and i get kids keep asking me nice bike mate can i by it off you i just laugh and say never ive got the bike just the way i want and maybe i might buy another frame and build another one some day
GT WELL DONE FOR MAKING A GREAT BIKE THE LTS IS BRILLINT BUT PLEASE KEEP MAKING SPARES FOR THEM. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike A
a
from Miami, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta, Amelia | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech | | Strengths: | The FRAME, what else can be said about this T A N K (Totally Awesome Neverending Knarly) ;-) . This frame is truly one of the best designed frames ever. | | Weaknesses: | The bushings, but thanks to BETD UK that's been resolved and no disc brake available. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | BETD UK bushing kit, Marz EXR Race fork, Mavic CrossMax UST, Panaracer Fire XC Tubeless, Selle Italia SLR, All XTR Drivetrain, Thomsom SP and Stem, Monkey Lite XC CNT bars, CK headset. | | Bottom Line: | This frame is AMAZING, I said it before and will again even ten years later still rivals and beats most new, entry and mid level FS bikes out there. The lack of disc does make it outdated on wet rides, but Mavic ceramic with XTR ceramic pads does pretty good most of the time. For my current weekend warrior riding this bike will be with me another 10 years. If you can find one on Ebay or such get, set it up and RIDE the hell out of it. This is a true gem of a frame. American craftmanship at it finest, a work of art. Try finding welds like this on frames now, no way! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
erick ilo
a Weekend Warrior
from manila, philippines
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | any mountan range in the philippines | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | san pedro, california | | Strengths: | no rust, stiff, less maintenance work, beautiful, very durable!!! | | Weaknesses: | i can't see any ^_^ or maybe being durable, and i cant find reasons to sell my GT-LTS1 ^_^ | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | all stock (when purchased) replaced the shifters and derailleurs with SRAM 9.0 (carbon) set and the brakes with Avid Arch Rival 5.0 brake set. | | Bottom Line: | i was once a crew member at a cruise liner at san pedro ca, and bought my lts-1 lay-away ^_^ i crashed it sometimes, lend to my friends here in the philippines. the pivots are all still working perfectly and haven't serviced them except re-lubrication. replaced the brake pads and the tires. i really got my money's worth or maybe even more ^_^ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david tindall
a Weekend Warrior
from asheville, nc, usa
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | anything in pisgah nf | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | shop across from piedmont pk atlanta | | Strengths: | frame, setup, innovative. | | Weaknesses: | travel linkage pin used to break a lot until i had a steel one fabricated. chain suck. "poly-shock" on rear | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS-4 1995, purchased new. | | Bike Setup: | stock. upgraded to bomber on front after a wreck | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike. it is now on year 12 and thanks to these reviews i found a replacement "shock" at ben's cycles. i m gonna try to source a REAL shock to replace the original (original is basically a really big skateboard trucks setup). bizarre idea, but aside from minor powerloss on big climbs, the downhills are so sweet. i will make this bike last another 12 years. just put the parts from my '05 ironhorse warrior (road traffic accident) on it and THEY ALL FIT. now i have disc front, stock rear. Wish i had bought farther up the line from the model 4 but that's all the $ i had in hand in 1995. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
elias grieve
a Racer
from North Albion Park Rail Airport
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | four corners | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | off of me mate | | Strengths: | light frame. magic carpet ride, nude aluminium finish, hot welding, horst link rear suspension is marvel of engineering. longer wheelbase. | | Weaknesses: | no new bushes for horst link. requires large amounts of maintinence which gets easier after the tenth time. | | Similar Products Used: | nothing comes close | | Bike Setup: | magura hydraulic v brakes. rock shock judy on front end. rock shock super delux on rear. rear shock sheared. | | Bottom Line: | this bike is old but its outstanding american construction gives it much more life than newer MTB's in the same category. the frame inspires loyalty and the squeaking bushes at the back are simply indicators of maintinence. i find that carefully applied pfte tape cuts this noise out the best and protects the bushes and pins from sideways movement. you cant buy em anymore so sucked in. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOhn Boyd
a Weekend Warrior
from Thonotosassa Fl, USA
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Carter Road park too. | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | private seller | | Strengths: | Best bike no one remembers ever. | | Weaknesses: | Very few. | | Similar Products Used: | see below | | Bike Setup: | Mavic Crossland wheels and hubs, Panaracer Fire FR 2.4 tires, Tru Vativ Fire X crankset. Titec Hellbent 3" riser bars, Thompson elite seat post, XT shifters and v-brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This is to supplement the post I left below, I just wrote GT an email, begging them to re-release this outstanding ride. It wont help if I am the only one, if you love this bike like I do, and by reading most of these, I believe you do, send GT an email, flood their servers, and who knows our endangered species may get saved from extinction. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Boyd
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa Florida, USA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Santos trail head | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | From a fellow rider | | Strengths: | Bullet proof, excellent efficiency, plush ride inspires confidence.. | | Weaknesses: | Squeaky bushings on the front of the horst link..
thats about it. | | Similar Products Used: | 02' GT I-drive, 96' Fisher | | Bike Setup: | I have a RockShox Psylo XC fork, and a Rissie racing rear shock, they make an outstanding replacement rear shock. Titec hell bent 3" riser bars, TruVativ FireX ISIS crankset, and Mavic Crossland wheels, with Panaracer fire FR 2.4 tires. The tires barely fit, but grip everything like velcro, IMO the most under rated tire ever. | | Bottom Line: | This was my first real mountain bike, I was riding Wal-mart junk and I met a guy at the trailhead riding it around I asked what he wanted and he said $500, I was stoked, but broke at the moment, so I got his number and then forgot about it. 3 months later I had some extra cash so just as a joke I called the guy and miraculously he still had the bike, and would now take $300 for it, I snatched it up. The fork and shock was blown and so old, not worth rebuilding, and it needed tires, and soon it needed wheels, I replaced all of that, but now with proper suspension this bike is amazing, I have ridden many newer bikes that just dont compare to the ride quality I get out my trusty LTS. I have tried replacing it, and it just seems to come back, it has out lasted three newer bikes and now I am back riding it, and again, its just wont die.
Anyone who knew Skip from Ellijay Ga. knew he was die-hard about his LTS's now I know why. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Calhoun
a Cross Country Rider
from Peachtree City, Georgia USA
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Long uphill grinds and screaming downhills | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | New in December 1996 | | Strengths: | Heavy Duty frame for reliability and durability under hardcore riding conditions and circumstances. OUTSTANDINGLY smooth high speed downhill performance for the weight. (Modern downhill bikes are smoother but they weigh a ton!) | | Weaknesses: | The bushings do squeak unless you disassemble and clean them regularly. My LTS-1 is not rear disc brake compatible. Disc brake compatible models are RARE!
(SEE BELOW) Spare parts are non-existent (SEE BELOW)
| | Similar Products Used: | Specialized EPIC - Fun bike but WAY more flexy. | | Bike Setup: | XTR, Hayes front disc, manitou(not a great fork), Chris King Headset and Hubs, Easton Monkeylite riser bar, Thomson stem | | Bottom Line: | *** ALL LTS OWNERS NEED TO READ THIS ***
This bike has stood the test of time and continues to satisfy. Replacement parts are almost non-existent for these bikes. BETD in England produces a few great items for the LTS. I have some of their stuff on my bike right now. I am considering producing disc brake compatible rear triangles for 1997 and later LTS models. These are the models with the aluminum rear shock link that use the trunnion style shock. My rear triangle would be very similiar to the RARE factory disc brake compatible GT piece and would work with the factory GT chainstay piece as well as the factory aluminum shock link. Reverse engineering this piece will be a big project and is only worth doing if there is enough interest. It will require (and receive) the same quality CNC machine work and welding that top-of-the-line GT bicycles received. If there is enough interest from GT owners and enthusiasts, I will set up a website to further discuss the project. Please email me if you are interested in this.
anc_is_me@yahoo.com
THE BOTTOM LINE
Of all the wacky full suspension designs of the 1990's, the GT LTS (horst link) has remained virtually unchanged in design. Others have come and gone but the LTS is still rockin up and down the trails. Unfortunately, the company that produced these wonderful machines fell upon hard times and is no more. They took with them any hope of getting spare parts for these awesome bikes. The GT bicycle company of today is not the same company but rather a bike brand from yesteryear. I intend to do something about this. I want to determine the demand for spare parts and start producing them. I need your input so write me and tell me that you are interested.
Thanks, Adam Calhoun
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike A
a Weekend Warrior
from Hialeah Gardens, FL
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Teach | | Strengths: | Where can I begin... Looks, durability, strength, ride, style, weight. | | Weaknesses: | Requires more maintenance than some newer designs | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar and various friends DS rides. | | Bike Setup: | Thomson SP and stem, RockShox Psylo XC, BETD bearing kit, Mavic CrossMax UST, Panaracer XC Pro, XTR drivetrain and brakes (yeah still rim brakes!), Selle Italia SLR, M959 Pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Can you say S..W..E..E..T.. My bike is better than ever! This frame never stops amazing me. Just rode Razorback and Santos in Ocala. The rider was trashed but the bike..good as new. Thanks to a buddy got the Psylo fork on it. Has been great so far and really balances bike out, the Duke 80mm just didn't cut it. The CrossMax are so awesome the bike just "rolls" so much better. This frame has got to be one of the best XC designs ever made. It is stronger than a tank and much lighter than most DS bikes out there. Just installed a new rear shock with 650 spring, way better for my 160lb weight. For parts check out Ebay, BETD UK, currently ICYCLES.com is selling 1998 Coupe Deluxe rear shock for 40 bucks!! If you find one BUY IT, build it up and LOVE IT. There are several options for installing disc brakes if you so choose, check Brake Therapy or BETD UK for kits. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | looks good, rides smooth | | Weaknesses: | the rear suspension squeaks, but it can be fixed | | Bike Setup: | GT LTS-2 | | Bottom Line: | i highly recomend this bike. it is well made and rides really well over anything. definantly one of the fastest bikes out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nik Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from North Wales
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Marin trail Betws-Y-Coed | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | From a friend | | Strengths: | Smooth as a sheeet of ice that's been polished with silk. Plush suspension absorbs everything I can throw at it. Rides very well on flat, downhill and on fair uphill slopes. | | Weaknesses: | Front end seems very light and on steep uphill slopes constantly wants to wheelie. The lack of a rear disc until I got an engineering firm to weld a mount on. | | Similar Products Used: | GT RTS which was a great bike but just didn't quite have what the LTS has. | | Bike Setup: | Junior Ts. XT mechs, shifters, hubs, crankset and bb. Rockshox Super Deluxe rear shock. Hope Mono Mini disc brakes front and back | | Bottom Line: | This was the bike I always wanted but could never afford until a friend was selling the frame with a load of knackered bits hanging off it, but I saw the potential for greatness and rebuilt it with love (and a hefty credit card bill). She is one of the best bikes I've ever ridden, and I've had a few. I will never get rid of her now that I have her. If you ever have the chance of owning one of these bikes go for it, but upgrade the bushings. Buy this bike if you like a comfy xc ride or want to do some weekend downhilling. A great allrounder. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jon stoodley
a Weekend Warrior
from Whitehaven, Cumbria, England
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Unbelievebly smooth action to the suspension. Has Rock Shox Super Deluxe rear and Marzocchi Bomber Z1's.
I have uprated the bushings to BETD bearings. VERY GOOD INDEED !!! Now I know what all the fuss is about. | | Weaknesses: | Maybe the availability of parts. | | Similar Products Used: | No need. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano LX/XT, Mavic rims, V brakes, BETD full bearing kit, Race Face stem & Bar. | | Bottom Line: | I've tried other (much newer) bikes recently and to be quite honest, they are not better than this bike. I bought this one on eBay for a few hundred pounds, spents a couple of hundred on it and it is a seriously great bike.
It is so smooth in it's action. Absolute bargain if you can get hold of one. real head turner. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gordon Simmons
a Weekend Warrior
from Airlie Beach
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Bwindi impenertratable | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Entibes France | | Strengths: | Strength, Good looks, it has the force. I have only owned two MTBs a cheap hardtail then I bought "Deadly"
It has conquered the gorilla parks of uganda game parks of kenya, Rainforests in Antigua, volcanoes in the caribe, streets of the US, Crashed , smashed, bashed. | | Weaknesses: | Ha. squeeking bushes | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Its being refitted for Brazil trip. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from mississauga
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Erindale Park, Kelso Ontario | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Store went under a few years ago Ramseys. | | Strengths: | Strength is its overall juicy goodness. | | Weaknesses: | Probably the climb, in which case you need to adjust the rear, if you do you lose absorbing power going back down | | Similar Products Used: | GT Avalanche | | Bottom Line: | This was the overall bike to get back in 97-98. I think that as old as the bikes are, few bikes hit this particular segment of the market well, and i can see this bike being very competative even though it does have a weight disadvantage.
The style and the rear shock are asthetically good looking.
Although the thermoplastics had a few problems with soft spots i would jump on the occasion to grab a STS or LTS frame like that, its been a long time since so much visible engineering was put into a bike. Full suspension bikes tend to be hulkers these days, only bikes that fall into the same category to me are perhaps some konas and specialized bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glen Morgan
a Cross Country Rider
from Westboro, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | anything steep | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Dime welds, reputation, looks, performance | | Weaknesses: | chainsuck | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS-4 | | Bike Setup: | Rockshox judy, new XT deore cranks and BB, xt derailleurs, parallax hubs | | Bottom Line: | Well folks, for those of you who knows what this is, its one of the greatest bikes you can get. The frame, although its a tad heavy, will rival anything on the market today. If you can pick up one of these for cheap, do it. The drawback may be finding parts (Email me if you need help). The only two places in the world, yes WORLD, that you can get them is from Ben's Cycles in Wisconsin (www.bencycles.net) or from BETD in UK (www.betd.co.uk). Once you have the parts you can assemble your monster. Although this bike is dated in age, its performance rivals the I-drives GT/Pacific is putting out today. This bike assembled retailed for $4300 and while its not worth that today in dollars, it definitely is in peformance. This is still a world class frame and if you can find one you can have a world class bike at a fraction of the cost. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith Rees
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | hamstely forest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$449.00 | | Purchased At: | bike sport darlington | | Strengths: | my bike is really great at taking big blows as it has a bullet proof bottom bracket as it is a specualized P1 | | Weaknesses: | the weakness is the forks as they are only dirt jam pro | | Similar Products Used: | a simular product is a GT moto as accept the p1 is alot better in strenth | | Bike Setup: | the bike is slim and looks really good check it out at www.evanscycles.com i woould recomend it to a starter!!! | | Bottom Line: | the bottom line is that i would not change it for the world the people who should by this bike is some one who likes to jump and have a lot of fun!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ashley Shelley
a Weekend Warrior
from Elgin, Scotland
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | WolfTrax Scotland | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | UK Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Bomb Proof, light enough for X-country, strong enough for downhill. adjustable frame geometry | | Weaknesses: | limited to only a few rear shocks that you can use, no rear disc mount | | Similar Products Used: | Kona stab | | Bike Setup: | Bike is the LTS 2000 (98) Mixture of kit over the years mainly high end kit, used to have Z1 bomber's but now has 04 Z1 Drop Off 1's. (better to mach rear travel) | | Bottom Line: | I wouldn't change this bike in a million years, it's good strong dependable, and light, the rear suspension get's on with it's business, without complaint, and when I get the bearing/bushing kit from BETD, it'll be even better recently took it down a hardcore black run at Laggen in Scotland, and managed it better than my friends Kona Stab, as it was light enough to go easily up hill, and down mental rocky drop off's, extra inch of travel front and back would complete this package into the ultimate take anywhere, do anything bike! but as is, does the Job just fine. now I just need to find a way of putting disc's on the rear! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike A
a Weekend Warrior
from Hialeah, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta State Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech | | Strengths: | The frame, the frame, the frame GET IT, THE FRAME. It just will not break. Built like an M1 tank, looks like a Ferrari. | | Weaknesses: | Was.... the bushings but BETD bearing kit solve that problem. These guys are amazing, true craftsman. If you have a LTS get the BETD bearing kit. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar... Hey never needed to try anything else!!!! | | Bike Setup: | All XTR (finally), Thompson SP, Easton EA70 stem, Chris King HS, Duke SL forks, Mavic Rims. | | Bottom Line: | This is like my fourth or fifth post. Can this bike be any better? The frame is AMAZING. What other bike last for 7 years of thrashing and just keeps on going? I have had countless spills, nasty ones! bent brake levers, busted derailleurs, bent handlebars, yet the frame just keeps on goin'. Finally busted my XT shift/brake lever, finally made jump to XTR. So my work horse is ALL XTR now, as good as any new bike out there (maybe better)!! Another truly great product "XTR" sure it's pricey but well worth it! Yeah sure, people look at it like "what the hell is that" but hey, anyone that knows, shows respect for a finely crafted machine. I will make another post in late 2006. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Provo, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | sundance | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | taylors bike shop | | Strengths: | bought it new in 98 and I've thrashed the thing, but its just not breaking apart! still looks gorgeous as ever and nobody's seen any other full suspension frame like it! she still rocks! | | Weaknesses: | gone through a couple rims (low tire pressure and downhill will do that to ya, so its my fault) | | Bottom Line: | I've had the thing 7 years and its still taking my beatings! this thing is pretty much the best bike ever made. I wish they still made em, I love it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave (wrecker) Wright
a Weekend Warrior
from Northern England
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in the Lake District | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Leisure Lakes | | Strengths: | Just awesume. The frame is just plain bomb proof! Still running with its original rock shox delux. Unbelieveable really when I think about the abuse its suffered over the years. Teamed up with original Z1 Bombers and some Mavic 121 rims the old faithful has never let me down! | | Weaknesses: | Just starting to sweak on the rear linkages! sounds like some kind of dodgy bed springs.....Adds character though! | | Similar Products Used: | Scott FX2. Less said about that the better! | | Bike Setup: | Z1 Mazzochi Bombers, Mavic 121 Rims Hope hubs, Middleburn Crank set, XT Rapid Fire Gearing | | Bottom Line: | Gods gift to all mountain bikers who ride hard!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Forrester
a Weekend Warrior
from United Kingdom
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2190.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclo sport | | Strengths: | Nice design, Bomb Proof Construcion, Still Better than most bike out today, still turns people heads | | Weaknesses: | no rear disc mount | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz heckler | | Bike Setup: | full shimano, xt fox fork 36 R FORKS, Still have original super delux rock shock on rear, magura 33 ltd edition hydralic brakes | | Bottom Line: | ive had this bike since it came out in 97 and the only way i will be parted with this bike is if i go to my grave or its stolen, if you get the chance to own one grab it with both arms and run this is one of the best bikes today still around | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Squeaky Pivot
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Ox Falls | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Bought a 97 LTS frame in CA in 98 and built it up to a decent level over the years. Frame build; stylish good looks! The no paint finish; BETD bearing kit; new rear shock after 5 years on the old one (avoid rutted roads for extended periods!) | | Weaknesses: | Squeaky pivots finally got to me after using a couple of tricks to keep them quiet (boat bearing grease and well applied silicon to keep the rain out) | | Similar Products Used: | Ridden a few friends all mountain numbers | | Bike Setup: | 97 LTS frame, XT all round (last of the XT pre-disc and dual control 2003?), 2001 SID 100s, Egg Beaters ... | | Bottom Line: | Longevity. Frame has been a complete legend over the years. And although it was recently called a ‘vintage’ bike at a 24hr race, it still put the wind up my team mates who were mostly on new ‘all mountain’ 2005 jobbies. In its eighth year with a bunch of miles and races behind it, it has been a legend and maybe is just about ready for pasture assuming the mortage and kids allow it ! Or maybe it'll just have to make it to its tenth year. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler Pace
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Green Valley/Stucka Springs Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend back in 1997 | | Strengths: | Back in the day, it was the best bike you could find. The component set-up was excellent and it was bomb-proof. | | Weaknesses: | It's horrible at climbing. GT, and the entire bike world, had to learn how to not lose traction and power while climbing...this bike never got it right. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 9000 | | Bike Setup: | Full XT, Rock Shox Judy DH, Mavic 517's, Syncros. | | Bottom Line: | The bike was good when it came out, but as soon as the I-Drive came out in 1998 the LTS was forever inferior. It's all about the ability to climb (atleast to me), and the LTS was always a loser. Although it was an amazingly smooth bike, as well as bomb-proof, the design was forever-flawed. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie
a Cross Country Rider
from London UK
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | EBAY! | | Bike Setup: | New Disc adaptor, at last!!! | | Bottom Line: | I totally agree with the dude on the last thread (Mike A)
THe GT LTS rocks, especially the 1997 LTS-1 . THe BETD kit is awesome and everyone MUST buy one to get the most from their frame......but...i just found the holy grail, i got an official GT rear end (chain stay) with Disc mounts welded on. It taken me agaes to find one as ive only ever seen 2 of them and they were both in Germany. I can now upgrade the old girl to full discs and finally get the Risse shock for the rear (£175 from CVI) and i will put any modern bike to shame on the technical stuff..... I wish they still made em like this | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike A
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta State River Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Build quality | | Weaknesses: | WAS... the pivots bushing system. Since BETD kit installed, the shock is a weak point. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar | | Bike Setup: | All XTR, Duke SL, Thompson seat post, Easton EA-70 stem, Mavic rims | | Bottom Line: | This is maybe my fourth posting. This thing just keeps on going. Bless the guys at BETD in the U.K. they kick ass. The bearing kit they make has made this into a real work of art. The welds and the build quality are amazing even compared to todays stuff and I bought it in '98. Try findong a hand made USA biult frame today. The shock I hear is a problem with heavier riders. I had mine replaced under warranty in '99 been working ever since, I'm only 155lbd though. I LOVE MY GT LTS!! Hell, lasted longer than my wife did... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Strengths: | GT LTS-1 1997 frame. Fantastically strong frameset, great geometry , a true work of art . Comfy ride | | Weaknesses: | need to keep pivots lubed or will squeak and creak, especially after rain fall | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zazkar, Specialized ground control | | Bike Setup: | 97 LTS-1 Frame, full XT , Spinergy Xyclone wheels, race face bits | | Bottom Line: | I have always been a fan of the older generation GT gear having owned an early 90's Zazkar, and unless youve been up close to an LTS (especially high end older versions) you wont appreciate how fantastic the build quality is, the machining is superb. I have an aftermarket BETD pivot kit fitted which cuts out most of the squeeking that plauged LTS' and makes the ride amazingly plush. Im a very heavy rider and like to go downhill fast (after all the effort i put into getting up the bugger) and it soaks up the abuse i dish out with ease ( although i like to think my buttery smooth riding style helps too!)
Its not a superlight weight machine, but i have no trouble getting up hill at all. Ive tried fitting a brand new Rock shox super delux rear shock but all the bad thingd youve heard about them are true (although they are only £25 on Ebay!) so im looking to fit a different rear shock, maybe by Risse. Next up is a disc upgrade, which is tricky without a disc mount although GT did produce a handfull of rear seat stays with mounting brackets, but they are as rare as hens teeth. Above all, buy one, you wont regret it, im never going to sell this frame although someone just offered me £400 for it and i only paid £160! They just dont make em like this any more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Botty
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Woburn sands | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Lesure lakes Daventry | | Strengths: | Looks, weight, versatility- if you are the weight concous type it could be easily built up to be a featherwieght but on the other hand could be built like a brick out house to take some serious abuse, value for money (even if £2000 when new) | | Weaknesses: | Although this bike could well be branded as a freeride bike it is most definatly not a huck bike! Unlike anyone else i have never had any chain suck problems! Rear shock trunion mounts are a little bit under engineered i mean plastic travel chips for gods sake! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek y5, trek VRX300, Specialized big hit, GT Moto, GT STS 1000, Mountain Cycle san andreas, Orange Patriot LT, Kona Stinky Dee Lux, Various cannondales, Scott FX-DH. | | Bike Setup: | 1998 14.5 LTS 1000DS, Rock shox super delux, Answer Pro Taper Bars, Halo combat rims with Diatech Hubs, Diatech disks, Shimano XT,XTR Drivetrain, Marzocchi DJ 3s (5" Travel) Kore Stem, Maxxis High roller Tyres. Home Made Chain Device. | | Bottom Line: | This was my dream bike ever since i first saw one back in 95. Not many bikes nowadays can boast custom drawn easton tubing AND To be hand made in the USA. Many of these bikes are still goin strong today. A real testiment to the design and build Quality.She has NEVER Let me down. Nuff said me thinks. Happy Riding everyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | bear creek | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | from a friend | | Strengths: | It has been a great bike for me, light weight, low maintenance, and being that I am 200lbs, and 6'4", and I put it through hell, it remains a very well built and sturdy peice of equipment. | | Weaknesses: | One of the horizontal supports in the top link/shock mount cracked, but I've never fixed it, continued to ride hard, with no problems, it remains there to this day. | | Similar Products Used: | None specific, but I've ridden many full suspension and hartail bike over the years. | | Bike Setup: | Judy SL, Fox Racing rear, XTR front brake, magura louise hydraulic rear, XT everything else. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is, I've been a GT rider for a long time, happy enough with it to have just bought a GT STS from this website. If I am as happy with it as I have been with the LTS, GT will have a dedicated patron... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike A
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami,FL
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta River Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Looks and styling | | Weaknesses: | The pivots (bushings) | | Bike Setup: | LTS-1 all XTR and new BETD bushing kit | | Bottom Line: | Just installed new bushing kit from BETD that I referneced back in 2002 review. WOW..... the bike is good as new. No creaks, squeaks or noises!!! This bike is truly amazing and a work of art. This is a hand made frame, the bike handles great and soaks up any trail. What more can you ask for. Unless you are a racer this bike is more than enough even by today's new bike standards. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike A
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami,FL
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta River Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Looks and styling | | Weaknesses: | The pivots (bushings) | | Bike Setup: | LTS-1 all XTR and new BETD bushing kit | | Bottom Line: | Just installed new bushing kit from BETD that I referneced back in 2002 review. WOW..... the bike is good as new. No creaks, squeaks or noises!!! This bike is truly amazing and a work of art. This is a hand made frame, the bike handles great and soaks up any trail. What more can you ask for. Unless you are a racer this bike is more than enough even by today's new bike standards. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike huang
a Weekend Warrior
from orange county
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ??? | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | private seller | | Strengths: | everything nice strong stiff bike good for all around best investment i have ever made | | Weaknesses: | bushings they squeek and moan when they get wet they squeak even more | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 97 gt lts full xt race face seat post wtb seat c2 headset manitou sx-r fork 517mavics | | Bottom Line: | great all around bike fr ds xc
best bike ive riden so far | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Boyd
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa , Florida
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Razorback , Reddick Fl. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Fellow rider | | Strengths: | Strong frame , perfect big guy bike , handles nicely , tough as nails , best V-brakes I've ever used. | | Weaknesses: | Bushings wear quickly , Chain suck which is next to incurable , Tourque settings have to be checked often on pivots , high travel = inefficient climber. not rear disc compatable | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS2 , Trek Fuel 80 | | Bike Setup: | RockShox Psylo fork , Risse Racing rear shock , Aztec pads , TruVativ Crank w/DH BB , XT Derailures , Titec Hellbent bar , Thompson Elite seatpost , XT hubs , big guy wheel set. | | Bottom Line: | My LTS is not light anymore , although on my first re-build I found the frame is. but I have mine equipped for me 6'2" 220lbs give or take and it has held up quit well , I only paid $400 for it , and dropped $700 rebuilding it. so in all I have $1100 in it , it cost $900 new , ( original owner had sales reciept. ) This is the best riding bike I have ever ridden , even over the newer designs , my riding buds have GT Idrives and Gary Fisher XO's and this mine is a couch compared to thiers , the Risse Shock is amazing , forget the other brands and rebuilds you read earlier , Risse's is $197 and comes with a new trunioun mount , it's an air shock and works 1,000,000 times better than the crap that came with the bike. At this point I would have no problem calling this bike oldschool freeride and wouldn't have any fear venturing into a mild DH course with it. it's that nice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a
from Hawaii
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$39.00 | | Purchased At: | www.ICYCLESUSA.com | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is if you have a GT LTS and need a new shock then you either have a RockShox Coupe Deluxe or need one. If you have one the seals will adventually leak. I have found that it is easier to replace the shock then try to rebuild it. The advantage to this is you can get new bushings with a new shock. There is a company on the web called ICYCLES that sells replacements at a ridiculously low prices. Just buy a New one each time you blow the seals out so you can spend your time riding and not wrenching! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darryl
a Cross Country Rider
from Ballwin, MO
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chubb | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Suspension action, fork (Z1 Bam), fit | | Weaknesses: | bushings, swing arm (or chainstay) broke, lifetime warranty, weight. | | Similar Products Used: | Prior to purchase tested Specialized FSR, Schwinn S-10, Klein Mantra, Trek Y something. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock LTS-2000 | | Bottom Line: | It was a fun ride while it lasted. Broke the swingarm/chainstay near the bottom bracket due to weaken aluminum from chainsuck that plagued the bike. Lifetime warranty according to Pacific is One year from date of purchace on older bikes. I will never own another GT or any other product from a company owned by Pacific. I reported the problem to the shop where I bought the bike the week before GT filed for bankruptsy, and it took about 4-5 months to learn that I am sh!t out of luck. Hows that for customer service. In defense of the local shop, they did offer any other frameset to me at cost, which I declined.
Aside from the above, I really enjoyed the bike. It got me out riding more than I used to do with my hardtail. It was much better than the URT bikes at the time, and was far better than the early FSRs. The bike also fit a taller rider better than most bikes that were available in '98.
I now am back to my old Trek 930 - can't beat a classic steel hardtail. Probably will never go back to full suspension. Not worth all the extra trouble.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don Sevendy
a Weekend Warrior
from Amston,CT USA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Looks like a bicycle, not a high school welding project. | | Weaknesses: | Suspension pivot contamination. Road-bike-like weight-on-your-hands riding position. Granny gear pogo action. | | Bike Setup: | Stock '97 LTS-3 cheap | | Bottom Line: | After filling the chainstay front pivot with grit on my very first ride, I reassembled the rear suspension after reaming out the upper seat stay pivot (too tight and misassembled at factory) and fitting seals made from inner tube slices on all pivots except front chainstay, where I fitted fatter O-rings. Also covered rear shock with inner tube section and potted pivots in silicone rubber. No wear, no squeaks, no more problems--wet, dry, mud, dust, snow, salt, whatever. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike A
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, FL
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta State River Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech in 1998 | | Strengths: | Light, tough, rides really well | | Weaknesses: | The bushings, the bushings | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | all xtr except shifters | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome kickass bike that requires some maintenance to the bushings. Given the trails in So. Fla. this bike will last till 2050. I see these guys on 3 and 4 grand bikes, why??? Sure there are newer designs with more travel, but hey you got 2-3K lying around to by a new bike or frame? Trick to this bike is stock up on bushing kits. They are still available from GT (Pacific) and thru e-bay. If you want to spend a little more try www.BETD.co.uk. They sell needle bearing kits for about $150.00. Also, I hear Romic will rebuild the RockShox Deluxe better than RockShox can. Stratos makes several replacement shocks also. This bike kicks ass, is light and with proper maintenance handles the stuff like any newer design bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerhard
a
from Germany
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Shop in Munich | | Strengths: | GT LTS 95: instead of the Fox rear shox I added the RockShox shock. That brought life into the rear. I worked so much better. stiff frame, good quality. | | Weaknesses: | with the new shock, I can feel the pedal back stroke. Above all in the granny gear in front. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR and Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Rockshox Judy SL 100mm, Magura Julie discbrakes up front, Magura HS33 in the rear. LX/XT setup, answer, kore, specialized, cane creek,... | | Bottom Line: | Wonderful bike since more then 7 years!!! once ina wihle I upgrade some parts, but the frame stays the same! :o) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AARON
a Weekend Warrior
from AVONDALE,AZ
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | MORMON TRAIL,HAWES LOOP | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1749.00 | | Purchased At: | R&R BICYCLE ANCHORAGE,ALASKA | | Strengths: | NICE FRAME FINISH,CLEAN WELDS,SMOOTH REAR TREAVEL EVEN IF ONLY 3 INCHES ON MY LTS-2. | | Weaknesses: | BUSHING NOISE,REPLACEMENT BUSHINGS ARE GETTING HARD TO FIND NOWADAYS.NEEDS TO BE LUBED REGULARLY TO GET ANY BUSHING LIFE. | | Similar Products Used: | SPECILIZED A-1 GROUND CONTROL{STOLEN}, PROFLEX 857,AMP B-4,TURNER BURNER {SWEEEEEET RIDE} | | Bike Setup: | '97 LTS-2 PLATINUM RED,X-VERT SUPER,MAGURA HS-33'S.RACE FACE GOODIES,LOVE SEMI-TUBLESS TIRES,217'S ON GT HUBS,GRIP SHIFTERS. | | Bottom Line: | FIRST LET ME SAY THAT I'M 210 LBS AND HAVE HAMMERED ON THIS BIKE FOR 5 YEARS NOW AND OTHER THAN THE BUSHING HASSELS AND NOISES, THIS BIKE HAS NEVER LET ME DOWN.I HAVE READ A LOT OF REVIEWS ABOUT THE WEAK SWINGARM AND THE SUB PAR ROCK SHOX COUPE SHOCK.MY FRAME HAS AMAZED ME THAT IT HASN'T CRACKED AFTER THIS LONG.THE SHOCK HAS NEVER BEEN REBUILT AND WORKS GREAT.I DID SNAP THE ORIGINAL COIL SPRING LAST WEEK,BUT FOUND A USED 700LBS SPRING IN TOWN FOR $5!BOTTOM LINE IS THIS HAS BEEN A VERY GOOD RIDE FOR ME OVER THE YEARS,I AM SHOPPING FOR A NEW FRAME SET THIS YEAR,LOOKING AT ELLSWORTH OR ORANGE FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT. AS A SIDE NOTE THE GUYS AT ADVENTURE BIKES IN MESA HAVE BEEN VERY GOOD AT GETTING BUSHINGS AND OTHER PARTS FOR MY AGING LTS.I WILL PASS THIS FRAMESET ON TO MY DAUGHTER AS HER FIRST REAL MOUNTAIN BIKE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david wallace
a Downhiller
from kirkcaldy, scotland
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | innerleithen dh course, Peebles | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | local wee shop | | Strengths: | bombproof construction, fantastic welding, light weight, shiny. I have hopped off walls, benches and bandstands and rode the technical scary stuff at peebles( best DH in the UK)and my frame is as good as new. | | Weaknesses: | the so called "dual mode chip", for the rear sus wears out quick, but replacements are easy to get-but cost £6, which is too expensive considering they are just plastic.
Bushes on the rear instead of roller bearings mean more regular greasing.
Perhaps not the most laterally stiff rear end- but who cares?.
multi pivot means more work to maintain | | Similar Products Used: | every bit as good as the over-hyped I drive
plusher than marin and cannondale and tougher than trek Y | | Bike Setup: | LTS-1 frameset, marzzochi z1 bam forks, azonic, kore and syncros bits, XT and LX drive, Rock shox super delux rear bounce, WTB tyres, RHINO front, mavic 521 rear rims on hope hubs with hope pro discs | | Bottom Line: | super tough all round, fully active full sus that is more than a match for anything on the market( bar full on DH rigs).frame is good for dh as well as xc, it has its little faults, but this frame will not let you down. this is the only bike I've had that I have not snapped or folded yet, despite a few years and a couple of rear wheels trying! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G Rud
a Racer
from phoenix, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | desert classic | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | pawn shop | | Strengths: | dependability and consistency; point it and it will not let you down. I have riden mud, slate, loose gravel in wash outs, wooded areas, and crazy down hills, but the bike never lets me down. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing, but I have to figure out how to save the tyres from more than two rides; find a durable tyre and I have the perfect bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Bianchi, Cannondale, Trek, Mongoose and Intense. | | Bike Setup: | this bike was purchased with all XTR componets, except the crank which is XT. Everyone keep telling me to conver the front Rox shock to air, but I am happy with what came stock in '98. Also, I have the ZIPP 515 rims with XTR hubs...they are the bomb diggidy and they really take the shock out of the front end; and they sound cool railing on the hard stuff. | | Bottom Line: | flies down hill and around any curve. Climbs like you are on a cloud. Blows any bike I have ever ridden into the dirt. I raced collegate road and never tried Mt biking until I graduated...Man, now I am bored with the long rides on my Bianchi compared to the challanging trails of dirt. This bike will do it all! Get this bike and you will not be disappointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
astro nomenoff
a Weekend Warrior
from rugby UK
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | STIF | | Strengths: | Tunability, climbs like a mountain goat, Fox Alps Shock is tough. Looks like a bike, not a meccano set! | | Weaknesses: | Could do with more rear travel, stickers rub off too easily. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Why? bike. | | Bike Setup: | Azonic bar/stem, Rock Shox Judy XL with Englund air springs, Deore cable disc set. | | Bottom Line: | Even with a 100mm stem and riser bars on dual crown forks, this bike climbs the steep rocky stuff no problem - just remain seated and lean forwards! The Fox Alps shock has never let me down (glad I didn't get the Rockshox equipped model). I bought it from Stif mountain bikes in Leeds after Hemming the Lemming had used it as an occasional race bike. If it survived him, it'll survive anything! I WOULD replace it - with another LTS!!! When I first rode it through my town, I had a group of young kids follow me on their bikes oohing and aahing!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Zugelder
a Cross Country Rider
from Gastonia North Carolina
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Pisgah,Dupont,ect!!!!!! | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Davids world cycle | | Strengths: | Weight, suspension works well!tuneability!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock will get mud and debris covered,and will cause the shock to fail,rust and or both | | Similar Products Used: | Kona sex one,gary fisher y | | Bike Setup: | Ringle rear hub/Mavic 517 rims, Xt cranks deraileurs,Sram shifters and brakes, riser bar,Bontrager Jones tires,rock shock 80mm fork | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a good climber,is super tuneable.It can be dialed in for a soft supple ride or a more rigid ride,oh yea did I mention you can also adjust the ride height,Which also affects the ride bb height,steering angle ect.I have over 1500 miles on this bike the first super deluxe shock rockshox replaced with a new one,Its compression dampening knob rusted to the shock body.The pivots are not that hard to take care of if done properly!Take the pivots out and clean ,re lube,re assemble and last but not least Re torque to specs voila! no more squeeks.Did I mention torque to specs with a torque wrench!This bike is really fun to ride its fast, slow it is everything in between,But not a world cup downhill bike.Take care of it and it will take care of you,Did I mention re torque with a good torque wrench?Gt did a good job with this one I guess the general public didnt like the idea of maintenance on this bike so they created the I drive more money heavier,I guess more efficient also.To each his own I still love the ride of this LTS1 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | Great setup, this bike can really handle some wicked stuff, it is obviously built to last forever. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | This bike was my dream bike, I fortunately found one in a dealer's showroom, brand new, and picked it up for less than half price, with a full warranty. It is awesome, they way it handles tight corners and rough terrain is fantastic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a Cross Country Rider
from greeley, co, usa
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | light, great components, easy to manuver, climbs great, eats up 3'-5' drops does great on the road | | Weaknesses: | rear shock somewhat sqeaky | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher sugar 3, specialized FSR XC, klien mantra | | Bike Setup: | full xtr, shimano 535 clipless. soon coming: manitou SX-R front fork and avid SD7 brakes front and rear | | Bottom Line: | i don't know why people complain about the weight of these bikes. maybe because mine is all xtr, but my 19" tips the scales at 25 lbs. not bad for a soft-tail. i love my bike and have gotten my money out of it already. it performs great on the trail and at tough CO mountain races. also performs great on the road. i have my road slicks (specialized fat boys) and the bike is awesome for a full-suspension bike on the road. i avg. about 18-20 mph on a road ride, and i can keep up with my friends on their road bikes. this is an amazing bike... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Phillips
a Cross Country Rider
from Middlebury, CT USA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Sandy Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Bethel Cylcles, used | | Strengths: | *Lightweight
*Snappy handling
*Pedaling efficiency, great climber, XC's no problem
*Great all around bike XC/Freeride
*Strong/Durable and dependable
*Laid back ride position
*Smoothe a$$ ride
*Rear susp sucks up everything even though
its limited to about 3" of travel
*Looks phat as hell
*Its a work of art
| | Weaknesses: | Mine came with 1998 Rock Shox Indy XC and i tore them to pieces | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Joshua F3, XO, and Big Sur... Specialized FSR Enduro sport. | | Bike Setup: | 1997 GT LTS-2, full out XT, Marzocchis in the front and good ol' Rock shox coupe deluxe in the rear. | | Bottom Line: | For $650 i think that i have made a life long investment. This bike can stand up to anything you can throw at it whether its a 10 ft drop or casual XC abuse. This bikes a rock. It climbs like a hardtail and i think performs just as well as the Garyfisher Sugar, TREK Fuel and Klien Adept. This bike was a FS XC bike before its time and rides like a dream. This is a great all around bke whether you use it for XC or freeride it will out perform any other bike. I love its laid back ride and snappy handling. You can't go wrong with a GT LTS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Poore
a Downhiller
from Somerset, United Kingdom
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Company, Wells | | Strengths: | Light, long lasting, smoothto ride, reliable ( to a certain degree )
New sealed bearings are good.
Looks great !! | | Weaknesses: | Creaks, squeeks when it wants to.
rear shock mounts, (the nylon things) wear out too quickley.
Very costly, Upkeep is loads.
| | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky-Dee-Lux | | Bike Setup: | Full Shimano XT, Z1's, Rock Shox Super Deluxe | | Bottom Line: | Ultimatly the best bike I've ever had.
I'm on my 2nd frame due to the back end being bent when I bought it. Bought for £899, GT replaced frame worth £999 !!
Hope to be riding it for years to come.
If you want a bike to go to the shops in, then doen't waste your money.
If you want a bike to take you to the limit, and help improve your extreme riding, then BUY IT !!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Autin
a Weekend Warrior
from Milford, MA
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel Works | | Strengths: | Good all around bike for bigger people who don't know how
to finesse things so well. I have the 98 version with the
swoopy seat tube (LTS 2000). Looks cool. | | Weaknesses: | I broke the original swingarm, but it was warranteed and
replaced with a new one with the better design. Now I
have disk brake mounts as well. Maybe that wasn't a
weakness ...
Squeaky pivots, but that went away with the new swingarm
that can with the blue bushing. Once again, maybe the
broken swingarm was a good thing ... | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX 980 | | Bike Setup: | Stratos FR4 fork, Stratos Helix expert Shock (downhill
length), Magura Tomac rim brakes w/icon braces, Mavic
Crosslink wheels, Continental Vertical Pro Tires, Shimano
545 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I like my bike alot. It has a lot of travel, but doesn't
bob too bad. Thanks to the broken swingarm, I now have
no more squeaks and disk brack mounts should I wish to
upgrade. With all the heavy crap I have on it including
brakes, 5.2 lb fork (eek!), coil shock, and generally solid
but heavy LX/XT stuff, it still only weighs about 31 lbs
(18" size). Besides riding well, it looks pretty cool, too.
Not perfect, but you could do a lot worse. Four burning
pile of dog poop.
A message to everyone who hates the R.S. Super Deluxe
(including Matt from N.J. below):
Take a look at the Stratos website! They make really good
rear shocks that will fit the LTS models with the trunion
shock mounting system. The shocks even come with a much
better hard anodized trunion that will last about 3x longer
than the original. These shocks eliminate the mushiness
and bottoming associated with the undersprung R.S. model.
You have a choice between several models (both coil/air
combo and plain coil). Top models have both rebound and
compression adjustments. The coil/air models are great for
heavier guys who tend to bottom out the coil springs. It's
good stuff! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gil
a Weekend Warrior
from Culver City, Ca,USA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Rim Trail, Cloudcroft,NM | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | the Bicycle Company, El Paso,TX | | Strengths: | Agility, Nimble, Reliability, Frame Design, confidence builder, etc, etc | | Weaknesses: | brake jack, confidence builder, Price that I paid | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Proflex 856, Specialized stumpjumper, Cannondale Super V | | Bike Setup: | 97 16" frame w/super deluxe, 96 Judy SL (currently a '00 SID XC), all XT, Kore (stem & Seatpost), RaceFace (cranks & Headset), white industries hubs | | Bottom Line: | I do not know what all the complaints are about! I'm 5'-10" and 185 lbs and after three wonderful years of hard riding/racing (Southern Rockies in El Paso and New Mexico), I have never had a mechanical failure. Not a single whimper from the pivots, and yes, the super deluxe has lasted throughout and has yet needed to be rebuilt. In addition, I have neglected the maintenance on this bike for the last two years, shame on me. This is the best duel purpose bike I have ever ridden. It's smooth on the down hill, great control, and it climbs great, especially in the loose rocky terrain in the southwest.
I can't believe that these frames are being sold for $400, I'm tempted to buy another one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything fast and very steep | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Great all around ride. Suspension action is general good, minus the brake jack. | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shock!!! We have to do something about the poor quality shock. I would have been great if GT designed the linkage on the 1997 LTS with out the trunion and travel chip and left it at 5 inches or even more would have been nice. | | Bike Setup: | 1997 team LTS w/ RS Super Deluxe, 1999 Z-1 BAM, Chris King hubs laced the Ryhno lite rims, Cane Creek Headset, Tompson seat post, Serfas Kevlar seat, XTR Brake Levers and Brakes, Sram Attack 8spd shifters, XTR derailures, TNT Crankset w/ Real Design Rings, Azonic Riser Bar, and Maxxis Helter/ Skelter 2.35 DH tires, and upgrade to the GT Made Needle bearing linkage kit. Damn good bike!! | | Bottom Line: | If you need a bike to get the job done and done with ease. The LTS is a wise choice. I spent an entire year building this bike up this way. I bought it as a frame set and worked my way up. No real complaints other than wishing ii could change the rear shock.
Any one in the market for a good frame set, should look at Mail order places they have some realy great deals on left over LTS's | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Kingston, PA USA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Downhill and Fast | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Good looks and good engineering | | Weaknesses: | Squeaky pivots and OVER PRICED ! | | Bike Setup: | XT everything, JUDY XLC 4 " front suspension. | | Bottom Line: | For the most part an awesome bike, GT should have dealt with the pivot problem sooner and gave the consumer a FREE upgrade. But hay ! That would be the right thing to do. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Plush!! | | Weaknesses: | Stock rear bushings, Judy XC Fork | | Bike Setup: | 1997 LTS-1, Needle Bearing Upgrade, z-1, Mavic D521s, 636s, Azonic Riser Bar, Raceface DH Stem | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden this bike for over 2 years and can't say enough about it. I replaced the rear bushings with GTs needle bearing upgrade even though I wasn't experiencing any of the problems other riders described. The upgrade made a noticable difference in the rear suspension. The kit was definitely worth the money.
I also replaced the stock Judy XC with the z-1. There is no comparison between the two forks. The z-1 is so much smoother.
This setup is not what you could call light, but if you can live with the weight, you'll have a pretty plush ride that's great for technical riding. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip Sears
a Downhiller
from Marlborough, England
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Savernake Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Looks good, plush suspension, (not as plush as STS but then it doesn't snap). Quite light frame means you can fit bombproof yet heavy wheels etc. without needing an engine to get it started. | | Weaknesses: | not enough room for big tyres. | | Similar Products Used: | StS, Box 2, Heckler, | | Bike Setup: | Manitou X-vert R, Deore , Titec, Club roost, Mavic hope DH4 | | Bottom Line: | Good bike 'nuff said | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nick
a Cross Country Rider
from South OC CA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any in OC if ridden not on a weekend | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Suspension (rear), relatively light if done right | | Weaknesses: | Occasional creaks, short rider cockpit, OEM Rock shox Judy subpar, Rear RS super delux durability, GT house brand rear hub | | Similar Products Used: | Many friends other FS rigs | | Bike Setup: | Manitou x-vert, race face riser, all XT, otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | The rear hub suffered a cracked cassette body-GT repalced after 6weeks however I was responsible for the new wheel build charges (would have been cool if they offered me a wheel built at their cost) They repalced the house brand with XT
Rear shock blew compression damping after six months and preload was unable to be adjusted due to spin btwn the spring and knurled nut- RS just fixed it and will reinstalled soon
I have to run my sst saddle almost the entire way back with the 135mm Kore stock stem to get the cockpit length I like(I am just under 6 ft)
I have had excellent success using white lightning on the pivots and chain to eliminate all problems- I easily ride for 5-7 rides before I relube the chain and 10-12 onthe suspension pivots without any noise! (I originally applied the WL on a non ride day letting it soak 15-20 minutes then I wiped off any excess I could see) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a Cross-Country Rider
from Dublin,CA
Date Reviewed: December 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
any at Mammoth Mtn | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Great all around bike for XC, some DH but not extreme DH. The suspension is plush and I like that. Very adjustable rear suspension. | | Weaknesses: |
creaky bushings, replace your 97-98 GT LTS bushings with the old cartride bearing kit or the new needle bearing kit. you won't regret it (except for the cost of the kit. The 97 Rock Shox Super Deluxe rear shock will not hold up. Mine has been sent back twice for repairs. Only Rock Shox makes a trunion mount shock for this bike. Try to get a 98 or 99 Rock shox model for this bike. They hold up better. The bike is not confident inspiring in the corners. | | Similar Products Used: |
Most mass produced full suspension bikes out there (no names) | | Bike Setup: |
Judy XC, XTR brakes, WTR rear D. XT crank, XT front D., World Class hubs, Mavic Rims. Ritchey post, tires, bar, XTR 8 spkd shifters. | | Bottom Line: | Have a 97 16 Team LTS (ball burnished) and have enjoyed this bike for 3+ years. Stayed with the 97 model because the 98 and 99 LTS have higher standover height which I don't like. If the cartidge bearing kit is installed correctly, the rear suspension should work smoothly for a long time. GT still sells the new needle bearing kit for this bike which is easier to install but expensive ($230+). 4 stars out of 5 because of the rear shock and bushings. I wish GT would put one LTS in their 2000 line up. I keep coming back to this bike even though I have tried and owned many other suspension bikes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
HOMESKILLET
a Downhiller
from Laguna hills CA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Telonics | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Awesome, dependable
Plush suspension. Great on jumps | | Weaknesses: |
jumps aren't great on it
(broken frame)Chainsuck
needs a little more travel. No rear disc mounts. | | Similar Products Used: |
spec FSR elite | | Bike Setup: |
Stock rear HANEBRINK Z-6
kicks ass! Azonic shorty front w/ Azonic h-bars spin wheels | | Bottom Line: | This is the most amazing bike I've ridden. I caught a bulge in the seat stay before any catastrophe occured. I am unhappy with the turnaround time for my frame replacement(2mo).
But I guess i cant be picky when they're picking up the tab. Great for DH and XC. I recomend to all. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Trent
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC, L.A. & NW Connecticut
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Fantastic all-round XC Full Suspension bike! Of all the fully's I have tried nothing matches the plush ride and the tracking of the LTS rear end. Maybe if I spent more time one my friends Ellsworth's I could get them tuned in the way I like it, but for the money, the LTS has the Truth beat any day! Another plus...the ability to change the rear travel from 3.5 to 4.5 inches...very handy and can be done in 5 minutes.The reason I feel the need to re-review the LTS-1 is because I just picked up a spare frame at Cambria for $525.00! Try to beat that price...I dare you!!! | | Weaknesses: |
Rear pivots DO need oiling occasionally, but it's not nearly the major drama some crybabys make it out to be. Sure, if you live in the desert, the LTS is gonna squeek...so get some Boeshield and shut up! For most of us, the nylon bushings are just fine...if not, drop the $75.00 and throw in the sealed bushing kit and stop yer complaining! Small weakness...It took a year and a half, but I too did blow the RS Super Deluxe rear shock. I was lucky enough to have it last that long...I have known guys to kill those things in less than 4 months! I'm now running a Helix Pro...couldn't be happier! | | Similar Products Used: |
Giant, Turner Stinger, Specialized, Heckler, yadda yadda yadda... | | Bike Setup: |
'97 LTS-1, Z-1 Bomber, King Headset, Bontrager Crowbar riser, Magura HS-33's, Stratos Helix Pro rear shock w/H-Bar lockout, XTR derailleurs/shifters, Race face cranks & rings, Time ATAC pedals, King/217 wheelset, Smoke/Jones tires. | | Bottom Line: | In my less than humble opinion, the BEST rear suspension design for an XC trail bike. Why else would Specialize fight so damned hard for GT to stop making it?!! A great value if you can find a new '97 frame to build...Cambria still has a bunch and they're dropping the prices daily! While bike companies try to re-invent the wheel every year with newer-better-best designs, it's nice to know that few years ago, the guys at GT actually got it right... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Markus Schroedel
a Weekend Warrior
from Zurich
Date Reviewed: October 4, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Zurichberg | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Bottom Line: | REALLY NICE BIKE, WISH I COULD RIDE IT MORE OFTEN... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Davy B
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Between a bitch's legs | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Looks Good
Plush Ride
GT!!! | | Weaknesses: |
Rear Linkage | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek Y3
GT XCR 3000 | | Bike Setup: |
XTR Componets
Avid 25 brakes
RS Indy SL | | Bottom Line: | I stole this bike from my school and found it to be a f@#*ing good bike for free. If on crack, I would buy this bike. I do got beef with the gay rear linkage ,a constant sound of f#*ing my girlfriend HAAAAA HAAAAAAA
Overall, tight like a virgin...
Peace
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Rixon
a Weekend Warrior
from Oxford, England
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Aston Hill, Wendover | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Resonably Light, rear suspension is brilliant | | Weaknesses: |
I have had most of the pivots come out, and the chainstay has broken, but The UK importer, Caratti, gave me a new LTS2000 with a CNC'd rear end and 7005 Alu main frame. | | Similar Products Used: |
Marin B17 98, with nice rear end, but SH!T forks(RST High5), Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: |
LTS2000, Bomber Z1, XT Group, Azonic Bars & Stem , Tioga DH Tires | | Bottom Line: | Apart from the pivots and rear end, a really good bike, for XC but don't try to jump it as it WILL break eventually! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Orange County, Ca
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
San Juan Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
good mix of x/c and downhill performance. Great all around bike | | Weaknesses: |
heavy for NORBA style races, but not bad for a f/s | | Similar Products Used: |
Diamond Back hardtail | | Bike Setup: |
LTS-1(97); XT, Rock Shox Coup Deluxe, Judy XC, IRC Notos XC tires | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike for two years and ridden over 2,000 miles w/ no problems. I am 6'0 / 180 lbs and ride aggressively, but have not had any of the problems I've read others complaining of. This goes for the compenents, as well as the bike. Maybe I'm just lucky. The bike does squeak if you don't oil the bushings. I carry lube whenever I ride because the squeaking drives me crazy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chilly Willy
a Weekend Warrior
from i have no idea
Date Reviewed: August 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
moab | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
plushness of the bike
sexy with massive tires | | Weaknesses: |
creaking bushings and those piviots | | Similar Products Used: |
stab delux, proflex animal, devinci | | Bike Setup: |
x vert r 2.3 tioga tires xt xtr | | Bottom Line: | very sweeet bike loving it still but the pivoits are an pain in the ass also the bolts sometimes comes lose and the chian stays start playing around and my bike creaks alot when pounding hard fireroads up hills ect but over all ilove this bike sorta makes me feel invincable hahahaha!. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Berserker (Greg)
a Racer
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
wakefield, Washington, DC | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
(1997 Team LTS) Smooth ride. Sweet looks, great maneuverablity (sp) | | Weaknesses: |
Heavy Rock Shox Super deluxe, rear end needs periodic maintenance but is that really surprising? Consider what it's doin. | | Similar Products Used: |
1996 Team LTS, Pro-Flex (he he). Cannondale Super V (Chuckle) Trek Y (why) bike. | | Bike Setup: |
Judy SL, RS Super Deluxe, full XTR, Spinergy Spox. | | Bottom Line: | I've have had 2 LTSes so far both have been dreamy. So reserved and refined it makes riding anything else difficult. Supple handling that's conservative with a mellow mood but explosive when I'm in Berserker mode.
Very controllable. Seriously aggressive appearance. Subtle geometry. I love the plain aluminum finish.
All this when I use it cross country. When I hit a downhill, it's amazing. The bike hides your speed by controlling the bumps and contours of the trail. (At least to me.) So fast downhill, it's great.
Anyway. Try one out. They're sweet. =-) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spieldawg
a Downhiller
from Vacaville CA
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Downieville Downhill | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Excellent Plush Ride, can tackle anything you throw in front of it with its rock eating suspension.. downright fast. | | Weaknesses: |
Weak frame at the top back pivot. a little heavy... | | Similar Products Used: |
Gt Lts-3 Cannondale V-900 | | Bike Setup: |
Rock Shox Coupe Deluxe
Marzocchi Z-1 BAM Long Travel XTR V-brakes.. Spin. | | Bottom Line: | This Bike is absolutely the best ever. even though the frame cracked but I couldn't even complain about that because GT sent me a LTS-1000 Damn the bad luck... once again GT has upheld thier commitment to excellency! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Downhiller
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: July 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Looked good | | Weaknesses: |
The Frame broke 2 times
The pivots stick lots | | Similar Products Used: |
KEEWEE DH | | Bike Setup: |
LTS3000 DS | | Bottom Line: | It is a big bit of S#*T,and would never go near another GT again. The bike was in the shop more times than it was on the trails. I will give it one, only because i have to. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ivan Stamenov
a Downhiller
from Skopje, Macedonia
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Vodno Mountain | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Good Controll
Plush | | Weaknesses: |
Bushings should lubed often
The rear shoch should have more damping | | Bike Setup: |
Gt LTS - 1 | | Bottom Line: | A very nice bike, I have it for more than 2 years and I have no complaints exept is littile bit heavy and the bushings are little bit outfashioned. The bike is perfect giving 3 inches of rear travell. It handles well in downhill and corners very well in impossible situations. A great bike I would say it again. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
faceplant
a Downhiller
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
plush
sexy looks | | Weaknesses: |
where do I start?...
small pivots
flexy rear end
trunnion that bends and brakes
wimpy linkage
no rear disc mount | | Similar Products Used: |
Kona Stab, Giant ATX, KHS, Avanti, Specialized, yadayadayada | | Bike Setup: |
Risse Trixxys
MRP/ XT mix
Hayes front disc | | Bottom Line: | Sorry, but this bike is so poorly designed it depresses me, I loved it the first month I had it, but once I started hammering it it died. Don't bother with it, get something with big pivots and a huge linkage. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ste Jura
a Downhiller
from Lancaster England
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Plush, supple, massive shock adjustment | | Weaknesses: |
Gay SunTour cranks make it sound like a Peugeot when you describe it to someone. Shit GT weedy grips and gay pedals | | Similar Products Used: |
LTS 2000 | | Bike Setup: |
LTS 3000 | | Bottom Line: | Yum yum, I like | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtb_411
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
-Solid feel
-Great handling | | Weaknesses: |
-Bit heavy
-Ugly | | Similar Products Used: |
Peugeot Dune Hardtail w/ RST 160B fork | | Bike Setup: |
LTS-2000DS w/ full XT and 121 fr.rim | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing. It is so much fun to ride! I actually now look for jumps to fly over on crazy tough trails. This bike really gives you confidence because it feels solid and handles very well. I rode it in really technical singletrack and it just is soooo precise. I set up the fork with lots of sag and shock with almost none (I know, weird, but it works for me). On big hits it land very stable and the fork soaks up all without a complaint. With all of those adjustments possible (A.R.C.), it takes about 2 wks. or so to get it completly dialed in. Once you've got it though, you are so set to go! The negatives? A bike like this is a bit heavy, but you know this when you buy it so no fault there, and the bike is kinda ugly in my opinion. But since you ride a bike, and don't just hang it up for show, no problem there! Oh yeah, about those squeaks, I had a few too. Funny thing though: I lubed it all before the ride, and after about 4 hrs. it started squeaking for 5 minutes and then stopped by itself. I guess those new 1998 bushings did improve over the 1997. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Captain Jack | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Great price, plush ride, great DH. | | Weaknesses: |
Front derailer (poop) and the Rock Shock Deluxe model could really use the 800s spring rather than the 700s that comes with it. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized FSR, Trek | | Bike Setup: |
GT LTS 4000, Rock Shox Indy up front and the Rock Shox deluxe in the rear. | | Bottom Line: | Most of the crying and whining I have seen has been from those who claim to be racers or serious competitors who don't want to spend the amount of money required to support their bad habits with bikes. You'll find that the LTS 4000 is a very good bike for the buck. It has it's short comings, but everyone does. As with any bike, avoid using high pressure sprayers for cleaning, and if you're dunking you ride in the river, try to clean it up and lube it before it has a chance to sit up too long. There are a couple of upgrades that will go a long way in improving the LTS 4000 and the main one is the back shock. You generally have 4-5 inches of travel in the rear which makes for a plush ride, but maybe just a little too plush. If you don't want to upgrade the whole shock, at least spend 30 bucks and go up one level of stiffness in the spring. The second upgrade should be to the front derailer, and even your GT dealer will tell you that the one that comes stock on the LTS 4000 is Poo Poo. There are tons of bikes out there that are equal to the LTS 4000 in the same price range. The factor that will make or brake my future business with GT will be the type of service I receive when I have problems (and you'll have problems regardless of what you buy or how much you spend). For now I'll give it 4 hot ones. Don't let me down GT! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WHBonney
a Cross-Country Rider
from West Point, NY
Date Reviewed: May 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
N/A | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Excellent ride
No noticable bob even when standing if ridden properly.
Fully active | | Weaknesses: |
A little hefty
chainsuck...not often but it is a pain when it happens...may be the result of damaged gears
noisy bushings when not properly maintained (yes, you do have to lube the bushings) | | Similar Products Used: |
A Proflex...don't remember model number | | Bike Setup: |
Replaced RS Indy w/ Manitou SX ('99 model)...much improvement. Enhances overall ride. | | Bottom Line: | As a cross country bike, the LTS models rock! I own a '97 LTS-2. A little heavy for XC-racing though. I've ridden other bikes (both hardtail and FS) on the rocky trails around West Point. The LTS has the plushest, fully-active ride without sacrificing power to ground transfer caused by suspension bobbing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bud mauger
a Cross-Country Rider
from west chester, pa
Date Reviewed: May 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
french creek state park | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
great climber, very controlled on downhills, sweet ride | | Weaknesses: |
bushings can be noisy if neglected. weak rear triangle on 1996 gtlts-1 | | Similar Products Used: |
intense uzzi sl | | Bike Setup: |
marzocchi z-1, xt and xtr, mavic 517, xt-v-brakes, wtb tires | | Bottom Line: | I have owned this bike since new,1996 lts-1, changed out judy xc to sl and then marzocchi z-1, great ride, did snap the rear chainstays on both sides, clean break, had to send frame out to gt who replaced and coldforged new upgraded. unfortunately, with marzocchi and stronger rear triangle, bike weighs 29lbs. still, great bike and great service from factory. Highly reccomend buying used. I also own 2-bontragers, 1-ti 1 steel, plus totally trick uzzi sl. gt still my favorite, although uzzi ultra sweet as well... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allan
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Snoqualmie | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Durability | | Weaknesses: |
Weight | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
'97 GT LTS-3 | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. Recently, I crashed badly down some stairs(first time). As I was tumbling down the stairs, I saw the bike fly over me. The point is, nothing happened at all to my bike frame, the rear deraileur was a bit tweaked. Last summer was the first time I went mountain biking. For being the first time, I had no problems at all. I found out that going faster is easier than going slow over rocks. My friends were using dales, and they couldnt keep up with me. It flies over the terrain with no problem what-so-ever. The squeak that everyone gets I solved. I added a brake booster to stop the frame flex, but it also stopped the squeak of the frame. Overall, I love this bike. I am in the process of upgrading it to a XT bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guido
a Downhiller
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
plush
sexy 2.5 inch downtube | | Weaknesses: |
small pivots,
poorly designed rear linkage,
hopelessly undersprung out of the box | | Similar Products Used: |
Giants, Konas, Marins, Treks, Turners, Foes, all in this price range | | Bike Setup: |
Manitou X-verts, RS coupe deluxe rear
set up for downhill with riser bars, short stem etc... | | Bottom Line: | These things bend worse than a chinese gymnast, at least the gymnast stays in one peice. Don't waste your money, save up for something that's got a beefy rear end and less pivots. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Walt Wehner
a Cross-Country Rider
from Los Alamos, NM
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Lower Quemazon | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Seems durable, fairly simple. | | Weaknesses: |
Heavy, at least the way I have it set up. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek Y bikes, K-2/Proflex Dualies | | Bike Setup: |
LTS '95 frame, Judy XL, and a bunch of old LX and under junk I had laying around. | | Bottom Line: | This is an excellent freeride/almost DH type bike, at least the way I have it set up (29 lbs, but I only spent a total of $600 so I'm not whining.) I haven't had problems with the rear pivots making noise yet, but I can see how they could easily get gunked up. For all of you who have a 95 frame, and want to install V-brakes: a scary solution (which has worked well for me.) Buy some Shimano LX V's (last year's model, the silver ones) and put them in a vice. Hammer the arm until it's curved so that it clears the seatstays. Scary? You bet! But I haven't had any problems, and GT doesn't have a fix available.Bottom line: If I built this in a normal/slightly less cheapskate way, I could have a ~25 lb. XC hardtail that would work well. As it is, I have a very cheapo imitation of a freeride bike. But that's what I wanted, so I'm psyched. Good bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Cieiciuch
a Cross-Country Rider
from Worcester, MA
Date Reviewed: April 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Crystal Park | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Price/performance ratio, suspension geometry | | Weaknesses: |
None that I've found | | Similar Products Used: |
Pro-flex | | Bike Setup: |
98' LTS-3000 | | Bottom Line: | I love mine :) I haven't been able to use it for that long yet (just bought it at the end of last season), but I've been extremely impressed so far. To say this is an amazing step up from my rigid bike definitely doesn't do it justice. The suspension is, IMHO, plush responsive, and effective, without any real negative geometry aspects (eg- I've never really noticed any pogo-ing on uphills). It soaks up everything I throw at it and keeps ticking smoothly, without any sqeaks or anything, so far. The closest thing I can say to a negative so far is that the extremely angled-backwards seat tube can make for somewhat limited adjustment, as putting it high also puts you further back on the bike, which may not be desired. I haven't had any trouble with the rear suspension yet, and I hope I never will. I plan on upgrading the rear derailleur to an XT at some point, and I'm ordering Kool Stop pads to replace the stock ones. Also, with the Suntour cranks, it sounds like it may be tough to find a Rock Ring (or equivalent) for it, if anyone knows where to get one, please let me know. Other than that, couldn't be happier!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
geedub
a Weekend Warrior
from calif
Date Reviewed: March 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
forks | | Weaknesses: |
all the rest | | Similar Products Used: |
most others | | Bike Setup: |
tried it all | | Bottom Line: | This design is the worst. It flexed like crazy, broke, bent, squeaked (had bearing kit put in, then I needed a new swingarm) chased demons the whole time I owned it. Finally sold the POS frame and bought a Wild Hare frame to replace it, what a difference. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
OAF
a Cross-Country Rider
from Yorba Linda
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | I love my LTS and this was stated in an earlier post. Any way I want to warn owners about the seal bearing kits. I have blown two of them out. I put them in to get rid of the squeaking, but have found the kit sucks. They make Blue bushings now that don't squeak. I was luck enough that my LBS put a new 99 rear on my LTS with the new neddle bearings and it is sweet. GT has had many problems with the bearing kits so avoid it. Get the blue bushings or wait for the neddle kits that will be avalible later. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cevin
a downhiller
from CAL
Date Reviewed: March 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
These bike rock. So they squeak a little, show me a full suspension bike that doesn't squeak or rattle. It's not the manufacturer's responsibility to check your bolts for the proper tension. Also if you ride your bike hard three years is a killer lifetime. Although the PLASTIC bushings for the top shock mount were a bad bit of engineering this '97 lts of mine is one of the best bikes I've owned. They climb killer, for a squishy bike, and they handle very well. Even though mine is set up as a cross country bike, three chainrings, it won me a regional dowhill championship last year and has won a downhill this year and looking to win a local donwhill series this weekend. I've ridden the hell out of this bike these last two years and only one set of main pivots required. Although frames do break on occasion, I know I've broken my share, If you continuously break frames it's is YOU not the bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Zanetto
a weekend warrior
from LA area
Date Reviewed: February 25, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Hay I just got a 97 LTS2 and must say a DAMN nice machine. Any way I got mine used and it squeeked. I was expecting this, after reading all the complaining on this page. Well I was feeling lazy and just suqarted some tri-flo in the pivits. I bounced up and down then sprayed some more in and let it sit for about 25minits. when I came back the suqeek was gone. I later (3days) went on a ride with lots of streem crossings. Lets just say the bike was wet and muddy. I didnt clean it and it was squeeking the next day. I did the same routine and now no more squeeking. It seems to work for me. If your at the end of your rope try it. Its the spray bottle of tri-flow. Good luck!
Aaron | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a cross-country rider
from Rochester, MN
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I started out with a '97 LTS-3 with a RS Deluxe rear shock. A very nice bike with creaky pivots even after twice the recommended maintenance, but I still loved it. The maintenance started to get on my nerves, especially when I found that model did not have bearing upgrades. OK its still relatively light and its bike one in a stable of two. Then I noticed the aluminum was starting to pit. I was worried about this from day one, but the GT literature claimed it was not a problem. I took the frame to a rep hoping for a new paint job. GT sent me a '98 LTS 1000 DS with a RS Super Deluxe! A frame worth what I paid for the whole 97 LTS in the first place. GT has a life-long customer here now. Any way, after building it up with XT parts and a RS Judy XL fork its more bike than I know how to ride, for now.I found I like to launch of stairs and tall objects. The suspension is so plush I can climb this set of stairs that leads to a walkway over the local highway. It must be 50 or more stairs in two flights at about a 30 degree angle. I'm done bragging.I never really wanted a freeride bike, somehow now I have one. Guess I got carried away. I'll have to make more trips to the Ski resorts. I still love the bike.4 chilis for the LTS. I only wish they would have offered a shorter travel model like the earlier LTS, and the new C.C. suspension rigs. And thank you GT for the great warranty upgrade! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T Haas
a cross-country rider
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: February 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm posting yet another broken GT frame story! I can't believe it! After my 98 STS 1000 broke into two pieces, the LTS 1000 that came warranty (cause let's face it, the STS bikes break, everyone knows it) has after a mere 7 months worn out at the rear drop out pivot. Great right? I get to warranty another frame and get something new. Well, let me tell you I'd rather not ever deal with GT's reps or warranty department again. They tried to tell me I was neglagent and hadn't changed the bushings. First of all, I challange anyone at GT to show me where in the owner's manual it says your pathetic bushings won't last even 7 months. And, that's beside the point because, I paid $100 bucks to replace the worthless and squeaky bushings with GT's famous cartridge bearing upgrade. Where did the bike wear out? In the one pivot where there are no bearings. I changed these bushings 3 times in 7 months. Not to mention overhauling them more times than I have fingers and toes. As a previous reviewer said, don't buy GT because their warranty is not a sure thing and their service is slow and generally unhelpful.I can't forget to mention that it took the rep from GT two weeks to return any of at least 15 phone calls. All I needed was an return authorization number, but he couldn't even call back. They've wasted my time and kept me off a bike that cost a lot of money. Guess they're more interested in selling new bikes rather than taking care of previous customers. Not surprising after seeing the amount of time and money they waste on marketing propaganda. GT didn't back me up, they won't back you up. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kelly
a weekend warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: February 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got a 1998 GT LTS-3000 and I love it. It is somewhat heavy, but for the price I think it would be difficult to beat its quality. 5 and 5 for under $1000 with pretty good componentry is more than fair in my book. If anyone that reads this and has an LTS of their own would e-mail me and tell me what they think of theirs or it you know any tricks to make it work better or anything at all I would appreciate it. I love it so far so I'll give it four. Peace out. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mel
a weekend warrior
from hiram ga.
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have just resently purchased a '98 LTS 4000; I am extremely pleased with the bike. It does appear to a bit heavy but Believe me when I say it is alot better than that P.O.S (translation: Piece of Sh@#)I used to ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a weekend warrior
from Chino Hills, CA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my LTS 1000 for about 3 months. I am very happy with the bike but I did have to make some modifications. At 300 miles, the Rock Shox front disc pads blew out. No shop stocked the pads, I put a V-brake on the front. The squeaking of the pivot points drove me nuts so I put in the sealed bearing kit. Now very quiet and smooth. I could never get the rapid rise XTR rear derailer to shift smoothly so I swapped it out for a good old XT derailer. The bike is a little heavy at 29+lbs, but the rides worth it. Very happy overall. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clinton Osborne
a weekend warrior
from Brisbane, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 17, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased my LTS 6 months ago and until recently it has been going quite well. The suspension is balanced evenly and it is a very capable DH bike. I have only been in one race in the 1998 season and was planning to race a full DH season in 99. However, a few days ago I was riding on the road and jumped a small gutter and on landing I heard a crunching sound. I could not believe it, the frame snapped in the rear linkage near the bottom bracket. My bike shop was surprised when they discovered another crack near the rear shock. I am now left sitting at home with no bike wondering if it is safe to race downhill (I am 16 and weigh 65 kgs). I am disapointed in the frame considering I haven't even had to true my wheels yet. Hopefully I can get the replacement bits soon. I thought this bike was a bargain, maybe it was a bit too cheap. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Veltz
a weekend warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the best bike I've ever owned. Wouldn't be without on any given weekend. Where San Diego is a Mt. Biking playground the LTS is your best friend. Sqiddy Q. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Preacher
a weekend warrior
from Tri-Cities, Washington
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
You can probably figure out by reading the whole series below that you'll either love or hate this series - there's very little middle ground. As a newbie to full-suspension I've got to say my LTS-4 rocks! Will I change my opinion in six months? Maybe, but I doubt it. If you're looking for an economical way to get up to FS this might well be the bike for you - it has been for me (I'd recommend looking at closeouts given GT's up & down replacement policies, but caveat emptor.)
Then again, I don't get my jollies trying to figure out new ways to screw up my frame, either. (but YES, I do ride daily and Singletrack occasionally.) And I bought it with my eyes open and will be looking for noise and chainsuck (which hasn't happened to me yet.) Also meaning my dealer was willing to give me as many test rides as I needed to figure out what I needed. In short, don't get it because I love it, you've got to try it for yourself. :) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chi
a weekend warrior
from irvine, california
Date Reviewed: December 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My '96 frame finally gave in and rear links broke. GT replaced it with a brand new '98 frame for no charge; it took about one month for me to get the new frame because they did not have it in their Santa Ana Office. The old one was a headache to maintain, but the new one is much better. Don't bring your bike to GT headquarter in Santa Ana, the tech dude would not come down to talk to you in person. I had to use the courtesy phone from the lobby to communicate with the guy and he's up at the second floor. He thinks he is the bike GOD or something. Five peppers for new frame, four peppers for geometry, -5 peppers for that tech dude. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a cross-country rider
from Austin, Texas
Date Reviewed: December 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ok, I just have to offset the bonehead below. What a crybaby.
A. They gave you a brand new frame, a new model...oh horror!!! So what if your BB doesn't fit...you just got upgraded for free, and you've got a brand new frame after 3 years. GT is also well known for upgrading people when they warrantee frames.
B. If it took 3-5 months it was because your shop screwed up. I have warranteed 3 bikes with GT and always gotten very quick (sub 1-month, 4 days one time) response.
C. The concern about the frame braking is a valid one. I have found that an LTS beaten hard will last about 3 years, but then not a lot of FS bikes last much longer than that with hard abuse.I and several of my friends have always had good experiences when dealing with GT, the only delays I have ever experienced were due to the LBS slacking. Deal directly with GT as much as possible and you'll get quick turn-around. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
peter
a cross-country rider
from canada
Date Reviewed: December 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I would not recomend this bike.The frame is very weak,lasts only three years tops,when it breaks GT will not be able to replace it under warranty because they have none.You will be stuck with a broken frame,your old components will not fit any new frame that they can give you.The warranty process takes 3-5 months. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jorgen Sather
a weekend warrior
from Trondheim, Norway
Date Reviewed: November 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a LTS 2000DS, and had a LTS-3 last year.
Apart from GT's service department(which I haven't had any problems with here in Norway) there is only one negative thing about the LTS design: They will stop making it now that the I-drive is here.
At least for me the LTS is a better system than the I-drive.
| | Overall Rating: |
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$ 4295.00
