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Submitted by
TFKDave
a Weekend Warrior
from Berkley, MI
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Lakeshore Park or Pontiac Lake | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Strengths: | Rock solid, very durable frame, handles well, great for loading up | | Weaknesses: | Not many for its age | | Similar Products Used: | 2007 Felt Q720 | | Bike Setup: | Shimano XT, Avid brakes | | Bottom Line: | I bought a 1993 model in 1994 just after college and learned to mtn bike on it. It took a horrendous beating from me as I crashed down hills and over rock piles. In 2002, I attached a rack and took it on a 200 mile 4 day trip pulling a BOB trailer on dirt roads in U.P. of MI. I still use a BOB trailer with it periodically. 15 years after buying it, its still going strong. I now use it as a commuter bike. But it still jumps curbs, etc. easily and without any signs of quitting. Everything has been replaced on it, except the frame itself. The paint is incredibly chipped now and the dropouts are showing a lot of wear, which is why I've stopped riding single-track with it. But overall, you couldn't ask for a better value and stronger frame. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
El Gordo
a Weekend Warrior
from Picton,ON,Canada
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | Rock Solid, handles really well, responsive, fun to drive | | Weaknesses: | can't buy it new anymore | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Giant Boulder SE, 1990 Marin Muirwoods | | Bike Setup: | original Shimano Deore, CV-7 rims | | Bottom Line: | Just moved from Europe to Canada, didn't want to buy a car when I came to Canada and decided to buy a cheap used bike for the beginning. Stumbled over the 91 Karakoram, test rode it and liked it instantly. Used it a lot since then. Bike didn't disappoint me, it's a great bike. Horseshoe brake is excellent, frame is rock solid and components are good quality. The plan was to buy a better bike as soon as I had progressed on the foodchain, but decided that I would only be disappointed. Gave it an overhaul last winter and am looking forward to riding it this summer. Had to change front rim last summer. Got new rear rim, cassette, seat and chainrings last winter.
Amazing, this old bike brought back the fun into biking for me. It's a classic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn McDonald
a Weekend Warrior
from Littleton, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Georgia Pass-Jefferson Loop | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Proteus Bicycles, Co | | Strengths: | ROCK SOLID! Cool looks (mine is "Purple Haze" color w/ white swirls in the paint), excellent fit, perfect balance. | | Weaknesses: | Narrow back tire side clearance, threaded headset (a bit of play that's typical of this type), a bit on the heavy side | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | The only thing original on the bike is the frame itself and that's what this bike is all about...nothing beats the GT Cro-moly Triple Triangle frame when it comes to strength. I take that back, the front/rear derailleurs are original too...good old, all metal Shimano LX's as well as the MASSIVE Shimano Horseshoe rear brake (super solid and NEVER need adjusting). Rock Shox Magnesium fork, Cook Bro's crank, racing (forget the brand) 7 sprocket cassette and front sprockets, XT shifters, XT V front brakes, Cool Stop brake pads, upgraded pedals, fat comfy seat (pulled a groin...I need it!), new stem, Specialized X7 rims w/ Deore DX hubs, Earth Ends MTB bars (purple w/ swirled black...matches frame to a "T"!)...what else, what else. ;) | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike for 18 years. Got it in college, Spring '90, brand new and never looked back. There's no way I can part w/ this bike...the 1st thing I ever bought on a credit card and the best thing I've ever bought on a credit card. Stolen once, recovered, attempted stolen two more times. I've upgraded everything on the bike (except derailleurs) and put Rock Shock Magnesium Forks on the front and wrecked it and myself a TON of times over the years and the frame just doesn't quit. Did I mention I've had it for 18 YEARS! Looking forward to the next 18 year on my beast w/ two wheels! A classic for sure. The only inanimate object I can say I truly love. ;) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Curodeau
a Weekend Warrior
from San Bernardino
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | outback and beyond moab | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | gregs greenlake cycl | | Strengths: | I love this bike. I bought it on sale in 96' I upgraded to front suspension for a moab trip in 97' and over the years went to v-brakes and carbon handlebars. I use it to play and commute. I have beat this bike senseless and cannot destroy it. | | Weaknesses: | It's a bit on the heavy side but indestructable. I cannot bring myself to part with it. | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden this bike in 15 states on all kinds of trails and city conditions it has served me well over the last 12 years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Detroit, Michigan
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Pontiac Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Scarlett's Schwinn, Pontiac MI | | Strengths: | Triple triangle. | | Bike Setup: | Frankensteined the drivetrain - mostly Shimano XT but also some LX and some stock replacement. Kore pedals. Answer Manitou FS Titanium suspension. | | Bottom Line: | Never thought that the first mountain bike I bought in high-school would still be carrying me down single-track 12 years later. I've made some upgrades to the components here and there, but all-in-all, this bike has taken everything I've thrown at it, and to be candid, I do not take good care of my things. A wee bit heavy, but overall a very solid bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Shannon
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno, Nv.
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | tahoe flume trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$565.00 | | Purchased At: | great basin cycles | | Strengths: | My '92 karakoram has been a great bike, i'm a big guy and this bike has, except for a few replacements, stood up to time and i haven't really broken it. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals that came on it broke shortly after my first ride, but the dealers upgraded them free of charge, and i've had no trouble since, the only other troubles have been that the paint faded alot ( I live in Nevada, everything fades) and i broke the rear derailuer in a crash. | | Similar Products Used: | I had a few lesser bikes before this and broke all of them. | | Bike Setup: | Standard from the store, I did have mr. tuffy's put in because of the goatheads here, and well worth it. Deore l.x. rapid fire's still work great. and the megabites that came on it lasted forever. | | Bottom Line: | Has proven to be a good, solid bike. even with no suspension, it has taken a lot of pounding and torque on the cranks and drive train, and has stood up to my abuse since '92. If you pay the extra for the mid to high end models, you should have few troubles.
I thought it was a little pricey when I bought it, But it has proven to be worth what I paid. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Shannon
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno, Nv.
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | tahoe flume trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$565.00 | | Purchased At: | great basin cycles | | Strengths: | My '92 karakoram has been a great bike, i'm a big guy and this bike has, except for a few replacements, stood up to time and i haven't really broken it. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals that came on it broke shortly after my first ride, but the dealers upgraded them free of charge, and i've had no trouble since, the only other troubles have been that the paint faded alot ( I live in Nevada, everything fades) and i broke the rear derailuer in a crash. | | Similar Products Used: | I had a few lesser bikes before this and broke all of them. | | Bike Setup: | Standard from the store, I did have mr. tuffy's put in because of the goatheads here, and well worth it. Deore l.x. rapid fire's still work great. and the megabites that came on it lasted forever. | | Bottom Line: | Has proven to be a good, solid bike. even with no suspension, it has taken a lot of pounding and torque on the cranks and drive train, and has stood up to my abuse since '92. If you pay the extra for the mid to high end models, you should have few troubles.
I thought it was a little pricey when I bought it, But it has proven to be worth what I paid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Ong
a Cross Country Rider
from Spring TX
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Purchased At: | pawn shop | | Strengths: | Unbeatable frame - no flex or play at all. | | Weaknesses: | Not much tire clearance in the rear, shoddy paint quality. | | Bike Setup: | Fox F80X, full Deore LX plus XT V-brakes, Easton flatboy pedals, suspension seatpost, WTB saddle, Kore steam/bar | | Bottom Line: | I found this bike at a pawn shop for $225, already equipped with new SPDs, a suspension seatpost (the expensive kind), and full Deore LX. The guy owned a bike shop as well and was trying to get rid of some "old bikes." His loss. Anyhow, that was maybe 5 years ago and this bike is absolutely unstoppable. Over the years I've had the opportunity to sample the ~$1000 hardtails from Cannondale, Trek, and Specialized, but I always ended up selling them and keeping the Karakoram. It's a steel frame but surprisingly lightweight (mine now weighs 24lb) and for that reason I've never been able to part with it. I've spent well over $1000 in parts for it (it had a Manitou SX-Ti 60mm but I swapped it out for a Terralogic Fox F80X) and I must say I don't regret a single penny. This frame family is a piece of GT history, it's a shame they no longer make a chromoly as strong and lightweight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Reidsma
a Cross Country Rider
from Holland, MI
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Cannonsburg SGA | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Bought the frame on ebay in 2003. It was never assembled so it was brand new. Very tight frame, responsive and solid. Due to the triple triangle (I think). | | Weaknesses: | Heavy. If you're a weekend rider you better get ready to suck it up. This frame is heavy, but it's worth it... | | Bike Setup: | Manitou fork, LX comps. | | Bottom Line: | True classic. Noth'n beats chro-mo. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
randy
a Weekend Warrior
from tillamook
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | single track | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Costco | | Strengths: | Bombproof frame. The GT frame is very distinctive and cool looking, solid and dependable | | Weaknesses: | If you do anything like cyclo cross it gets heavy to shoulder and pack uphill, but so does about anything | | Bike Setup: | LX rear derailer, upgraded front derailer to XT. Replaced the breaks to V style and added a Judy sl front shock | | Bottom Line: | Im glad to stumble onto this forum. I bought my GT 01-04-1996 at Costco, great buy. Costco just wanted to get rid of them fast to make the GT dealers happy, anyway, I have ridden this bike for the last 9 yrs and have put many off road and road miles on it. It has been a great bike and very dependable and still looks good after a bath.
Sometimes I think Id like a new bike, jescuz. I have ridden full suspension bikes my friend owns and still like the hard tail for the climbing and handeling abiltiies. It can be wrestled around switchbacks and over roots and rocks and ready for more. The only thing Id like to change at this point is having disk breaks.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ray ward
a Cross Country Rider
from barnsley, england
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | petit balcon circuit, chamonix valley | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | harry hall manchester, england | | Strengths: | craftsmanship,tracking, steering, handling ability, stifness, acceleration, climbing and descending, predictability even jumping | | Weaknesses: | a little weighty,not the most durable paint job in the world | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale f1000 | | Bike Setup: | was K2 model therefore was full lx groupset with ritchey vantage rims and z max tyres | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike in 1989 and took it to the chamonix valley in december of that year where it and I stayed for 6 years, this machine was the most dependable piece of kit i had it was the most awesome ride on the single track that fills cham valley and was a hoot on the big descents ( didn't even have front suspension!!!) I put rock shox on in '92 and they were a pile of crap was better off as a hardtail/front. I rode this in a grundig world cup event in the early 90's when the tour came to the valley coming in in the late 30's. I have not been able to replicate the ride and feel of this bike, like a fool I gave the frame away in 1998. it was one of the first frames with if i recall correctly japanese tange tubing handbuilt in the USA (maybe that was why it rode so well, you guys build the best handling frames in the world; Canadians come a close second)i know ride an orange sub 5 due to back problems but can still fell that steel steed between my thighs!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alfred Rinas
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton, Alberta
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mayfair Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Velo City Edmonton, Alberta | | Strengths: | Large frame (22 inch frame for my 6"4 body) Also, the LX package. The bike handles very well and it has a nice stiff ride. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | TREK & Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | 22 inch frame with full LX package. Mavic Rims with Panaracer 26 x 1.95 kevlar tires. (No suspension) | | Bottom Line: | I purchased the GT Karakoram Bike in 1995. I purchased it after I took it for a test-drive. The bike's frame was large enough for my 6"4 frame. Furthermore, the shifting on the bike was precise and the ride was sweet. I have ridden the bike for 9 years and the frame is still stiff and responsive. Although I sometimes think about purchasing a suspension bike, my Karakoram still rides as good as the day I purchased it. Other than a few broken spokes and a few punctures, my GT Karakoram has been a very reliable friend. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rodrigo
a Weekend Warrior
from Santiago, Chile
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Santiago | | Strengths: | es un marco de fiar... indestructible a mi parecer. la geometria de gt le da un aspecto deportivo al igual que el loop de la barra horizontal. El material (Cromo) permite tratarla duro en cualquier camino. | | Weaknesses: | El peso es una de sus grandes debilidades, he visto pocos cuadros (por no decir ninguno) de GT que sea de Fuji o Cromo superlight. Aunque las vainas traseras son de cromo, permiten cierta elongacion cuendo se les instala unos frenos como XT, haciendo que pierdan potencia en el frenado (aunque solucionable) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 930 | | Bike Setup: | Marco Karakoram 16", horquillas rock shox quadra 21R, Frenos XT, Manillas frenos LX, manillar STX RC, pata trasera XTR, pata delantera XT, direccion K2, tubo manillar azonic. | | Bottom Line: | Es una excelente bicicleta, que se puede tratar duro, tanto para viajes como para cross, la dureza del marco te da la seguridad necesaria en este aspecto. De la mano de la dureza va el peso lo que podria mejorarse un poco, sin embargo es esta sensacion la que permite sentir una bicicleta totalmente rigida, capas de ser tratada duramente. Respecto a la suspencion, podria tener mayor recorrido, sin embargo (en algunos casos) aumentaria el peso de la bici inecesariamente. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lincoln
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Craigiburn Traverse | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | R&R Dunedin | | Strengths: | Indestructible, Handles good, Climbs like goat, Zingy steel ride, Replacable derailleur hanger, Groove tube cable routing | | Weaknesses: | A bit of a porker by todays standards | | Similar Products Used: | You name it | | Bike Setup: | Original DX with XT shifters/levers, original rigid forks, Shimano U brake, Araya rims, Smoke/Dart, 525SPDs etc | | Bottom Line: |
Thought I'd get a new bike when the old Karakoram died. I got sick of waiting and bought a Ti Xizang a few years back as the Karakoram wouldn't quit. Since then the Karakoram has done thousands more kms and is still a hoot to ride. Have replaced a number of chains, sprockets, tyres, a BB, a rear rim, bars, seat etc as they've worn out but still the frame lives on. It's currently battery-ed up as my night riding sted. It's a trusty old horse and has given 13 years of trouble free riding pleasure. It really is one of the best things I've ever spent money on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Racer
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere with lots of dirt | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Bird Ave.next to lots of discarded shrubs | | Strengths: | GT all terra Karakorum K2.Triple triangle frame is stiff.Frame is light,without the wheelset but you can always change them.80s splatter paint still looks great. | | Weaknesses: | Not a lot of side clearance for tires over 1.95 at the rear. | | Similar Products Used: | Nope,first GT for me.I have lots of other bikes tho. | | Bike Setup: | 1987 or 1988 so it's an oldie.All stock. Suntour Accushift 9000 & 9010 derailluers,Dia-Compe cantilevers up front,Dia-Compe U-brake rear hooked up to real trick Dia-Compe levers.
Sakae FX SLP,172mm cranks with huge 48t chainring.Araya RX-7 wheelset with HG Cassette.I have some plans for this bike tho. | | Bottom Line: | While driving I found this bike next to a pile of discarded shrubs and old bikes,dumped by the owners on the sidewalk for anyone to pick-up.Sign says'Free!'.Lucky find!Wife just shook her head.
I cleaned up the bike,replaced the rotted tires(sidewall rot but treads good with nubs still) and cables,threw out the rotten seat and it was ready to ride.Obviously a garage queen and not ridden much and spent the years under a tree outside after the owner lost interest.What a shame.Purple,black and blue Splatter paint still bright,no fade and typical storage blemishes.
I can see why the GTs are so popular with many riders.This bike sprints and it doesn't flex.It's a 20" frame,I ride 18" but this is cool.
I always wanted a GT and now I got one without paying a penny.Up to date trail review coming up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Jackson
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin,Tx
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Buck's Bikes | | Strengths: | All great frame to ride can't get from the thing...! | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale caad2 frame,Jamis Diablo,91GT Karakoram.. | | Bike Setup: | 94GT Karakoram,Cook Brothers cranks(old schoool)Race Face b.b.xt groupo,Thhomson stem bontregar crow bars,Cane Creek head set,Titec seat post,Marzocchi z.2 Bomber Fly light,Mavic 517 rear wheel,Bontregar corvair front wheel,cliplees pedals,Avid Brakes 5.0s,8 spd. | | Bottom Line: | I've built and ridden other bikes as can be seen.But by far the Big K is my most favorate of them all.I bought my fist karakoram in 91 and it got stolen and it had the inferno orange paint job(killer paint job).Then i bought my second GT in 94 and have built a cannondale alum frame and ditched it 2 months later.I went back to the Gt and have loved the frame ever since.The bike is solid,forgiving,and most of all won't break no matter what gets thrown at it .I agree with the other guy Damnit they quit making the big K frame!!In my opinion this frame can't be beat it handle so well that one of my riding buddies wants me to slow down at times.GT shuold start making this frame again.The geometry on this bike is classic.It climbs so well that it still wants me to try and give it more and more the behavior through switch back and single tracks and drops is majorly predictable and goes were you point it.Long Live the steel frame bike!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Lewisville, TX
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Don's Bikes | | Strengths: | My dream hardtail from the git-go. It was the bike I had been searching for and contemplating building. I love the weight and rigidity of the steel. Mine came with LX and XT components and a nice RockShox Indy XC front shock. I have read complaints of weight but mine is under 20 lbs complete. I love it! | | Weaknesses: | The solid non-replaceable rear derailleur hanger. That is the only thing that has kept me from doing the most recent repairs. | | Similar Products Used: | many different hardtails, aluminum and steel | | Bike Setup: | Shimano LX crank, 8 spd shifters, V-brakes and levers.
Shimano XT front and rear derailleurs, hubs, and bottom bracket
Mavic Wheels with WTB Velociraptor tires.
Rock Shox Indy XC front shock
custom factory paint (much different from other Karakorams I have seen) | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike and was very sad when I destroyed the derailleur hanger. This time it is unrepairable. This is not only an awesome starter bike for the serious beginner, but I have run it in many races and been very pleased with it's performance. I would recommend (and have) this bike to any off road rider who likes a nice hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PLonz
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Strong frame and very "controlled" feel. After 14 years, Mountain LX groupo and splatter gray paint have held up wonderfully. This bike has seen quite a bit of racing, single track and wrecks over that span. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy. Front and rear tire sidewall clearance is awful (I'm sure this is changed on newer models). Cannot put anything wider than a 2.0 on the back and some of those even rub. For technical trail riding, the geometry is too relaxed with long wheelbase. Original Araya rims didn't last long. Shimano's BioPace chain rings were a failed experiment. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fischer ?model (lighter, probably too light)
1990 Raleigh Technium (aluminum and much more nimble)
1980 Mongoose Supergoose (like the Karakoram, the stretched-limo of BMX) | | Bike Setup: | -Original: Frame, LX groupo, neck, bars and seatpost.
-On it's 2nd set of rims. New Mavics do greatly enhance the bike.
-Changed the solid fork with a Specialized hydraulic.
-Finally changed out the BioPace chain rings. | | Bottom Line: | Do I have the oldest? Vintage 1989/90 Karakoram bought in spring of '90. Splatter gray paint with Mountain LX (pre-Deore?) components. Only owner, it's now been relegated to nature trail cruising. Bike was always a bit too heavy and relaxed for serious single track. Hard to even bunny-hop a log with this tank. The limited rear tire clearance caused issues in muddy races as well. As a cruiser it's quite comfortable, steady and very dependable. And I shouldn't discount the fact that it is still a cool looking bike that stands out from the crowd. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Ketchikan, AK
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | I had forgotten how nice a solid cro-mo frame felt, this this is better than anything new I've tried, and anything I'm aware of on the current hardtail market | | Weaknesses: | They stopped making them dammit | | Similar Products Used: | '01 GT i-drive | | Bike Setup: | got frame off ebay, brand new 1997 model in 2003, score, built up with mostly 8-speed LX, also off ebay | | Bottom Line: | I got so fed up with the current stuff I went back to the stuff that works. I had a bike just like this that was stolen a few years back. I got the i-drive and learned about mega 9, 3 XT drive trains later, a frame exactly like my old one, only brand new, pops up on ebay (I looked for one every day for two years). I'm glad I found it, I'm sick and tired of fixing/adjusting/replacing mega 9 stuff, the 24 speed isn't as durable as some older stuff (21 speed, etc.), but its got twice the life span of the new stuff (more if you take care of it right). As an engineer I'll let you in on what they teach in material science classes, steel work hardens and can be designed for infinite fatigue life, aluminum is brittle and cannot be designed for infinite fatigue life (though it can last a long time if designed right, but the smallest crack and its over). Could this explain the sudden change to almost exclusive manufacture of aluminum frames??? I'll let whoever reads this judge, but I'm very happy with my cro-mo, and it is a fact that eventually all aluminum frames that are used as intended will break. Read up on the DeHavilland Comet aircraft if you don't believe me, specifically look into the window shape. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh White
a Downhiller
from Greensboro, NC
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | crazy ridge trail in Bristol, TN | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | a shop in Joshua Tree, CA | | Strengths: | To start with, I've rode this bike since Jan. '96. Bombproof frame. I've done it all on this bike. 80mi treks in the desert, fast fire roads, as much downhill as you can do on a hardtail, 5 ft drops, and now about to go somewhat freeride with it. Velociraptors are great everywhere. I just broke the original seatpost and BB this week. I was hit by a car on this bike in late '96. This bike loves to be pointed down a good hill, hit the big ring and go. It handles great at speed. On this stupid piece of blacktop between 29 Palms and Palm Springs, CA, I had the bike up to 65mph without worry. | | Weaknesses: | Original bars and grips. Vetta trishock was great when I was skinnier. Wish it had disc mount on the back, but that wasn't really thought of then. The geometry limits it in real tight woods. | | Similar Products Used: | Remember the Mount Shasta? Trek 830, Specialized Hard Rock | | Bike Setup: | Scott AT-4 Bullbars, Specialized Stubby Stem, Oddessy Black Widow pedals, Specialized Body Geometry saddle, Velociraptor kevlars | | Bottom Line: | I know I ride quirky parts. I keep saying when I break the frame, I'll get an aluminum bike. I'm 250lbs and don't have a frame creak. It it'll last through the fall, I'll rebuild it this winter with Saint stuff and a Dirt Jumper fork and ride it for another 7 years. My paint is in good shape for what it's been through. I got the black one with the ghost blue flames. At this point, I can't see dropping the money for a new bike. Geometry is super stable at speed. This will be my "all-mountain" bike until I get my Santa Cruz Heckler for the dumb stuff I'm too old for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sven Tvaellen
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sella Ronda | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | local store | | Strengths: | Very stiff. Excellent feeling. Undestroyable. I have this bike since 1993 and i have never regret to buy it. | | Weaknesses: | the stem was too long (140cm), so i changed it
The original handlebar was a bit uncomfortable, so i changed it too.
you can`t use it with a suspension fork, because geometry is made for rigid fork | | Similar Products Used: | several hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Complete LX Equipment, 21 speed, canti brake, mavic rims, rigid fork. | | Bottom Line: | A real classic bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tommy
a Weekend Warrior
from Homeless and happy
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | somewhere in boulder,co | | Strengths: | The fit. i'm 6'5" and had the 25" frame. This bike's geometry was perfect. I felt like a million bucks on that bike. best damn bike ever for a tall rider. | | Weaknesses: | The crank arm was bent upon purchacing it used. The crown (aluminum thingy that clamps the shocks) eventually fractured and left me in a difficult spot. | | Similar Products Used: | none. | | Bike Setup: | I replaced the outer chainring with a road ring to give me more torque on downhill and city action. split saddle for my boys. A shopping basket for my gear lashed to the rear rack. stock mag21 rock shocks, mavic rims, large road outer chain ring, tons of stickers to hide the hideous paint job. | | Bottom Line: | It was my first serious mtn. bike and i didnt know what i had till it was gone. it was stolen at the Ft.Lauderdale Public library last year (even with my antitheft sticker prominently displayed). At the time the aluminum crown had fractured and the only stable shock was shot from bearing all the weight. When the thief hit his first drop off from any curb he bottomed out and flipped over the bars, like i did twice earlier that day. I've looked in every bike shop and have never found a frame that fit so well, a year later I'm buying another one off ebay for a bit more. But I'm damn happy about it. I had it setup for crosscountry touring and bought a road bike (67cm fuji) after the GT was stolen. The fuji can't compare with the GT. Even though its a mtn. bike, I'm gonna modify the new one for road/mtn. touring and sell the fuji. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a
from Riverside, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Santa Ana River Trails | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Strengths: | Balance of strength, light weight & resiliance...looks great. Double-butted frame. A superb climber | | Weaknesses: | Not the lightest steel frame around | | Bike Setup: | Added over ~$1,000 of light weight upgrades everywhere...a great 24# hardtail | | Bottom Line: | GT's best effort in a steel hardtail...would choose a quality steel resilient frame ride like this over aluminum. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Strengths: | near indestructable, very well ballanced, I clipped the pedals on the pavement over level groud a few times. | | Weaknesses: | wore out the cassette at 2200 miles, but thats double the lifespan of the new mega nine BS, and I didn't know at the time that you were to replace the chain at 1000 miles. Plastic head set seal cracked. | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-Drive 5.0, blah | | Bike Setup: | stock with a replacement seat | | Bottom Line: | I looked so good after 2 years that someone stole it, D'oh. By far the best bike I've ever ridden if I ever catch the guy..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Potty
a Cross Country Rider
from Hepburn, SK, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Cal Cycle - Linden, AB | | Strengths: | it's sweet. i like the frame, it doesn't give out, and on my model, i got Judy XC's on it, and i really like those. there not too soft, but just good for me. | | Weaknesses: | well nothing so far | | Similar Products Used: | i dunno
| | Bike Setup: | i got judy XC's on it, all factory except i got new pedals, cuz it came with crappy plastic ones and they sucked. | | Bottom Line: | a dang good bike. not to expensive (i'm a student, so i'm poor) sweet for doing pretty hard cross country, done a wee bit o' downhilling with it. can survive jumping. i really love this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blockhead
a Weekend Warrior
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pinkney, Michigan | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Local bike shop | | Strengths: | This bike is indestructable. Completely, undeniably, indefrigginstructable. I have had to replace a lot of cables but mainly because I tend to crank pretty hard on things and and the frame won't budge. I love this bike. | | Weaknesses: | Just the fact that it won't die and give me the excuse I need to get a new bike! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, Trek, a tricycle when I was 4 | | Bike Setup: | Deore LX front/rear, no suspension, slicks on the road. Still pretty much the original setup | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks. Plain and simple. No frills, just a great ride and a vessel that won't let you down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Strengths: | Solid - handles great, climbs like a goat | | Weaknesses: | Broke the first frame - and the replacement frame - both rear stays - funny because I rarely so much as go over a curb...both broke while barreling down flat paved road | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale road bike | | Bottom Line: | great bike but rear stay must have had some defect...otherwise fine | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Colin Quinn
a Downhiller
from Tysons Corner, Va
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Secret 12 mile loop in Virginia | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Used from a friend moving to Florida | | Strengths: | Great Chromo frame, very forgiving. Awesome bike for anyone looking for something decent. I use it for CC rides and training. The paint just wont chip( dont know what to tell the rest of you. I guess I lucked out in that respect. (However I have the bike stripped to the bare frame to be painted. I am sick of the ugly orange and black. I think I want to try blue and Yellow team GT scheme.) | | Weaknesses: | None really, it would be nice if it were newer( mine is pre '95) and had IS disc mount and/or better brake braze-ons. It has a funky "U" shaped rear brake. I dont know WHAT they were thinking. I am contemplating a little fabrication work presently ( since my lifetime warranty no longer exists) to ad the mounts for both an IS disc and the spring holes for v-brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | '01 Team DHI
'02 Azonic Evo DS-1
'95 Avalanche frame that I am using for freeriding. The damn thing wont crack or dent ! | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Mach5 threadless, LX groupo, V-brake in front, goofy-arse U brake in rear, Mythos kevlar 2.1 tires, shimano 747 pedals, generic shorty stem, 1.5 riser bar. | | Bottom Line: | Schwinn flushed GT down the toilet, so much for our lifetime warranty. Thanks guys.
How ever: This is a great steel frame that is virtually bullet proof. I only weigh 155#, so you big guys that ride like I do might be able to break it. As far as the LX groupo, I have had NO PROBLEMS with it at all. This bike requires allmost no maintenance. My only complaint is the goofy rear brake, which is probably only on the older models like mine. Other than that...this thing performs great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony Abenes
a Cross Country Rider
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Sto. Tomas and QH-LTB | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | Roomy Cockpit and Comfortable Uphill/Downhill riding, Soft feeling with front suspension and Cool paintjob. Detachable hanger.
Classic brand. | | Weaknesses: | Weight's more than what i expected (not too much though). | | Similar Products Used: | Diamond Back and Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | XT front/rear derailures, Dee Max Rims, Modified/Improved/Elevated Tange Suspension, Knoby Front tire/Slick rear tire. | | Bottom Line: | I do downhills and i don't seem to feel a "drop" of doubt on my frame whenever i "rush" on the offroads, just let it go down on the dirt road and no worries. Uphill's fine since it's roomy while my arms relax on the bar ends. It's not just a cool and performance reliable frame but heads turn for the paint jobs that's bright yellow on front and red on the rear part. Should I say this is the best GT frame i did have....yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Percy
a Weekend Warrior
from China, Maine, USA
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | ANY | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | International Bike & Gift | | Strengths: | Bought in 1993. The "Tequila Sunrise" paint job was really cool. It came stock back in the day with all xt. | | Weaknesses: | Half of the XT was prototype and had huge factory flaws with the shimano cartridge type bottom bracket, the rapid fire shifting, and the prototype GT Cable routing. All were factory defects. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 - Trek 6500, 1999 - Gary Fisher Kaitai, 1993 Trek 830. | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much all xt with a rigid GT fork. Araya rims on GT hubs. All sealed bearings. | | Bottom Line: | I worked for six months as a high school student to buy the coolest mountain bike. I thought it was awesome. I finally got it and after two weeks of riding the bike went to hell in a handcart. The bike shop said they couldn't do anything about it because it was all factory issues and issues with prototype components.
I called GT and after three weeks of complaining got them to take that freakin' thing back. This was my first mountain bike and after having such a horrible experience, I didn't even ride another on until last year when I bought my Gary Fisher. I would never buy another GT Mountain Bike ever. While GT builds awesome BMX components and wicked rugged racing frames, the Karakoram was the biggest let down of my life. I would not recommend one to anyone. I am 6'2" and weigh only 134lbs. If I can destroy a $900 mountain bike in under a month, do you really think it will hold up to you?
I give them two chilis for taking the thing back. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom mccarty
a Cross Country Rider
from valdez alaska
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | elephant butte, southern arizona | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | local dealer | | Strengths: | stiff, durable, climber | | Weaknesses: | handlebar too wide, cut down 1/2 inch, now manageable | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Eldridge Grade, Diamondback x8 | | Bike Setup: | original setup except trashed the fork for a manitou with speed springs, shimano clipless, and avid brakes. xt rear derailler, xt brakes, all else lx, np | | Bottom Line: | its my wifes bike, but i use it whenever my other bikes are down. you point it in a turn, it goes, no slack/no drift. tad bit heavy but can still jump it np, and the silver paint with orange lettering jumps at you.
I love my diamondback full-suspension, but for climbing, the GT burns!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lars Köster
a Cross Country Rider
from Münster, NRW, Germany
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Stiffness (no shock-absorption at all), Durability, Handling | | Weaknesses: | not a ligth-weight | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Killer | | Bike Setup: | XT with V-brake in the front, U-Brake in rear, Tange BigFork instead of suspension fork. | | Bottom Line: | The best Stiffee of the world. In Use since 1993. Great Ride. Best Bike I ever tried. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bradley
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol
Date Reviewed: November 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Anywhere I can Find | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Super Stong Frame Copes With Anything you throw at it. Never stop smiling when you ride it. Geat For Play Riding | | Weaknesses: |
Paint Easily Chipped, Heavy Compared to onther bikes at that price | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Backwoods
GT Timberline
GT Outpost
Marin Murewoods | | Bike Setup: |
Standard 1998 Setup Except for Power Pro Cranks and Z3 Flylights | | Bottom Line: | This is a bike any rider who enjoys a bit of everything should have | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Billings Montana
Date Reviewed: September 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bozeman's M | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Strength, weight, climbing ability | | Weaknesses: |
Age. Paint sux. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Timberline
Mongoose Rockadile
Schwinn Moab
GT Avalanche | | Bike Setup: |
I have a 5 year old karakoram frame, a 2 year old complete XT group, Rolf dolomite wheels, Judy XC and a Noleen Chubby shox. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best handling smoothest riding 1000 dollar bike anyone is going to find. I bought it ages ago for 460$ it came with LX and a Mag 21. They were both crap, but the bike felt very stable. When I replaced the fork and LX with XT and Judy XC, it came alive. This thing climbs like a damn goat, so that's my new nickname. A wonderful bike that is so amazingly supple it blows my mind. 5 Chillies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
S!dDhaRtHa
a Cross-Country Rider
from Seoul, Korea
Date Reviewed: July 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
White Rim Trail @ Canyonlands National Park, Utah | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
The frame is light and really comfortable for riding.. I have ridden this bike almost three years by now, and replacing bike is the least thing I want, even after three years. | | Weaknesses: |
Construction of the frame.. It's just that it's not compatible with double crown front suspension forks. Besides that, the bike itself doesn't have any weaknesses.. The problems are mainly caused by the components I put on it. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Timberline
Gary Fisher Leve Betty | | Bike Setup: |
Rockshox Quadra 21R
Shimano XT rear V-brakes
Shimano XT rear deraileur
Shimano clipless medal M535 | | Bottom Line: | After literally living with this GT Karakoram bike for almost three years, I fell in love with it.. I'm upgrading it bit by bit, like rear V-brake, and rear nderaileur.. I'm planning on getting a new Rockshox seatpost shock this coming fall, so that I wouldn't have to buy a whole new full-suspension bike. The bottom line is I love this red devil, no matter what kind of other components I get, I will keep the frame itself..
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Rye
a Weekend Warrior
from Maple Valley, WA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
its a secret!!! | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Great frame!!! | | Weaknesses: |
A little heavy (but that is the point of buying a GT isn't it?) | | Bike Setup: |
Originally had the Quadra 21R but replaced it with a 98 Manitou. Also replaced most components with XT over time. | | Bottom Line: | 1996 Karakoram. Great Frame, love the feel and ride. Unfortunately, I snapped the chainstay like a twig while bunny-hopping a pothole on the pavement. Hard to beleive a 260 pounder could bunny-hop (or should be). GT was great and replaced the frame within a couple of weeks. Hopefully this one will last a little bit longer. Would still rather have the old red instead of the new mango color though. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lawrence, KS
Date Reviewed: June 5, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
tough, rugged and durable frame..... liteweight for a chromoly..... shimano comps.... | | Weaknesses: |
mavic rims can't handle extremely rocky trails i put it thru, but is adequate for most trails. | | Bottom Line: | i got the '96 Karakoram w/ a rigid fork. couldn't fork up the extra dough for the quadras. it was the best bike for the price when it came out and it still is. this bike has withstood the rockiest trails i put it thru. i fell off a steep and rocky ravine one time in Illinois and the bike only had scratches. nothing was bent or misaligned. the WTB Velociraptor tires are great too. it has so much grip and traction, i rarely slip on loose rocks or mud. those climbs would've been a lot harder if not for those tires. my brother has a Stumpjumper with a Judy XC fork and regretted not getting the Karakoram. i've ridden a lot of bikes and the only bikes that i like riding more is the Avalanche and my cousin's LTS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lockheart TX
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. The only upgrade plans I have are stiffer springs in the fork, and clipless pedals. I got the 98 on close out for $530. Could not pass that up. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
slay walsh
a weekend warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
this bike lays the smack down! i got a '96 one at full price (i was impatient), but it still rocks it needs a tune but it it just keeps going. i chenged the wheels to spniergys cuz im too lazy to true wheels, and added some other chi-chis(nothing big,spds, barends). this is an awesome bike. the only thing that i dont dont like is the yellow q21 clashes with the black w/blue flame paint job (s'posed to get a manitou soon anyway), but the nike team shoes (not the cairns) match PERFECTLY. im a 15-years old rider and i beat the hell outta this thing (too much espn2) and it keeps going. RIDE HARD | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a racer
from ma
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Typically if you give a 14 year old a bike its demolished in a week. Most kids go on pavement act dumb and try to hop curbs smash it up, and thats that. This is my 2nd mountain bike. I bought it cause I was down right sick of my Trek 800 and I was ready to race. It is an incredible ride. Smooth shifting, nice brakes, ridgid fork was good, now a bomber Z.3 is better. Kore parts, full LX nice barend, mavic wheel (dont try to hop 2 foot logs in wet weather)It has held up through all of it hopefully this season too racing for team Grimmace (check the site)See you in any EFTA race say hello. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike brown
a
from racer
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a 96 Karakoram frame in 97. The bike did everything seemingly well, except for the fact that the top tube was about an inch too short for me, putting me too far over the front end of the bike which could give me a bit of a scare on really steep sections. The rear end was a bit stiff due to the triple triangle configuration but not nearly as stiff as my ibis. I ended up spec'ing the Karakoram with a lot of XTR parts and a syncros ti seatpost which I'm really sorry that I can't use it on my ibis--that post does lend a bit of compliancy to the Karakoram's stiff rear end. That stiff rear end DOES aid the Karakoram's acceleration though and its tracking somewhat. I raced twelve times on that little red rocket before I retired it d managed to garner four top twenties and a top ten this season abord my too-small karakoram. One can only dream what the hand built psyclone handles like or the aluminum bikes from GT. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a weekend warrior
from Redmond, Wa.
Date Reviewed: September 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '98 model. This is my first Mountain Bike and I am just getting into the hobby this year. I have to say I am hooked. I ride with guys that have bikes that range from hard nose cheapies all the way up to $5k+ custom built ones. As my skills improve, it is becoming very obvious just how nice this bike is for the price. It rocks!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddie
a weekend warrior
from bay area
Date Reviewed: September 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I owned a Diamond back Response sport that was stolen and have settled on the
98 Korakoram as the replacement. KILLER! I actually thought it rode better than
their aluminum bikes when I test rode them- this bike has a great center of
gravity and the ride is just smooth all around. The comps were fine- Shmano deore LX's and WTB velociraptors. I even like the Kore stem and bar, I dont
know what the complaints are all about. My only complaint (and a light one
at that) is the Rock shox indy XL's. Ill probably put some speed springs in and
may ultimatly replace them entirely...Ill see in a few months.
Otherwise this is a GREAT bike for the price (talk the dealer down a little
bit!). I took it offroad immediatly and rode like a dream. Anyone looking for
a sub $1000 bike to ride should absolutely check this out!
My actual score is 4.5 chilies... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Speed
a
from Wellington - New Zealand
Date Reviewed: September 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 97 karakoram. Comforable frame. Spec the bike with a Manitou 98 x-vert fork, xtr group set, 98 spinergy wheels set. Rides like a dream. Smooth as hell.
Stif frame but strong. Not the lightest thing on two wheels either it's heavey.
I use the bike as a all rounder, cross country and downhilling. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a racer
from
Date Reviewed: September 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I reviewed this bike several months ago and said that I thought it sucked. Now I have changed my mind. Several months later, a few outlived parts and a rider now much more experienced in the ways of mtn. biking has shown me that this bike will hang with the best. I will retire the Karakoram to back up status in the coming months but it will not leave the company of my new trek 8900. My only real complaint about this bike is that it is kinda heavy, however it refuses to die!!! 5 chilies | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raúl
a weekend warrior
from Madrid, Spain
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
In one word: marvellous ;). I had my 98' Karakoram for only one month, so I don't know if the bike is gonna last ;), but I find it light, comfortable, smooth in the riding, etc... The wheels are good, too. The WTB Velociraptor have a lot of traction, even in dusty roads. The rims are very light but strong, from Mavic. The seat is the best of all the bike: the front of it is downshifted, son it doesn't make your b*lls hurt XDD. The worst thing is the front drive system, a Shimano STX RC group. The chainwheels are OK, but the crank arm squeaks... I think that I'm gonna change it as soon I have the money.Talking about the LX, I don't have any complaint. It is smooth and precise. Anyway, GT should have rid of the Kore and the Indy and put a better group in the bike.I love this bike, the best I've had, and I'm a bike-cruncher XDDD. Five chilies for the Karakoram. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon
a weekend warrior
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is AWESOME!!!!! My previous bike was a Nishiki Backroads. I bought it in 5/98 at a great price. I thought due to the low price I would have to sacrifice performance. Man was I wrong. For once in my life I got something that I would have easily paid 30% more (don't tell the people at GT this). The name took me a while to pronounce. I have a reputation of torchuring bikes, but this bike components and frame are solid. I recommend this bike to all of my friends.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RENE
a cross-country rider
from SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I FIRST STARTED WITH A GT OUTPOST IN 1995, HOWEVER THIS IS WHEN I LIVED BACK IN LUBBOCK, TX. I MOVED TO THE BAY AREA AND DISCOVERED TRUE MOUNTAIN BIKING, SO I GAVE MY WIFE THE OUTPOST AND BOUGHT A 97 KARAKORAM. I MUST SAY RIDING IT ON MT. TAM IN MARIN WHERE MOUNTAIN BIKING STARTED HAS BEEN A BLAST. I RIDE WITH FRIENDS WITH ALUMINUM FRAMED BIKES AND MY GT HANDLES GREAT. I LOVE STEEL. I WILL NEVER SWITCH. I DO PLAN TO UPGRADE MY FRONT SUSPENSION TO A MANITOU X-VERT AND SHIMANO 747 PEDALS BUT THAT IS ALL I THINK MY GT NEEDS. AND IF ANYONE LOVES A KILLER UP AND DOWNHILL, TRY ELDRIDGE GRADE ON MT. TAM. GREAT TECHNICAL UPHILL AND A FAST BUMPY, ROCKY DOWNHILL PERFECT FOR YOUR STEEL FRAMED KARAKORAM. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a weekend warrior
from Mass
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ok Kids- I have now had my Karakoram for 6 months. It was mostly a miss my old bike time. I had a '93 Trek 950 w/o suspension. All LX comps, and a GREAT ride and handling- very predictable. I wanted to try suspension, and bought the GT, cause of price. It didn't handle as well- the riding position was more comfortable on the TREK, I didn't like the fact that when I cranked away, some of my energy was transmitted to up and down motion in the INDY SL. It felt like a tank. Well- over the last month or so- the bike has seemed to transform itself. I feel a lot more comfortable, trails seem to soak up- the bike feels faster and best of all- I FEEL better riding it. And believe me, this overweight 40 year old needs to get out there and crank away. It took awhile to get used to it, but now I am happy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike can't be beat! I bought mine a few months ago -- a friend of mine races for GT and has a sweet Zaskar -- he recommended Steel to me and I have loved him ever since. I have the SL on the front, and Time ATAC pedals which are a nice step up. I wish GT would upgrade to XT or XTR, since this is their top bike, and toeclip pedals? But I love the bike too much for anything under 5 chiles. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a cross-country rider
from The Mountains of TN
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I Bought this bike almost a year ago. I got it on sale since it was the '96 version. I love it, it is light as anything and is completely dependable. The only changes that I made on it were that i outfitted it with a Rock Shox Indy XC outfitted with englund airs, since it came without shocks. I also switched the brakes to V-Brakes and soon will get the levers and shifters to go with them. And don't believe the ads, the V-Brakes will work with standard levers, but i recomend V-Dapters. But back to the bike, I originally ignored it thinking it was to expensive, until my Brother pointed it out to me. And I am glad he did, this bike responds to every bump with a expectable reaction. It is lighter than some of my freinds Aluminum bikes, yet it cost less and responds to bumps much less harshly. It is a very nice bike that begs to be ridden, and i respect GT's attempt to make it more affordable my downgrading the components, but if you get it now, believe me you will want to replace some of the lower end stuff and pop some englund airs in, it lightens the fork weight and makes the shocks phat. And the LX componentry makes it work sweeeeetly. And do go with the LX it costs less to replace and the weight differinece is not that much. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Crazy
a weekend warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: July 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got my Karakoram last week, finally had a chance to really
punish it today as my LBS recommended. I used to road race a lot,
so I am a novice to MTBing. However, I know a great bike when I ride
one, and this one really seems rock solid to me. I am definitely keeping
it, and I test rodes about 10 bikes within a price range of $600-1400.
Outta all of them I really preferred this ride. Unless you are racing,
I don't see much point in an aluminum frame, and the Reynolds 525 tubing
this puppy comes with really is nice. I used to have a Gitane Tour de France,
with Reynold 521, and so I felt more secure knowing that this CRMO frame
had Reynolds tubing, versus the other CRMO. Anyway, I really like the ride,
I am not sure if I recognize the flex but the frame is really great.
The compents are very smooth on this, too. Shifting in any situation
is instanteous to me, and I can say enuf about the fine mix of components
here for this bike. The friggin XC shocks are awesome, man the ride is great.
I got my bike on sale for 610, it was a helluva a deal. For that kinda
money you can't go wrong. The store was clearing out there 98's so my bike was
marked down from 799. No regrets here, and when I compare it to the other bikes
I rode that were in the same price range, I am glad I came across this bike.
I give it five chilis for the recreational user. For the racer, I think it may
be a couple pounds too much, but I have not weighed it yet. Anyway, I am 40
years old, so this puppy is the bike for me-also I am 6'1 and weigh about 240,
so this baby is well worth it. If I get a road bike ever again(yuc), it will
be an italian bike, with all campy components, a world apart from the solitude
of wooded mountainous terrain and trails. hehe :) GT , way to go! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A voice of reason
a cross-country rider
from New England
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Blair, are you an idiot or have you never spoken in public before. ALL MOUNTAIN BIKES GET MUDDY!!!! Thanks for giving an otherwise great bike (I work in a shop and we sell tons of these, even the cheaper 98's), a crappy review because you thinks it gets muddy. OH well, I guess the internet is free for everybody, even the menatlly retarded or hopless posers like yourself. You make me sick! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blair
a weekend warrior
from United States of America
Date Reviewed: July 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I did not especially care for this bike because it would often get muddy. When i went through mud and puddles. UNTIL I used Ducky a great product that you to
can use on your own bike it prevents the mud from sticking to your frame and gives it a great shine I would suggest that every mountain biker use ducky. It is only $19.95 and is definately worth the money you should see my bike shine. Actually that is another problem when the bike has ducky on it it gets way to shiny and I can barely see. But that isn't duckys fault. I LOVE Ducky. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scab
a weekend warrior
from canada
Date Reviewed: July 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't like the seat it hurts my wimpy ass. I banged my Knads on the stem hard and got a little scabby on my private area. I like the bike a lot I just suck. It Rocks GT rules. But I got ripped off I paid over a $1200 for it in Canadian money so I paid about $10 American but now I am broke. That is my story. Pity me | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A-doGG
a cross-country rider
from Anchorage, AK
Date Reviewed: July 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have mixed feeling about this bike. The only thing I have to compare it to is a schwin Impact with tourney components. Compared to that bike it's the greatest thing on two wheels. It handles way better than my old bike and climbs a little better. I still get rear wheel slippage on climbs but that's probably my fault. The bike feels quite heavy (I don't know exactly how much it weighs) but the weight hasn't been a problem (I've never ridden anything lighter). Mine was a '97 and came w/ full LX components which were very nice. The newer ones come with a mix including STX cranks and front derallier which I think is a disservice to this caliber of bike. It also came with some extra-lite Kore parts and an indy SL. The Kore stuff is nice but the shock is really flexy. I think that GT should have used a lighter frame, and got rid of the expensive (but lighter) Kore parts and Indy SL. Another minor problem is the cable routing. The front and rear derailer cables go under the bottom bracket so they can clog up with mud at times, also, the cables rub off the paint and rub grooves in the fork crown if you don't put duct tape on various parts of the frame. The frame feels pretty stiff so don't expect that because it's steel your back won't hurt. I think that there are better bikes for the money (or get the GT avalanche fore $100 more). However it is important to note that I have not replaced anything since I got it. There are no crappy substandard parts hiding anywhere on the bike. It is raceable from day one (although you might want to change the stem, it's really low) If I had to do it again I would probably not get this bike (especially if I had to get a '98 version). But, dispite my negative comments, the bike is still excellent (it's just that it could be a little more excellent for what I payed for it). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Freakazoid
a racer
from Phoenix AZ
Date Reviewed: June 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this bike rocks! tis is the best bike ive ever owned! (but not the most expensive) I love my Karakoram. I tried aluminum but steel is real! this frame has taken so much abuse on wicked trails. i only upgrades i have made is an XT rear der, SPDs, judy xc forks and a brake booster. great steel hard tail frame
the only way to travel | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MrK.I.A.
a cross-country rider
from denver CO
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
ok it was 73 reviews totaling 315 for an average of 4.315 chiles.
but this puts it at 74 reviews totaling 320 averaging at 4.324 chiles.
not good enough. come on this bike deserves better! it should be on the hall of fame list! post a review! i would be happy to see five chile reviews but i know you have to be honest. later riders | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MrK
a cross-country rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
why is it the average rating has stayed at 4.55 no matter how many five-chile reviews this bike gets? i am going to do the math and find out what the average is. oh yeah, this is a great bike, especially for the price! Ride hard, ride fast.
why is it the average rating has stayed at 4.55 no matter how many five-chile reviews this bike gets? i am going to do the math and find out what the average is. oh yeah, this is a great bike, especially for the price! Ride hard, ride fast. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a cross-country rider
from Stoneham, Mass.
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a blue '97 Karakoram and I must say that this is one great bike. It may not be the flashiest, lightest, or most trendy design on the market right now but it really does its job well. The shorter rider compartment makes it a blast on singletrack and the classic steel frame can really take a beating. If you own one, do yourself a favor and upgrade the components bit by bit. Mine has XT now and a Manitou SX fork. This is a bike that becomes attached to its owners and makes it hard for them to think about other rides. I plan on keeping mine for the next several years and I really look forward to all the great rides we have yet to share together. I guess the aluminum/full suspension set will never get it. Oh well, their loss... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Wurm
a weekend warrior
from Gaytown
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is the greatest i rode all of last year in calgary even through the snow oh my god yes right there oh oh oooooohhhhhhhhh oooops well anyway I reccomend this bike highly you can take this bike for a very hard ride in two different ways if you know what i mean ow ow owooooowwwwwwwwwwww i rode this bike as hard as anything possible. and its always came through | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MrK.I.A.
a cross-country rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: May 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding my Karakoram for 5 months now. 97 model on closeout, it came with the Indy Sl fork (flexy but light). I love the components. The feel and fit is a nice result of great frame geometry, material and craftsmanship. My only gripe now that I have this new bike is that theres nothing left to go shopping for. I use my bike for recreation and transportation. Its a great ride in the dirt, but its capable of ALL terrain. Its a little on the heavy side with flat protection (slime & strips). But if you need every precious gram of gravity on your side then go ahead and pay three times as much. this bikes gonna be with me for a long time. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrian
a downhiller
from Hereford, England
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I spent a long time looking for the right kind of bike for racing dual slalom and down hill as well as jumping and flatland. Alu bikes are to stiff for downhill/jumping so it had to be steel. Full suspension is way to expensive for a students budget and far to heavy for flat land/trials also if your going out for a ride on the tails you want somthing nippy for uphill and down hill. So in my opinion the GT Karakoram frame is perfect, comming with full LX is a great but the pedals and handle bars are shit, I've put Club Roost riser bars on a short riser stem and the extra contol is amazing. If you can pick up a 97 model in the sales you can save a lot of money plus you get a better spec, for £650 I got the bike plus Judy XC forks (can't be bad). After 3 months 4 bad crashes and plenty of thrashing the bike is fine (Dropout was bent back into place twice after crashes no problems - steel is great). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A Harvey
a downhiller
from Loughborough England
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike, well with a few upgrades any way. The steel frame wins over Alu every time in my opinion. I've had my bike for 5 months now and raced it jumped it and crashed it. Only problems have been a bent dropout wich was easily bent back into place and bent rear wheel which was trued easily. This bke could be great for cross country but I've fitted some Judy XC forks flat bmx style pedals and downhill riser bars/stem (50mm) and the bike is great for dual slalom and downhill. Buy two you wont regret it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Miller
a weekend warrior
from Charlottesville, VA
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a '94 Karakoram. Other than a few tubes, a new set of tires, and new cables, I have had absolutely no problems in the almost four years that I've had the bike. With the exception of replacing the rigid fork with a Manitou 5 and switching to clipless pedals (best decision I ever made) it's completely stock. Even down to the 7-speed LX components. It has been completely bomb-proof, surviving numerous spills on the trail, especially when I was learning to ride with the SPDs! I agree with some of the other guys that it's a little heavy, but I say skip that cheeseburger and it will all even out. Down to the candy purple finish, it's the best mtb that I've ever had. The only reason that I would get rid of it is to upgrade to V-Brakes and 8-speed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jakob Thyness
a weekend warrior
from Norway
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the Karakoram last autumn as a replacement for my previous bike, which had been stolen. I'd read favourable reviews of it, and I've been quite pleased with it so far.I bought the bike with a rigid fork, which I've since replaced with a suspension fork, and I've also fitted clipless pedals. I found the riding position a bit too stretched out for my liking, and changed to a different stem after the first day of riding. GT tends to go for a racing-type riding position, and the Karakoram is no exception.The frame is very nice. I still have a soft spot for steel in these aluminium-conscious times. It gives the bike a nice responsive feel, and the so-called triple triangle design makes the bike climb extremely well. It's not the lightest frame in the world, but it's not that heavy either, and it's very rugged. The drivetrain, V-brakes and hubs are all Shimano LX, and personally I don't ask for any better. The other components are good stuff too, I particularily like the bar ends and grips.
The gear cables are routed under the down tube, which can be a problem if you want to fit a Crud Catcher or similar mudguard. Also, it causes some cable rub on the head tube, so a well-placed piece of adhesive tape will keep the cable housing from rubbing the paint off. It shifts cleanly, though, and I've had no other problems with it.I did find the steering response a bit too direct. This was mostly due to the GT rigid fork, and the fairly narrow Kore handlebars didn't help. After I upgraded to a Manitou SX suspension fork, the steering was perfect, and the handling rock-solid. The wheels have Mavic 238 rims and butted spokes. They've remained true since I bought the bike, and the VelociRaptor tyres are great.All in all, I think the Karakoram is a very good bike, certainly one of the best I've had. It's well put together, and can handle any terrain you throw at it. The only niggles I've had are more due to personal preferences than anything else. If you're wondering whether to get one, I can heartily recommend it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Martin
a weekend warrior
from Oakton, Virginia
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently bought a 97 model without the front shock. It was bargain priced at $499 since it was already 1998. I have taken it out on trails several times and have really enjoyed it. It is a nice reliable bike at a good price. I have no significant problems or complaints. The blue paint looks great, though I noticed that it chips easier than an older GT hybrid that I also own. This could just be due to the fact that it gets more abuse than the older bike. At 26 pounds (for the 20 inch model) it is a little heavy, but very sturdy. Since I am not doing any racing, the weight is not a concern. Overall, a fun bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby
a
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: March 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 97 Karakoram. Been riding it for about a year now. Originally it came spec with XT/LX groupset and 97 Manitou Mach 5 SX.Upgraded to a 98 XTR groupset, 98 Manitou x-vert fork, 98 spinergy wheels, kore stem, SDG saddle, 747 pedals, GT handlebars. Rides great, good strong frame. Love the bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl
a weekend warrior
from Lawrence, KS
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased a'97 Karakoram on closeout for $750. It came with the Indy SL shock and full Shimano LX components. I haven't had too many chances to really get onto the trails, but what little I have, this bike is excellent! GT's top Cro-Mo frame is really well designed and handles great. I need to tighten up the cables now, but after everything is broken in properly and fine-tuned, this bike is going to see plenty of action (once Old Man Winter takes off!).
An excellent frame, great components, and a terrific price - I would recommend anyone looking for a high quality bike at a great price to check this one out. 5 big chilis for GT! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Paddon
a weekend warrior
from North Devon, England
Date Reviewed: March 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I brought a 92 Kari (in 92!!), and it has lasted well- took a lot of abuse. The U brake is a dinosaur, but is gone (along with the groovey tube- thank god). Great value for money. I have just snapped a drop out and GT are replacing the frame under warranty (Hurry up GT!! 2 months latter and I'm still waiting!!) Go on, you know it's cooler than a Marin. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jody
a cross-country rider
from Auburn, AL
Date Reviewed: February 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had a '97 Karakoram for about a year and a half and I love it. It's super stable on fast descents and will still claw its way up climbs that leave other bikes getting pushed instead of pedaled. I got hold of the frame and built it up with mainly XT stuff. It's a great frame and is worthy of a number of upgrades. It could be a little lighter but I know this frame will never fail. I also had a '92 Karakoram which has been retired. It was a great bike as well, even if it did have a hideously obnoxious paint job. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
walt
a racer
from austin
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Maybe it's because mountain bike wheels are a much greater diameter than BMX wheels, therefore requiring much less lateral force to taco the wheel. I think we've all been through countless mtb wheels, but I can say I've only tacoed one wheel on my BMX. It is just a matter of time before a wheel, chain, or chainring bites the dust. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a weekend warrior
from Florida
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Maybe it's because I'm mostly a BMX rider or maybe it is not, but you cannot beat the hell out of this bike. Everytime I go ride something goes wrong with it. If GT increased tube diameter for 98 it might help the frameset but come on a fairly small rock put one hell of a dent in my top tube after a single crash. The bike handles well but, it is hard to race a bicycle after a slow speed collision with a tree TACO's the damn rim. Maybe it is because I can't ride good enough yet or I'm just used to BMX where parts hold up but this bike is worth the money(only if you can get it new for 600 U.S. like I did) Oh yeah and the paint SUCKS, after TWO months I can see scratches all over the frame from every little wreck. The only cool thing is that the decals are painted on. I give it 2.92 chili's | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
walt
a racer
from Austin, Texas
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been beating the hell out of this bike since '94, and it has been a stallion! You cannot find a better value out there. The only things I needed to make it race ready were clipless pedals and a shock. I have an old Manitou Sport shock which is pretty much toast, but the bike is still strong as hell. It is so fun to see all these guys at the starting line on their brand new $2000 bikes and me on my beat up hardtail and then blow them off the course!!
I won't get rid of my Karakoram when i finally decide to get a new bike, she'll thrash forever!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chip B.
a cross-country rider
from Memphis Tenn.
Date Reviewed: February 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well I jsut stumbled across this page and started reading all these post on the karakoram. I myself own one, and love it. It's full lx parts. The only thing is i can not remember the year that it is. It has a black with blue splattered paint, paint job on it. It had a front rigid fork the same color and the stem is the same color as the bike. I am guessing it has to be around a 92 to 94 if i am correct. It also has some big horse shoe looking back brake. If anyone knows the year possibly , please e-mail me. Anyway besides that This bike is great. I am 6'2 250 and have bashed and bashedthis bike. I mean it is unstopable. I have taken it through mudd, sand, water, streets. I even go up to a local park where there is a hill to jump and jump it at least once a week, for a hour or so. So if it will hold my weight, and not break or crack it is a damn good bike in my opinion. The only bad thing i did was put on a quadra 21 r front shock on it. This shock is ok, i mean it holds my weight somewhat for all the crazy stuff i do on this bike, but i'll save my comments on that for now. So great bike i recomend it to anyone. I espicaly like the new ones, they ride even better it seems to me.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ganjaman
a racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: January 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
excellent bike! nice price too. anyone who thinks they can get a better bike for the price needs to look a little closer. if only i could give it 6 chilies! rides well in the single track but its not a sin to pound pavement with it either. very versatile and dependable bike. gt frame gauranteed for life. enough said. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a cross-country rider
from Sanford, NC
Date Reviewed: January 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love this BIKE...It kicks butt...I got it for Christmas and so far have ridden it through creeks, uphills, downhills, 5 foot dropoffs and many other things...The LX is Great but hope to upgrade to XTR when LX wears out in a year or two...I don't race but put 580 miles on one bike in one year...I LOVE IT!!! Great with the RSINDYSL, it handles everything from crap to drops....seat and shifters and everything else (RIMS, tires, huvs, shains etc.) are great
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PJ
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my bike even more now (not that I didnt love it when I bought it). I added Ritchey Ti pedals, RACEFACE Cranks, and XT BRAKES+LEVERS!!!! LOVE IT!!!! It is a very good ride, a good racer too. The bike has needed very little work, and it is greatly outfitted with already good (good) LX, and a RSINDY (verygood @ under 3. lbs) Final comment: get this bike if you are a bike lover, but not a DHer. GET IT!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chip
a weekend warrior
from memphis tn.
Date Reviewed: January 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Jsut a quick note on the karakoram. IT is one of the best bikes out there i will say. i had the pleasure of ridding a 97 one and loved it. i my self have aa older one, not sure which year, the year they had the splattered paint job, it's black with blue paint splatered over it. Anyway i have my gt for years and it is the best bike you'll ever have. Trust me if it can take a beating from a 260 lb guy then it's a tuff bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Six Pack Steve
a cross-country rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I started with a gt outpost. it was fine for city and lite trail. but after my buddy draged me out where the real fun rides are he tried to convince me to get an avalanch. i found the karakoram was better suited to my budget. besides the outpost survived abuse like only a gt can. the karakoram is perfect. the 98 bikes are out but the 97 bikes are on sale and the 97 karakoram is sweetened with lx all around plus a indy sl. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Couchman
a weekend warrior
from Deal, England
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
'97 Rockshox yellow bike purchased in France back in August. A bit of an
impulse buy, the bike has grown on me. Handles well but would benefit from
suspension forks (next upgrade) as skeleton is gradually vibrating to dust.
No complaints of the LX componentry, V-brakes or wheel and tyre package, a
good all-rounder, great value for money. A little heavy perhaps but what can
you expect for such a keen price 5570FF (around £580).....so enjoy! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PJ
a racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: November 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
That sap wuse (what's wrong with Pus*y? It just means weak!) wused out, he must have realized he was wrong. GT BICYCLES RULE!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a cross-country rider
from MA
Date Reviewed: November 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the best bike for the best price. Cr-mo is the best frame material in the world. The LX components compliment the rest of the bike nicely. The Indy sl is so light! I like the color (Rock shox yellow) and Kore stem and handlebar. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PJ
a racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: November 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I put MAVIC Crossmaxes on in, Continental Dbl. Fighters, and a Ti rail Selle saddle, Ilove it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sap
a racer
from US
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
it is stiff in the rear. anyone who knows anything about bikes, (i guess that's not you pj) will tell you that the triple triangle frame is too damn stiff in the wrong damn places. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PJ
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: November 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Sap is stupid. It is stiff in the back because it is a hard tail. dumbass, giving it one chillie | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sap
a racer
from Us
Date Reviewed: November 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
bike is too stiff in the rear end, makes my bottom hurt, there are better bike for the money | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Windell
a cross-country rider
from Evansville, IN
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had this bike since January of this year. It is a '96 model, and I originally bought it with a rigid fork and have since upgraded to an Indy XC. The Indy's adjuster knobs hit the cables that run along the downtube and tears them up a little if you crash bad so watch it. I do not know if this year's model does this or not, but it is something you should check on before you buy. This bike smokes my old Trek 830 and the LX stuff is really smooth, but the frame could be better designed I think. I have ridden a Schwinn Moab 3 AL and although it was aluminum it seems to be kinder to your rear than the Karakoram. The Karakoram is pretty stiff in the rear but the bottom bracket area could stand to be stiffer. I guess I feel like it does not have a lot of the advantages of steel and that it does have many of the disadvantages as well. I really cannot recommend it to anyone because there is better stuff available for the money. (GTs are not cheap) Its only redeeming qualities are the components that it comes with. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a racer
from bend, oregon
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Ive raced this bike all season with all lx component except the brakes, Maguras, I only have great stuff to say GT DONE IT AGAIN!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PJ
a cross-country rider
from Washington state
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
God, I love this bike, It is so cool that they put KORE and WTB kevlar seat, Kalloy seat poast, all cool, dont listen to those domb asses who say it snaps, its indestructable, great bike all the way!!!!! 5,000,000,000,000,000 chillies!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PJ Fricke
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: October 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got thie 97 new the end of July, and I only have good things to say about it. A-ok | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew clarke
a weekend warrior
from Manchester, England
Date Reviewed: October 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Banana coloured Karakoram 1 month ago and I was never of it. That was until some robbing git destroged my garage door, drilled the bolts from the bracket on the floor that it was secured to and damaged my car to the value of
£1000 trying to get it out. But thats enough about my bad look. In short its a top quality bike, built to last, be fast and reward like no other mass produced steel racer i've ridden!! I picked mine up in England for £700 with Indy SL forks. WHAT A BARGAIN!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a racer
from MA
Date Reviewed: October 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
this bike sucks, i had it for one month after i snapped the frame on a huge jump. you buy cro-moly cause you think it's strong right? what the hell is this? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe
a weekend warrior
from VA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
this bike is ok, but i expect a little more from gt for their top-of-the-line cro-moly frame. lx components so it's not the best , and i tend to beat the crap out of them, | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a cross-country rider
a
from Placentia, Ca.
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my Karakoram in 93 and let me tell you it is an increadibly well built bike. I hammer it on the weekends and any day in between that I can and I have never had any problems with anything. I have done a little upgrading with shocks and peddals but that is it. Unfortunantly I am going to retire the Karakoram and hopefully get a new Zaskar. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Coop
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is pretty sturdy. I have really beat the begesius out of it. The frame excels on the downhills due to its longish frame. Singletrack can be a little tight. Still, ).though, I have beaten this frame up all over the east coast. In fact, I crashed on a double jump, cracked my helmet down the middle and landed the bike 20 feet away, no damage (visible damage, anyway | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a cross-country rider
from Midwestern USA
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Karakoram in '92, to replace a Tequesta that got ripped off.
For those of us who were around then, A butted Cro-mo frame with a MAG-21,
Was the Mitsubishi Eclipse of the MTB world. Sure Rishi Grewal rode a Ti
Zizang and Tinker was pumping for Klein, but the rest of us rode and raced
Co-mo. With GT's perfect geometry, a mix of XT and LX goodies, this machine was the last of the great full rigid configurations.
Since then AL is the material of choice (I love my Avalanche too.), and
you get looks of you dont at least have an INDY holding your front wheel on.
But I will never fall out of love with the Karakoram.
With her mud trapping u brake in the rear and Groove Tube cable routing, I have slogged through the muck
and hurled myself and my mount down the rocky-est decents.
The Karakoram never flinched. I trusted that bike to get me out of some hairy
shit ALIVE...and Im here to tell you about it.
She was a $580 investment in '92 and with all GT's IT EARNED DIVIDENDS OF CARE-
FREE FUN!
The only complaint I have is the replaceable derailluer hanger (A new technology
in '92) is a point of weakness and will bend.
Since then GT has corrected that bug.When I went to my fav. bike shop to pick up my Avalanche last month, I got stopped
by a Bulldozer Yellow '97 Karakoram. I just stood there with a glassy eyed
grin on my face... and for a moment
I asked myself did I really want that AL machine, when I have
nothing but good memories of that Karakoram back home.I figured I'll keep the old girl, just in case I dont like the feel of AL.So thats how it will be, if you buy that Karakoram. You will never kill it,
and it will grow on you so that you will not have the heart to get rid of it
even when a more HI-TECH machine becomes your primary mount.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eduardo Perez de Castro
a cross-country rider
from Viña del Mar, CHILE
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Within the price range the GT RICOCHET was the best bike I could find. Very versatil and wild. There are some changes that you could make to improve it enormously, and those are: change the pedals for automatic ones, change the ROCK SHOX Indy C for a better one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zak Zivolich
a weekend warrior
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike, rock shox yellow colour is nice but it´s little difficult to keep it clean...
It´s without shocks and there is also some XT components on it....
Great bike..... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Yardi
a cross-country rider
from Santa Barbara CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
All GT bikes are a pretty good buy. After doing some research though I found out that they are a little bit more expensive then the market average, but they have a lifetime frame warranty. | | Overall Rating: |
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$ 780.00
