Rail Trail bike build

[Drzdave58]

I recently acquired an Amp Research F1 fork that I wanted to use on my trail bike. Unfortunately the steering tube was an inch too short so I looked around for another suitable frame. I found this older GT frame from the 90s which I thought was pretty cool and the head tube fit the fork. I've been riding it for a couple of days now and am pleased with the performance o

f the fork and how the bike rides overall. In the near future I will disassemble, paint the frame and tidy up everything else.

 

[Cycleops]

Interesting, what is the fork supposed to do?
Did the research ever go anywhere? I guess not.
That seat post looks an awful long way out of the seat tube.

 

[Gunk]

That’s quite cool. I like it

 

[Spiderweb]

That indeed is one cool bike😎

 

[Drzdave58]

Interesting, what is the fork supposed to do?
Did the research ever go anywhere? I guess not.
That seat post looks an awful long way out of the seat tube.

Its a suspension fork from the 90s that a company called amp research put on some mountain bikes mainly Mercedes benz bikes I think. Its a linkage design and works fine for the moderate terrain im riding on. They only made them for a few years I think but I believe the company still exists.The seatpost is high because its only a 19 inch frame. I like that the top frame tube extends past the seat tube for extra support so it should be fine and it is chromoly steel.

 

[I like Skol]

Now that is a sweet looking GT frame. I think you will have to give it to me so I can add it to my GT stable.

 

[Drzdave58]

Now that is a sweet looking GT frame. I think you will have to give it to me so I can add it to my GT stable.

I thought it was pretty cool too. I like all the curved tubes. It will look great all tidied up and painted.

 

[I like Skol]

I'd stick with an oily rag restoration and keep the paint/decals as they are. Lose them and you lose some of the character/history of the bikes roots.

 

[Drzdave58]

I'd stick with an oily rag restoration and keep the paint/decals as they are. Lose them and you lose some of the character/history of the bikes roots.

Thats something to consider . I haven't decided for sure if I will paint it or not. The decals are in good shape. The frame paint is probably 80% good, with usual signs of wear. Its at that point that I could go either way.

 

[I like Skol]

Currently got 4 x GT triple triangle MTBs in the house ranging from 1996-2016, a 2011 GT roadbike (for sale) and a GT Grade road/gravel bike. Also had a GT Traffic rigid hybrid for a long time as my commute bike until the frame cracked. As a brand I think GT were the sweet spot for a long time, but not excited about any of their current offerings.....

 

[Cycleops]

I'm guessing you're in the States @Drzdave58 Would that be considered a cruiser type bike?

 

[Venod]

I'm guessing you're in the States

That would explain why I have not seen one of these frames before, but I quite like it.

 

[Drzdave58]

I'm guessing you're in the States @Drzdave58 Would that be considered a cruiser type bike?

I'm in Canada..they were probably just offered in North America.
I think it was sold as a hybrid bike. I couldn’t find much info on it online. I’m on the lookout for another one.

 

[Spiderweb]

I thought it was pretty cool too. I like all the curved tubes. It will look great all tidied up and painted.

I think it looks perfect as is. Leave it original would be my choice👍

 

[Gunk]

I personally really like the patina, it’s only original once.

Here is a Claud Butler I rescued and restored a few years ago, after cleaning the frame I just clear coated it with satin lacquer to preserve the originality. Not everyones cup of Earl Grey, but that’s my preference, I’ve restored over 20 bikes now and I’ve never repainted a frame.