Above: currently fitted w/ road cransk and a front brake...
This thing started life as a GT "Outpost" mtb frame. Below: Earlier stage of development...
.....
I had long wanted one of those triple seatstay framed GT track bikes, or even a converted roadbike. I have one fromt he fixed gear gallery that somebody photographed over an overpass hanging up at work. So when this thing fell into my hands I decided what the heck.
The GT "gtb" track, and the rarer "Pulse" track model, as well as the road frames, are hard to come by. Someone in my area has a neglected GT roadie, but the frame is uber tall so it wouldn't fit even if he'd part with it... However, knock off mtb designs, as well as actual GT mountainbikes, are insanely cheap, often discarded on rubbish day or found for yard-sale prices.
A hacksaw and file saw the removal of the rear cantilever posts, and paint ensured the spots wouldn't rust. I sanded/painted over all the offroad specific "Outpost" model decals on the downtube, leaving only the GT logo on the head and top tubes. The mtb fork came off and on went a road fork painted multiple coats of black to match. Road stem, bars, and lever, and the bike was good to go.
As of 6/19/06, the only remaining improvement is taking off the old mtb cranks of which I am using the middle (42t?) ring and installing proper single ring cranks. That and replacing the quick release seatpost clamp with something that requires tools, to prevent theft or misadjustment.
The bike handles well enough and it is hard to believe, in the cockpit, that it is not a track frame. The shorter top tube is similar to that of most track bikes and the higher bb clearance makes cornering a no worries task. Even in traffic.
Only forseeable future mod: A decent black or even chromed fork that's not repainted. Keeping my eyes peeled.
- Elvis
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