GT Tequesta - good all-rounder (GT Karakoram)

Member Name: r_welfare

Product:	GT Karakoram
Date:	22/03/03 (6273 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Nice-looking machine, well-built, good value

Disadvantages: what does "triple triangle" really offer?, shallow handlebar stem, no bar-ends as standard

First off, I apologise that this is a review for a GT Tequesta and not a Karokoram as stated in the review heading. Having said that, the Tequesta was the next model down from the Karokoram in the GT range in the late 90's and I am familiar with both cycles and can honestly tell you there's not much difference.

GT are an American mountain biking company that have risen to prominence on the UK market in the last seven or eight years or so. While not offering much difference over the more established Trek or Specialized brands, the main "signature" feature of any GT mountain bike is the so-called "triple triangle frame". In effect this means that the diagonal part of the frame that rises from the rear wheel doesn't meet the crossbar (the top of the frame) straight-on, but connects to it slightly in from it's end. In effect this means there is a small triangle between the crossbar, diagonal bar leading to the rear wheel and the vertical bar leading from the saddle to the pedal crank. Add this to the triangle made up by the main frame and the section between the rear wheel and vertical bar, and you have the famous GT "triple triangle". Got that? No? Well, I'd draw you a picture...but it's all just too much work.

Now I'm sure that scientists may tell you that this extra triangle provides more torsional stiffness, while others tell you the extra weight from the excess tubing has no benefit...no matter. I'm not a bike scientist, so I say you should try one out for yourself. Certainly I don't think the frame geometry has anything to do with how the bike feels over, say, a Trek or Specialized.

The Tequesta was GT's entry-level "serious" mountain bike in their late 90's range of conventional, steel-framed bikes (they were also getting into aluminium-framed bikes at this stage, but that's a whole new story). The Outpost and Timberline were strictly entry-level mac
hines. The Tequesta offered a 24-speed Shimano STX-RC gearset, Avid single-digit V-type brakes, Mavic rims, WTB tyres and saddle, and a cromoly frame constructed from lightweight Reynolds 525 tubing.

All of which means absolutely nothing to me. So why did I buy this bicycle? Simple - I bought it from a well-known retailer (JE James of Sheffield) which specialises in selling end-of-model-year cycles at big discounts. I managed to get the bike, a 1998 model, in January 1999 for £280, against a retail price of over £450. I know very little about mountain bikes, and bicycles in general, but my brother was seriously into them and had a GT Karokoram (hence the classification of this review!) for many years which stood up manfully to all kinds of abuse.

Luckily my machine has led a more pampered life, clocking up maybe 2000 miles in 4 years, mainly on the road rather than off it. I find it an excellent example of a hardtail (i.e. no suspension) bike - it goes where you want it, the gears shift cleanly (the rapidfire shifters I find so much easier to use than the handlebar-mounted twistgrips of the Specialized I owned previously) and the brakes are strong. You always feel in control of the bike. The build quality of the machine is also excellent - I've had nothing break or drop off, and in four years the paint still gleams and there is no rust or scratches (mind you, I do look after it).

If I had any criticisms, it is that the 18" frame model that I bought doesn't appear to offer perfect geometry for someone like me (5'10" but long in the body) - the handlebar stem is very short and as such I find I have to reach forward a lot to grab the handlebars. Of course, I could buy a taller stem but have just adapted to it as it is.

So, GT make an excellent bicycle, but the benefits of the triple-triangle frame appear to be negligible for the amateur rider.

Summary: