My first 650B -- one of the infamous 90s GT Tachyons
232 views
Skip to first unread message
Kevin Brightbill
Apr 27, 2011, 3:29:13 AM4/27/11
to 650b
Hello!
I'm midway through my first year of randonneuring (with the OR Rando
group), and recently put the finishing touches on what'll hopefully be
my go-to bike for many miles ahead.
It's an early 90s GT Tachyon, from back when the company was trying to
introduce their 700D rim/tire size. I think a 1992, to be exact --
kind of convenient, because it has a fairly standard 1" threaded
rather than the now obsolete 1-1/8" threaded which I've seen on a
couple other frames like this. Anyway, the 700D size is just 3mm
larger than 650B, so many of these frames have been given new life in
projects such as this.
There's a few sweet little details on the frame -- the chainstays take
an old Dia-Compe U brake, and the rear brake routing is internal, with
naked cable popping out of the back of the seat tube, kind of (but not
really) like what you see with some Vanilla/Speedvagen models. Perhaps
the coolest thing, though, is the adjustable fork ends -- I'm not sure
of the rake/trail numbers offhand, but she's a very happy rider with
my front bag configuration when I have the front wheel moved all the
way forward. Oh, and there's even a third pair of water bottle bosses
under the DT, which is nice for a guy like me who loves both hydration
and overpacking. The complete bike was sold back in the day with an
awesome paint-matched, constructeur-style reversible stem, but that
one was just too long for me and had to be replace with a trusty old
Technomic.
Anyway, the parts list is pretty straightforward -- 3x8 friction
Shimano drivetrain (only notable part is some awesome white Santé DT
shifters), Sanyo front generator hub, Kogswell fenders, cheapo Nashbar
rack with a Carradice Nelson longflap used as a bar bag (modified to
have side pockets removed).
Cheers! Thanks for a great group/mailing list! I've been a browser/
lurker for a while, but lots of what I've read and seen here has
helped guide, inform, and inspire me!
--Kevin
I'm midway through my first year of randonneuring (with the OR Rando
group), and recently put the finishing touches on what'll hopefully be
my go-to bike for many miles ahead.
It's an early 90s GT Tachyon, from back when the company was trying to
introduce their 700D rim/tire size. I think a 1992, to be exact --
kind of convenient, because it has a fairly standard 1" threaded
rather than the now obsolete 1-1/8" threaded which I've seen on a
couple other frames like this. Anyway, the 700D size is just 3mm
larger than 650B, so many of these frames have been given new life in
projects such as this.
There's a few sweet little details on the frame -- the chainstays take
an old Dia-Compe U brake, and the rear brake routing is internal, with
naked cable popping out of the back of the seat tube, kind of (but not
really) like what you see with some Vanilla/Speedvagen models. Perhaps
the coolest thing, though, is the adjustable fork ends -- I'm not sure
of the rake/trail numbers offhand, but she's a very happy rider with
my front bag configuration when I have the front wheel moved all the
way forward. Oh, and there's even a third pair of water bottle bosses
under the DT, which is nice for a guy like me who loves both hydration
and overpacking. The complete bike was sold back in the day with an
awesome paint-matched, constructeur-style reversible stem, but that
one was just too long for me and had to be replace with a trusty old
Technomic.
Anyway, the parts list is pretty straightforward -- 3x8 friction
Shimano drivetrain (only notable part is some awesome white Santé DT
shifters), Sanyo front generator hub, Kogswell fenders, cheapo Nashbar
rack with a Carradice Nelson longflap used as a bar bag (modified to
have side pockets removed).
Cheers! Thanks for a great group/mailing list! I've been a browser/
lurker for a while, but lots of what I've read and seen here has
helped guide, inform, and inspire me!
--Kevin
Rob Riggins
Apr 27, 2011, 9:34:03 AM4/27/11
to Kevin Brightbill, 650b
I'd like to see photos of this bike. The fork ends and some of the other details you mentioned would be nice to see.
Rob
Minneapolis, MN
Kevin Brightbill
Apr 27, 2011, 12:46:05 PM4/27/11
to 650b
Whoops!
I figured I forgot something...
Here's a mostly in-focus, reasonably high-definition pic --
http://i.imgur.com/NPXyh.jpg
I'll grab more glamorous and details shots later :)
I figured I forgot something...
Here's a mostly in-focus, reasonably high-definition pic --
http://i.imgur.com/NPXyh.jpg
I'll grab more glamorous and details shots later :)
Mark McGrath
Apr 27, 2011, 1:08:56 PM4/27/11
to Kevin Brightbill, 650b
Nice bike - and cool Ringle bottle cage!
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "650b" group.
To post to this group, send email to 65...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 650b+uns...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/650b?hl=en.
jim g
Apr 27, 2011, 2:49:12 PM4/27/11
to 65...@googlegroups.com
>> http://i.imgur.com/NPXyh.jpg <<
Here's some more info/photos of the Tachyon and its sibling, the Continuum...
-Jim G
--
jimg at yojimg dot net
jimg at yojimg dot net
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages