How long should my 93 GT last?

[stevecody]

Hey guys,

I'm just now getting heavily back into trail riding after spending about 15 years riding maybe once or twice a year. To put it into perspective, I've ridden more in the last 6 months than in the last 15 years combined. (at 160 miles this year, I think)

My question: I'm riding my original mountain bike I bought in 93 (I think). It's a 92 or 93 aluminum GT Backwoods. I love it to death. I put front shocks on it because, holy cow, riding on roots and rocks was killing my arms.

Anyway, now that I'm starting to ride 5 to 15 miles per week on rough trails, I'm concerned about the life of my frame. I'm not in a position to replace the bike right now and I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to lessen the stress I put on it while riding (besides slowing down). I ride trails in the Harbison State Forest in Columbia, SC. Mostly roots and rocks on these trails. Some of the downhill sections really seem to rock the bike pretty hard.

Thanks for any advice.
Steve
Bike pic attached for reference

 

[surfdude]

it was built to take the sort of terrain you are riding so i would not worry about the frame regardless of its age . its also a gt and they are very well made . i have a mate like you who loves his and has been riding his a lot for years and apart from up grading bits as they break the frame is as good as ever . get out there and enjoy ripping the arse out of those trails

 

[Drago]

If the frame is undamaged, not corroded, and doesn't have a vast acreage of seat post sticking out then it should be just fine. My Alpinestars has been in regular use since I bought it in 1996 and I'm expecting decades more use out of it.

 

[derrick]

Should last as long as Triggers Broom;-)

 

[Hacienda71]

@I like Skol has a GT which has been used for a few years.

 

[I like Skol]

Welcome to the forum Steve

That looks like a nicely set up old GT. I reckon you will probably break before it does.

@I like Skol has a GT which has been used for a few years.

My 'old' GT is a bit like Trigger's broom but is a super bike that still goes faster over the rough stuff than anyone I have ridden with

PS: I was typing a reply to this thread this morning before work when my laptop ran out of juice

 

[surfdude]

is it still going

 

[ScotiaLass]

My husband has a GT which is still going strong after 7 years.
It's a well built bike and my son has been riding it for the past year with no issues.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Older GTs, Treks, Cannondales were all built to last. I took an '80's Trek 800 out on the trails last week, and it was just fine. I still use it regularly. GTs were better made than that, so you've got a lot of years left in that. You may wish to upgrade components as you desire.

 

[tumingfns]

yes. My Alpinestars has been in regular use since I bought it in 1996 and I'm expecting decades more use out of it.