Weekend Finds - Parts and A GT Timberline

It was the weekend for bike searches. My son and I planned out each and every promising yard sale in West Knoxville and headed out for six locations.

After being less than fruitful at every one we headed home. But that one pink sign on the way forced us to stop. At our first "non scheduled" stop we found handle bar ends. I talked the teenage girl down to 50 cents.

Entering our neighborhood we decided to stop at another. We spotted two bikes: a Murray and a late-80s (I assume) GT Timberline. Having just purchased another GT Timberline it was easy spotting the unusual seat stay attachments:

 

When I inquired about the price the owner said "Man, are you sure? It's gonna need a LOT of work." When I jokingly said "well then, how about 5 bucks?" he said sure!

So, after about ten yard sales, we spent $5.50 and headed home with a whole bunch of nice stuff.

I originally thought I would be parting out this bike but the signature GT seat stays and out of the box thinking with their brakes have me thinking I might change my mind. I really like the unique details in the GT's design. Even the rad 80s Duran Duran album cover graphics are growing on me.

After a little research, it turns out that the bike was new in 1989 which is a little puzzling to me. As a graphic designer I remember a short lived graphic movement with the styling to these logos (Memphis Style) being earlier by a few years - more like mid 80s.

After riding it a few times, I realized that I had found a diamond in the rough... at least for me. It just rides sooooo well. This old GT is going to live its second life as a hybrid in my stable.