Vintage GT Tequesta / Daktari Black / Shimano 3×7 / Nitto BMX cockpit
Another 1990s GT, but this time I wanted to go bigger.
After building a smaller GT from the same era, I wanted to see what happened when you took one of these classic triple-triangle mountain bikes in a larger frame and pushed it slightly further towards BMX territory.
The answer is this.
At the centre of the build is an original GT Tequesta in Daktari Black — black paint covered in the distinctive white scribble graphics with the wonderfully loud yellow, red and white GT decals.
Rather than restore it back to catalogue specification, I built it around a completely different riding position.
Up front are Nitto B722CP Retro BMX 8" handlebars, paired with a Salt Plus 50mm BMX-style stem. The combination gives the bike a high, short and relaxed cockpit that completely changes how it rides.
It genuinely feels a bit like a giant BMX.
Not in the sense that you're going to take it to the skatepark, but in how upright, manoeuvrable and playful it feels at slower speeds. This has become exactly the sort of bike I enjoy riding alongside the kids: comfortable enough to potter around on, but still a proper geared mountain bike underneath.
The drivetrain remains gloriously old-school with a 3×7 Shimano setup, giving plenty of range while retaining the tactile simplicity of early Shimano SIS shifting. Shimano Deore LX components feature throughout much of the drivetrain, paired with period rim brakes.
The cockpit is finished with Nissen cable housing throughout, using a mixture of colours that works surprisingly well against the already chaotic Daktari graphics.
A set of tan-wall DMR tyres finishes the build.
I've also photographed the bike with a simple Decathlon front bag to show how well the tall-bar setup works for day trips and carrying a bit of gear.
It isn't a museum restoration. It has marks, wear and evidence of the life it had before this build — exactly how I like these bikes.
A vintage GT designed to be ridden.
Specification
Frame: GT Tequesta, Daktari Black
Frame measurement: Approx. 18" centre of BB to top-tube junction / approx. 20" centre of BB to top of seat tube
Wheel size: 26"
Handlebars: Nitto B722CP Retro BMX 8", chrome, 660mm
Stem: Salt Plus 50mm BMX-style stem
Drivetrain: Shimano 3×7
Crankset: Shimano Deore LX triple
Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore LX
Shifting: Shimano SIS indexed/friction setup
Brakes: Shimano / Deore LX-era rim brake setup
Cables: Nissen housing throughout
Tyres: DMR tan wall
Saddle: Black saddle
Please note
The front bag and pedals shown in the photographs are for illustration purposes only and are not included with the sale.
They are pictured to demonstrate the bike's setup and its potential as a practical day-trip / everyday riding bike.
Sizing
Vintage mountain-bike sizing is far from consistent, so I prefer to provide the actual frame measurements rather than relying entirely on a nominal size.
Measured from the centre of the bottom bracket:
Approx. 18" to the top-tube junction
Approx. 20" to the top of the seat tube
The high-rise BMX bars and short stem also create a significantly shorter and more upright riding position than the bike would originally have had.
Please compare the measurements with a bicycle you already ride comfortably before purchasing. I would say it would fit someone between 5ft 7 to 6ft approx.
Condition
This is a vintage bicycle and should be expected to show cosmetic marks, scratches, patina and signs of previous use.
The drivetrain and components also display age-appropriate wear.
It has been rebuilt as a rider rather than restored as a concours example. The photographs form part of the description, so please study them carefully if condition is particularly important to you.
Delivery & Collection
Collection is very welcome.
For buyers further afield, I can arrange UK mainland delivery via Paisley Freight, typically costing around £90, depending on destination and current courier rates.
The bike will require some minor disassembly for transport, normally including items such as the front wheel, handlebars and other components necessary for safe packaging. Some straightforward reassembly and setup will therefore be required on arrival.
If you're in or around London / Greater London, please contact me before purchasing as I may be able to arrange delivery at a considerably lower cost.
For Highlands, islands, Northern Ireland or other non-mainland destinations, please contact me for a shipping quote before ordering.
