Velopedia Bicycle Archive

1996 Guru Kuku DH II

Original manufacturer specifications including Shimano XTR drivetrain, 26" wheels, 26 lb published weight.

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What Velopedia knows

Model year
1996
Category
Mountain
Original MSRP
$3,250.00
Sizes
Custom
Colors
Brushed, custom Air-Brush, Dark Blue, Polished, Red, Silver, Yellow
Weight
26 lb
Geometry
Legacy reference · Geometry context
Record coverage
32 preserved details · original MSRP · preserved geometry
Archive ID
56791
Image not available

Manufacturer catalog

Published sizes and colors

1 size · 7 colors

Manufacturer-published sizes and colors; availability and exact size/color pairings may vary by market or production run.

Published sizes

Custom

Published colors

Brushedcustom Air-BrushDark BluePolishedRedSilver
+ 1 more color + 3 more colors
RedSilverYellow

Frameset

Frame ConstructionTIG-welded aluminum
Frame MaterialEaston Varilite ProGram
ForkBuyer's choice
Fork MaterialBuyer's choice
Rear ShockBuyer's choice

Drivetrain

Component GroupShimano XTR
ShiftersShimano XTR RapidFire Plus
Front DerailleurShimano XTR, bottom-pull
Rear DerailleurShimano XTR
CranksetRace Face LP Compact
Bottom BracketGuru Shaz
BB Shell Width68mm English
Rear Cogs8-speed, Buyer's choice of gearing
ChainSachs SCM90, 1/2 x 3/32"
PedalsBuyer's choice

Brakes

BrakesBuyer's choice brakes, Buyer's choice levers

Cockpit & Contact Points

Headset1 1/8" threadless Guru NDHStar
HandlebarNitto DH
Handlebar ExtensionsNot included
StemBuyer's choice
SaddleBuyer's choice
SeatpostGuru NC Post, 28.6 mm diameter

Wheels & Tires

RimsMavic 217 SUP, 36-hole
SpokesDT Competition stainless steel, 2.0mm double butted
Spoke NipplesAlloy nipples
Front TireFront: 26 x 2.00" Panaracer Dart DH Magic, Rear: 26 x 2.00" Panaracer DH Magic
Wheel Size26" wheels

Historical reference geometry

Geometry

Legacy reference · 5 measurements

Historical model-level geometry recovered from Velopedia’s original archive database. The source does not identify which listed frame size this reference describes, so fit interpretation is intentionally limited and no size-normalized Archive Context is generated.

MeasurementLegacy reference
Top tube579.1 mm
Head-tube angle71°
Seat-tube angle73°
Chainstay / rear center436.9 mm
Wheelbase1071.9 mm

Geometry source: Historical archive database — model-level reference geometry. The historical source provides one model-level geometry set and does not identify the corresponding frame size.

Geometry tools

Explore this historical geometry

Model-level historical reference

Period context: At 71°, the head angle sits close to the middle of the group among mountain geometries represented in Velopedia for this period. Its 73° seat angle is close to the middle of the group among the same-period mountain references.

Compared with 1571 distinct legacy mountain geometries from model years 1994–1998. Only angular measurements are used because the historical reference frame size is unidentified.
See it in periodOpen an immediate comparison with preserved 1996 mountain geometries. The source frame size remains unidentified.
See its 1996 geometry context

Parts & serviceability

Find replacement parts

3 top part searches
CranksetQualified part search
Race Face LP Compact Named archived component — verify exact version
Front derailleurMatching configuration
Shimano XTR, bottom-pull Interpreted as Shimano XTR · 8-speed · mechanical Named component · published drivetrain speed — verify exact version
Rear derailleurMatching configuration
Shimano XTR Interpreted as Shimano XTR · 8-speed · mechanical Named component · published drivetrain speed — verify exact version
More qualified parts (4)
ShiftersQualified part search
Shimano XTR RapidFire Plus Interpreted as Shimano XTR · 8-speed · mechanical Named component · published drivetrain speed — verify exact version
HandlebarQualified part search
Nitto DH Named archived component — verify dimensions
SeatpostMatching fit standard
28.6 mm seatpost Published diameter — verify length and setback
RimsQualified part search
Mavic 217 SUP, 36-hole Named archived component — verify dimensions

Searches use the archived manufacturer specification, not the components currently installed on a particular bicycle. Confirm the exact model, size and fit before ordering. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Velopedia may also earn from qualifying eBay purchases. Commercial relationships do not influence Archive specifications or analysis.

Used-bike inspection

If you’re buying this bike used

Before any test ride: both brakes should stop the bike firmly and release cleanly; both wheels should run true and be securely attached; tires should have no casing damage; and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals should have no looseness or play.

Follow the full used-bike inspection order →
  • FrameLook closely for dents and hairline cracks around welds, the head tube and bottom-bracket area. Cosmetic scratches matter less than a change in shape or a crack line.Inspect the frame and fork →
  • BrakesTest each brake separately and confirm it stops firmly and releases cleanly. Inspect the pads and braking surfaces for wear or contamination, and check the cables or hoses for damage.Inspect the brakes →
  • SuspensionAsk when the fork and shock were last serviced. Check the stanchions for damage, look for oil at the seals, cycle both units through their travel and test the suspension pivots for play.Evaluate the suspension →
  • DrivetrainShift through every gear under light load and measure chain wear. Confirm that the shifter, derailleur, chain and cassette belong to the same 8-speed system.Check drivetrain wear →
  • Wheels & tiresSpin both wheels and watch the rims for side-to-side or vertical movement. Check for dents, cracks, loose or uneven spokes and hub play, then inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking or exposed threads.Check wheels and tires →
Bike-specific inspection checklist 22 checks based on 6 archived component groups Open checklistClose checklist
0 of 22 checked Progress stays in this browser for this bike.

This checklist uses the archived equipment for this bike. It cannot confirm the condition, service history or later component changes of the example in front of you.

Archived: 1996 Guru Kuku DH II · Mountain bike, front & rear suspension · Published sizes: Custom

Archived: Frame: TIG-welded aluminum · Fork: Buyer's choice · Buyer's choice

Archived: Fork: Buyer's choice · Rear shock: Buyer's choice

Archived: Group: Shimano XTR · Shifters: Shimano XTR RapidFire Plus · Front derailleur: Shimano XTR, bottom-pull · Rear derailleur: Shimano XTR · Crankset: Race Face LP Compact · Bottom bracket: Guru Shaz · Rear cogs: 8-speed, Buyer's choice of gearing · Chain: Sachs SCM90, 1/2 x 3/32"

Archived: Brakes: Buyer's choice brakes, Buyer's choice levers

Archived: Wheel size: 26" wheels · Rims: Mavic 217 SUP, 36-hole · Front tire: Front: 26 x 2.00" Panaracer Dart DH Magic, Rear: 26 x 2.00" Panaracer DH Magic

Controls and contact points

Archived: Headset: 1 1/8" threadless Guru NDHStar · Handlebar: Nitto DH · Stem: Buyer's choice · Seatpost: Guru NC Post, 28.6 mm diameter · Saddle: Buyer's choice · Pedals: Buyer's choice

Before and during the test ride

Follow the full used-bike inspection order →

Build relationships are limited to the archived manufacturer specifications. Confirm exact fit and standards before ordering parts or performing service.

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Specifications are presented as a reference. Components may vary by market, size, production run, or later manufacturer revisions.

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