Just get out there and ride! Don't need lycra or special shoes. A helmet is optional...your choice.

I am just a guy with a love of the bicycle and a firm believer it is a viable form of transportation. The bicycle is an amazing invention. It allows a small human to transport a large load over long distances easily. It is THE MOST ENERGY EFFICIENT FORM OF TRANSPORTATION...PERIOD!!!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Sneak Preview

Not everything I work on is of the vintage or classic realm. I suppose this bike is pushing vintage seeing how it is 22 years old. I bought this bike new in 1989/90. Don't recall the exact date and I am too lazy to go and find the sales ticket for it.

This was my first mountain bike and I used it for several years for trail rides in the mountains. Eventually I put street tires,  fenders and racks on it and used it as a commuter. It was stolen and recovered around 1996. I sold it to a buddy of mine around 1998. He used it as a commuter and had it stolen and recovered around 2001. It came back home in February of 2007.

It has been hanging out in the back of the storage/shop area while I accumulated parts for it. It is now being reborn as an expedition tour bike. I had it on the stand today to do some test fitting and component compatibility checking. So here is a quick look at the semi-finished product.
 I kept the original 21 speed Suntour XCM drive train. I did have to replace the freewheel with an IRD after trashing the OEM Suntour one. Racks are Jandd Expedtion, fenders are Planet Bike Hardcore ATB, bags are Ortlieb Classic Rollers and a Lone Peak handlebar bag. Handle bars are Nashbar Trekking  with an adjustable stem. Saddle will be a black Brooks Flyer. Still have a few odds and ends to round up for it, but it might be road worthy by Memorial Day.

I am looking for the next frame size up in this bike if anyone runs across one. I need the 23" frame, IIRC this size and colour scheme was only available from 1988-1990.

Aaron

3 comments:

Big Oak said...

If that bike could talk, I bet it would have some stories! I've had three bikes stolen that never returned.

Please keep us updated on your progress, as I'm anxious to see how it turns out when your are ready for your trip.

2whls3spds said...

Will do on the updates. I have had a few too many bikes stolen over the years, this is one of only 2 that have ever been recovered.

Not sure what if any trips I have planned. Probably a few S24O's. I also plan to use it for heavy grocery hauls to the stores that are further away than my local one.

Aaron

Mandie said...

Hi, I came across your site and wasn’t able to get an email address to contact you. Would you please consider adding a link to my website on your page. Please email me back and we'll talk about it.

Thanks!

Mandie Hayes
mandie.hayes10@gmail.com