First post here...

hoppington

Retro Newbie
...and not sure it's in the right place but I'll probably get told if not!

******* Wanted **********

85-95 steel MTB frame (or + forks, or possibly whole bike?) to convert into on-road/off-road/adventure tourer. Probably a 20" frame as I'm 6' tall. Would like:

- as many braze-ons and fixings as possible to avoid an expensive trip to the frame guru if I can

- strong rather than too flexy as I might load her up front and back sometimes and don't want her to start wobbling when going downhill at 40MPH

- longish chainstays to avoid heel strike

- all threads clean and no cracks or crash damage but tatty paint and small dings OK as I plan a shot blast/powder coat

- nice tubing (531, Tange) and/or lugged would be a bonus

- if frame only would be nice if it took 1 1/8" steerer to give more choice on forks

Doing this on a tight budget so no perfect collectors pieces please unless you're feeling very charitable!

Also recommendations on makes/models gratefully received: Marin, Trek, Specialised, Saracen, Peugeot?

Thanks
 
Got this frame here not doing much

Bare frame/ forks can be yours for postage and a beer or two.

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Re:

^^ Cant beat that offer :D

I would suggest a Ridgeback 603-605 series from 89-90 as they had all those brazons, were great to ride, very well made and stable under load going fast downhill. I toured on mine. Only prob is they are pretty rare but worth it for the ride. Mine was stolen bitd and I still miss it.
 
Thanks for the offer!

Can I ask a few things about it please so that I don't waste your time.

- how long are the chainstays?
- what size is the frame?
- what do you estimate would be the biggest tyres that it could take (with/without mudguards)?
 
Stays are 16 inch from dropout to axle

biggest tyres have been modern 2.1 Geax, 2.25 Smart Sams were too big

size is a healthy 22 inch

I also have a USA built Gary Fisher steel Hoo Koo e Koo in 21 inch with 16 inch stays, this can also take 2.1 modern sized tyres but will be a bit more than a pint or two
 
Re:

I have a few 20" 1989 Saracens that I can let go. All complete but won't want too much for any of them. Let me know if you want some pictures.
 
If you seek out the early 90's Carrera Katmandu you get lugged Reynolds oversized cromo tubing and bonkers tyre clearance

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Just stripped it down but all parts still here except the stem, takes 60mm tyres with guards as shown and I went off road camping on it, I'm 6 foot and ahem 100kg........options on wheels if you don't want a dynohub. Tange double butted tubing. Got loads of others if you check my posts.
 
Nice to see the options coming in, thanks guys. Pictures welcome as well as frame size, measurement of chainstay length and estimates of maximum tyre width.

For legrandefromage I've got to be honest and say that 16" is too short for me in terms of carrying on the rear pannier so I'm going to have to decline your kind offer.
 
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