Rebuilt 2002 Rock Lobster 853

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Thanks Miake, it looked a bit daft with silver wheels when everything else was black. You can't beat fat michelin tyres on a bike either

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First proper XC ride on her yesterday, mix of road, cycle path, forest track and single-track. Majority of ride was 90% uphill for the 10% single-track descent, and it ate it up like a dream.

The bike felt smooth and climbed really well, wheels biting in nice on the loose gravel and fire track and gears smooth and efficient.

Few tweeks when I got back as front chainring wasn't selecting properly, little turn of the screw driver and done. Also needed to reposition the front brake hose as it was catching the tyre every now and again, 2.1 tyres really are the maximum I can fit on this bike

New Hope headset on the way as well as a Hope Head Doctor, really not happy with the crappy bearing cages in the Ritchey headset and can't quite seem to tighten the Star nut enough.

Watch this space for updates

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Bit more fettling today!!

Realised the Deore brakes I had on there didn't really do the bike justice and needed something a bit more retro and classy.

Only one answer for it, take the Hope Mono brakes off my GT I-drive and swap them over.

Bit more than just changing over though as the discs I had with the brakes were slightly out of shape, a vice and mallet later and job done.

What a difference, much more powerful, easy swap and got rid of horrible adapters.

I think you'll agree they look the part too

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Turning into quite the weapon!

Cheers mate, just need to think the forks.

The 130mm travel Recon 327 are OK, but rather go a bit shorter I think.

I'll fit the Hope headset and Head Doctor when they arrive then make a decision.

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Shorter forks would be more in keeping with the era, unfortunately less fun though

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Finally getting there now I think!!

Added a 2nd hand hope headset that I picked up off Gumtree for a steal as well a s a brand new Hope Head Doctor to tie it all in.

I don't think I'll ever use a star nut again, these just feel so solid in the steerer tube and the solid feeling gives me great confidence!!

Pic attached, I think it looks really nice, black would have been better but they're like gold dust.

I honestly can't think of anything else I want to do to this bike now except ride it, although I'll probably keep playing with things when I get bored.

I like that a lot.
Very skilled home re-paint to get it looking like that.

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Thanks very much, I must say I was very pleased with myself as never sprayed anything before. Just took my time and waiting between coats.

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Received a nice upgrade through the post today, these stunning Fred Salmon skewers from Leebboy, love them, thanks Lee