Rebuilt 2002 Rock Lobster 853

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Yeah the GT is still fully built, see pic.

I've swapped the brakes out since this pic mind and put the Juicy Carbons on my new Rock Lobster and put some Magura Louise on it

Nice colour that GT.

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Yeah it's really nice, from what I researched it's a GT bike done in partnership to be sold with Halfords back in the day.

It's been completely rebuilt mind, as I bought just a frame and a box of bits

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Little update:

I really wasn't happy with the Truvativ chainset I had on the Lobster, I've never ran one before and always been a Shimano guy. Plus it's running an old tapered style bottom bracket, old tech these days.

So my son decides he's selling his bike and buying an electric scooter, so chainset swap time!!

I fitted a through axle Shimano LX chainset and bottom bracket on to his some time back and it was way to good for the bike to be honest, so off it came!!

It's so much smoother now, few spacers required to fit the BB as expected but it runs so nice, almost there now with the build.

Played with the brakes a bit today too as they started to develop a squeal under normal braking. On went the old Hope original rotors and much better now.

Think I'll order some new ones on pay day as they're a little out of shape.

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Well done mate. This looks great.

I’m interested to know how the paint is holding up tho as I’ve heard mixed reviews about rattle can paint jobs and issues with the paint getting hard enough to cope on a bike?

Yours looks great but what’s long term verdict?

Cheers
Andy

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Hi Andy, at the moment it looks really great still. Been on plenty of rides with stones and sticks being thrown up and it seems to be holding up well.

My son did knock his bike against it and made a little scratch but I've managed to build the paint back up and put some lacquer over it, can't even see it now.

It's even holding up well around the rear wheel dropouts, obviously I'd expect some level or wear there but seems good at the moment.

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Spot on and very well done....

Cheers
Andy

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I've noticed recently that there has been a build up of gunk around the pivot on my Hope Mono brake lever.

It didn't feel spongy or any loss of power, but it was more annoying than anything.

I've always wanted to strip a master cylinder and learn more about braking systems, this gave me the perfect opportunity.

I've spent few hours this evening taking the lever apart, cleaning it all and degreasing.

As I was doing one, I thought I may as well do the other!!

I did notice the seals seemed okay as I took the lever apart, but I've ordered new ones anyway, doesn't look like they've ever been done and as they're 16 years old probably about time they were done!!

New seals arriving tomorrow so see how I get on.

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Got at it after work today, new seals arrived from Wiggle, I love their 24 hour free delivery for £10 a year!!

Process was really straight forward, purchase of a circlip pliers was indispensable.

Seals went in nice and easy with a little brake fluid to set them in too, great tip if you've having a go yourself.

After refitting them I've filled them back up, bled the system and left overnight with cable ties on the handles to work the air out.

I'll take the caps back off tomorrow and top back up.

Can't wait to get out on it over the weekend!!

On the subject of brakes, why are you running the more powerful 4 piston caliper on the rear? Usually he 2 piston would be on the rear nd the 4 pot up front.