1996 RM Blizzard *Off road ride pics March, 8th*

Double-E F

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Earlier this year, I came across a great set of rigid forks on Marktplaats.nl: fair-priced, very good condition, Sycnros Powerlites that were offered from closeby; so I bought them :D .

The initial idea was to exchange them with the RC30's on my DEAN Ti, that I have been using as a commuter throughout last summer :cool: .

Unfortunately, the steerer on the Powerlites was just a tad short for the DEAN head tube, which started off the hunt for a suitable frame to do my new Syncros forks justice.

After my plans involving a wishbone RM Stratos frame turned sour :( , I decided to swap my Zaskar frame (that built up did not evoke the excitement I'd expected..) for a 1996 RM Blizzard frame, the well-known Anniversary Edition that has been the centre of several build threads on here recently.

And that was the basis for this period-incorrect, but (IMHO) sweet, build with kind of a Canadian theme.

Frame: 1996 Rocky Mountain Blizzard (17.5")
Fork: Syncros Powerlite

Headset: Chris King Sotto Voce NoThread, black 1 1/8"
Stem: Syncros Cattlehead, black (+ top cap)
Handlebar: Kore
Grips: Lizard Skins
Barends: Onza

Brakes: Shimano Deore XT BR-M734
Brake Pads: Shimano XT/BBB
Brake Cables: Shimano
Cantilever cable hangers: Shimano
Brake Levers: Shimano Deore XT SLR
Shifters: Shimano Deore XT SLR STI units
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT M738 31.8 tp
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT M735
Derailleur Cables: Shimano
Cassette: Shimano HG 7-speed
Chain: Shimano
Cranks: RaceFace Turbine (110bcd, 2-ring)
Crank Bolts: of course
Chainrings: TA specialties
Chainring bolts: SRP
Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN-55
Pedals: Shimano M737 SPD

Hub Skewers: Shimano Deore XT M735
Rims: Araya RM20, grey (super hard)
Hubs: Shimano Deore XT M732
Nipples: Love 'em
Spokes: yes
Tyres: IRC Mythos (front), Piranha (rear)
Tubes: Specialized

Saddle: Flite Alpes Titanium
Seatpost: Syncros, 26.8mm
Seatpost Binder: No brand, 30.0mm

Weight: Relatively heavy (it's steel..)

Last week, after having the final cabling done by my LBS :oops: , I took the Steel Rigid out for a spin around town.

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What do ya think?

I cannot wait for spring to arrive, so I can get out of the car seat, onto a Flite and start commuting on this baby!
 
Re: 1996 steel rigid (RM content)

Very nice Eef. I always think the smaller sizes look the best :D
 
Re: 1996 steel rigid (RM content)

Build looks nice, I just don't like the forks on it :oops:

I'd be interested to here how it rides, though for commuting I doubt it matters.
Short pre-suspension forks on a mid 90's 60mm travel era frame.

Also I think the forks should be clamped a little bit lower on the leg ?

Looks way to small for you too, you should be on ~19" by the looks of it :LOL:, but I'm not riding it.

Is it me or is the seatpost bent backwards ?
 
Re: 1996 steel rigid (RM content)

Im i agreement with fluffy, in that the forks just look out of place :? and it is a bit small for you. Next size up would have been perfect :cool:

Im of the high saddle ilk with mine towering above the bars .Comes with being a real giant :LOL: but mine is a 20.5" frame so theres not a lot of sized above that/ and / top tube length.


If you look about you might find a 190mm long stem :p :LOL:



Very nice otherwise.
 
Re: 1996 steel rigid (RM content)

Nice to see another Blizzard here in Holland. Are you going to get the original decals applied?
 
Re: 1996 steel rigid (RM content)

:? yet another 96 blizzard, and in my size TOO! :(

you need an earlier RM for that fork, 96 is just too late in my opinion.

and since it's too small for you, i'll gladly give it a new home back in Canada. ;)

… seriously, i have a 18.5" 92 Equipe and Hammer i could offer as trade. :|
 
Re: 1996 steel rigid (RM content)

Nice One! Very smooth looking. I'd put some Red cnc skewers on it for the little detail.

B-)
 
Re:

Spring has been in the air all weekend already: a great opportunity to head out on the Blizzard after some slight modifications to be able to ride off-road as well: suspension forks, triple crank set, the original Wheeltech-built wheels..

So, put on my bib shorts :shock: ;) , sunglasses :cool: and got on my way!

Oow, what a beautiful morning :LOL:
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Despite the clear blue skies and warm sunshine, there are still loads of leaves and mud :D !
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Right side of the tracks..
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And back home, ready to be cleaned :)
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After having commuted on the rigid version for quite a while, this bike also handles very well off road: I love it!
Hope you guys are also out there enjoying the lovely riding weather, looking forward to all your pictures..!
 
Re: 1996 steel rigid (RM content)

Great pics Eef! Nothing but rain here though :roll:
 
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