MY 1994 MARIN BEAR VALLEY SE

Canadian

Canadian

Dirt Disciple
I thought my 95 Giant Rincon would suffice.
Fell into that for a good price and it was in excellent condition.
Just what I needed for an example of a good old steel bike.

A friend has a 1994 Scott Sandoa.
Bought it new.
The STX Special Edition parts always intrigued me.

That is how I got very interested when I saw the ad for the Marin.
The ad listed all these STX SE parts.
A quick google lookup and I called.
Got there in 30 minutes.
Haggled a bit - took the bike home.

 
It didn't have the Ritchey grips or the DX pedals when I bought it.
The grips I was saving for the Rincon, and the pedals were already on it.
The stock Marin grips ended up on the bar ends.
When I realized that the Bear Valley SE had Ritchey rims, on went the grips.

 
I couldn't believe my luck.
I was going to get an STX SE groupset at a bargain price.
That alone was worth the deal and then some.
The only things missing from the groupset were the pedals, headset and bash guard, items that didn't come with the bike originally.

 
The bike was almost 100%.
Only the saddle (Schwinn) and the tires (Vee Rubber) were not stock parts.
Sadly, a lot of decals were removed from the bike.
But every Special Edition tag is where it is supposed to be.
The bike is not in perfect condition by any stretch.
But it is in great condition for a bike that was used every year, though very little.

 
For sure, I will be adding at least a Ritchey saddle and tires.
I would use a Marin Lite saddle, but I won't hold my breath.
Same with Rockstar tires.

 
I will try and get the Bear Valley SE decals, the US flags and the head badge.
I think there is at least one decal on the seat stay I don't have, maybe more.
If the price is right I would put all new decals on.

 
The bike got a bunch of hours cleanup, carried out over the evening.
A few beers, some whiskey shots and a cigar or two made the occasional break.
I still need to take the crankset apart to get at the last bits.

 
My interest was tweaked when I saw another Bear Valley with a rear disc tab welded to the frame. Front and rear discs would be a great upgrade.
But I would lose the STX SE hubs.
Can't do that.

 
Oh. I forgot to mention that I have an STX SE headset.
So, I'm toying with just doing the saddle, tires and headset.
Ad the bash guard if I find one.
Pedals - I prefer my DX ones anyway, so not an issue.

 
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