Sunn Xircuit 1997/8 rebuild **updated 080520**

Purchased this bike from Pete1 on here (top fella and have never received s bike so well packaged!).

It was in canny nick but was a little tired and in need of a refurb.

Pretty much standard when it arrived apart from saddle and tyres.

Here then started my OCD process of stripping, cleaning and fettling.

The first pic is of the age related damage to top tube decal. Most of the other decals had also seen better days so a fresh set of reproduction decals from the legendary Gil M followed.

The final pics in this post show those decals having being applied after a thorough polish of the frame...

Final build pics to follow as completed today....

Like it.

Thanks Tom.

Right, this is a medium frame measuring 18in from centre of BB to top of seat post. The geometry reminds me very much of old Konas of the same period that I’ve previously owned.

I have owned one of these frames in the past but always regretted selling it to fund another project and there’s not many of these on here hence why I chose to do this.

Apart from a meticulous strip down, clean, polish and degrease of all parts these are the parts replaced/addressed.

1. New Full new decal set reproduced by Gil M at the cycle shed. With plenty of water applied to the back of the decals and a mountain of patience I’m pleased with the result that’s like factory new.
2. New Un55 BB fitted.
3. New 1 1/8 FSA Orbit headset fitted to replace the unconventional but standard method of the Dia-Compe Dia Tech system.
4. New Sensa micro bar ends fitted
5. San Marco Ponza saddle fitted
6. New Lightweight folding Continental X King 26 x 2.0 tyres and lightweight tubes fitted (huge weight reduction). The standard wheels were in exceptional condition and only needed a replacement spoke and minor truing.
7. New Sram pg850 8 speed cassette and chain fitted
8. Period Elite bottle cage fitted
9. All new Jagwire cables and brake pads fitted.
10. New Ashima brake noodles fitted which are a huge improvement over older V brake noodles. I’ll fit these to all future V brakes as they are so good!

I know that some will not appreciate a couple of the non period upgrades such as tyres, headset and brake noodles but these in my opinion hugely improve the rideability without much retro compromise.

Weight comes in at 10.7kg without pedals.

Haven’t ridden it apart from in the street to fine tune the gears but it rides fantastic and like a brand new bike.

Well pleased with it.

Might swap the standard chainset for a period XT in future to complete the groupset.

Thanks
Andy

Sunn in the sun

That's turned out really nice!

Thanks...
Historically though I’ve done builds like this that are so immaculate that I don’t ride them and find myself selling them on when another project comes along and regretting it

Maybe also I should have posted this on 1998 onwards bikes? Never mind... apologies....

1998 Deore XT 739 4 arm chainset now fitted.

Lot lighter than the stock ones and digital scales now showing bike at around 10.3kg without pedals.

Lot smoother shifting and well pleased.

First pic is at Hartlepool’s Headland with a lovely sunny backdrop of the medieval Town Wall after a maiden voyage ride along the promenade with the kids...

Cracking work mate, super looking bike..

Thanks guys...

Now my final dilemma!..... Pace forks or leave rigid...
decisions, decisions, decisions!!!!

Rigid for me, that looks cool & I don't like suspension..