Now, I know this is a '99 frame, and doesn't fit awfully well in the -> 1997 category, but c'mon it's a Psyclone...

So, Part 1 - The Early Years

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away... in fact, back in 2000 I was in the market for a new frame. I didn't know what I wanted apart from I knew that i didn't want aluminium and I quite fancied a top end steel frame.

At that point I'd had a 92 GT Timberline, which I basically ridden to the point of destruction, and graduated onto a 94 Orange Clockwork (which I still have). Anyway, after going into Mud Dock in Bristol and being told that no one made steel frames anymore, I wondered around the corner to Bike Tech and got chatting. Next thing I know, the guy pulls a Psyclone frame from the back room....and that was it. Deposit paid, and I ended up with a pimpy pearl white 1999 Reynolds 853 Psyclone for £450, when it should have been £750.

The serial number is 99P009.


Si's Psyclone Frame by SiPsyclone, on Flickr

When I was choosing my Timberline back in 92, I always perved up the earlier yellow True Temper model in the catalogue. So finally getting my hands on an actual Psyclone of my own was a right result. Not sure if it was the skinny tubes or what, but I just always wanted one.

Next step was building it up. On went a Chris King headset, Pace RC45 100mm stem and RC36 Evo 3's, along with a Hope XC4 on a Hope Bulb. All of which are still on the bike - apart from the forks. I got that lot from Avon Valley Cycles in Bath, and I was planning to save some cash by scrimping on the headset and stem, but clearly that plan went out of the window...

I know I added a Roox Carbon 1" Flat Riser, Gore Tex cables, Hope Ti Skewers, and then completed the build with mostly XT and a few bits nicked off my Clockwork - Hope Ti-Glide, Flite etc.

I can't find many good pictures of the original build, but this is the back end with the first chain set on it. The photo must have been a touch later as i'd changed the rear mech from XT to XTR, and the solid black (ugly) Deore V's to XT's.


rear end by SiPsyclone, on Flickr

This one is worth including, simply for the horrific wallpaper. In my defence, I rented that flat ! Nice TV huh...


Si's Psyclone by SiPsyclone, on Flickr

Straight from the word go, I got on and raced it... this was the Karrimor Enduro 6, maybe 2001 ? Still got the Pace Evo 3 and Deore V's on the rear


Enduro6 by SiPsyclone, on Flickr

Even took it to Moab in it's original spec. Think this was 2002...


slick1 by SiPsyclone, on Flickr

Straight from the first ride, the bike felt pretty light and very quick. I remember thinking that the steering was really quick compared to my Clockwork. One thing the bugged my though was the Pace fork. It just didn't feel right. Too much travel for the frame, so I swapped it out for an RC38 Airforce 2 and the bike just came alive. The reduced travel, lower front end, lockout and reduced weight was amazing.

And to be frank, it just looked about 10 times better with that fork on it!


Si's Psyclone3 by SiPsyclone, on Flickr

With it being my main bike, it got used all the time. I've raced Mayhem on it a load times (including last year), I finished 7th in the pairs at Sleepless In The Saddle years back on it, it's been to Moab and taken me around Slickrock, it's been to Spain, it's been all over he UK. Don't get me wrong, its been well looked after, but it's been ridden hard.

Here it is post Mayhem (not sure which year, maybe 2003 or 2004?), now with a USE Alien Ti fitted ...


Untitled by SiPsyclone, on Flickr

I'll get around to doing Part 2 soon (the Wifes telling me that dinners ready).... that should cover off the bike being nicked, the destruction of the RC38 and some changes that i've made over the years...

Enjoying this Si, love reading about bikes that have a history. Glad to hear you've put those X-Lite bars to good use!

Excellent history on your Psyclone there Si

You look so young ......

Yeah I know.... scary isn't it !! Was thinner then as well !

Thanks Chap. Those bars are certainly being put to good use... will get some pics up ASAP

I think we all were, Your thinner on top now if that helps..... I'l get me hat....

Great story mate.Nice to see a bike get upgrades rather than dumped in favour of newer model.

Damn classy!

Great bike si, love it in this spec,



Looking forward to part 2!!!

Luke

Great write up, waiting for the next instalment

I had a Karakoram inferno bitd, sold it to a mate and have just sent him a text on the off chance that its gathering dust in his garage and I can buy it back......and its all your fault

Awesome! I did more or less the same myself a few weeks back. My mate had a 94 GT Pantera sat around with Mag 21 SL Ti's on it so I mailed him, and now it's sat in my garage ...all for £50!

PSYCLONE = best frame ever produced...EVER!!! IMHO anyway.

I have a similar story, was out ridingt my titanium GT, and went into a LBS I almost never go into, got to talking with the owner, he said he had an old 94 Psyclone a thousand miles away at his dads house and he said he was going to auction it off - STOP RIGHT THERE...I did everything short of getting on my knees and begging him to sell it to me - I was in a week later with my deposit, I ended up with a complete bike for 450.00$.

She needs alot of work, I have my build kit (XTR) for it, but I need to powder coat it first and get some decals. She's my baby, I love her.

(side note: I used to own a Psyclone back in 93 or 94 - so, I know how they ride, thus why I love them).

Here is a pre-build pick.

Damn... That looks awesome! Can't wait to see that when you're done!

There was an 853 one on EBay last week, same year as mine I think, and I still wanted it. I could get a little obsessed with them!

I agree, I saw a first year "Cyclone" on ebay like a month ago, and it was complete and went cheap (less than 400.00$) - I hated watching it go, I hated even more not having the moolah to buy it.

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... t=psyclone

This frame will be reincarnated in a few months...
Still on the hunt for some bits'n'pieces...

Nice weekend!