Project No. 1: Alpinestars Cro-Mega XT '1992 meets 2008'

Going back to the problem of fitting 80mm travel forks 'bikehoarder' very kindly measured his original rigid forks from his cro-mega, from headet to axle these measured approx 412mm, the Rock Shox Reba's (at 80mm travel) that I plan to fit measure approx 450mm. Thus, I'm approx 38mm out.

My solution is to skim 10mm off the lower steerer tube and use a Hope semi integral headset. The headset should save me around 15mm on the standard oversize alpinestars headset. Leaving me 13mm away from the bikes original set up. Which will not be perfect when I have the forks locked out for climbing, but no disaster either. In general use the sag should make it ride perfectly as intended.

Interesting.
Are the new larger diameter handlebars the same size that Alpinestars used to make?

Rampage":2psz8z1v said:

Interesting.
Are the new larger diameter handlebars the same size that Alpinestars used to make?

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Not sure on that one but I reckon they might be. The alloy bars/stem you got as standard were certainly oversize and thicker than anything else on the market at that time.

sinnett177":27tkrvdx said:

Leisure Lakes are one of the tightest shops I've come across, if cheap bits are what your after steer clear.

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Funny that, I've been going there for around 10 years, made several large purchases, helped with building the jumps for the filthy 48 when they were short handed and I usually get a pretty good discount although I never ask for it.

stevet1":3blpwb29 said:

sinnett177":3blpwb29 said:

Leisure Lakes are one of the tightest shops I've come across, if cheap bits are what your after steer clear.

Click to expand...

Funny that, I've been going there for around 10 years, made several large purchases, helped with building the jumps for the filthy 48 when they were short handed and I usually get a pretty good discount although I never ask for it.

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I've always found them bit off and impersonal, compared to merlin and chain reactions I find them extremely pricey too. I guess it's all down to your individual shopping experience.

Can anyone tell me what diameter seat post this correct for this bike, be most grateful cheers Mark.

UPDATE 25/06/08

Frame:
The frame is now shot blasted and has come up well. The tubes are TIG welded together with cable hangers etc brazed on. My modifications have started with the front mech hanger being replaced by an e-type setup. The cable routing has been changed in order for a crud catcher bosses to be positioned and many of the unwanted holes formally used for rear mudguards and cable routing below the BB have been sealed with weld as I see no use for them. The crack on the seat post is repaired again by using TIG welding and grinding back. Next job is to cut away a little of the rear drop out to enable the rear disc to be fitted and then reinforce, I.S. mounts will then be fabricated and a rear disc cable route established. Finally the lower headtube will be skimmed for extra room for the suspension fork. (I'll get pics of frame once all metal work is completed).

Parts:
The forks that I'm using are Rockshox Reba's, these have been reduced to 80mm travel and are currntly receiving a retro Rock Shox gold paint finish with original Rock Shox decals. These are really going to set the bike off (again I'll post pics when completed).
The rest of the bike essentials are now purchased. I went with the Hope Integral Aheadset to create more room for the fork. The groupset is all 2008 XT with the exception of the BB and chainset which is Hollotech 1 octalink type (2006), which I got a great deal on. I also got a bargain on some super light magura marta SL disc brakes, a full set brand new for £138 posted on ebay. Bars, post and stem are raceface evolve XC, bar ends x-lite, saddle selle italia flite and the tyres schwalbe nobby nic's. Wheels are Xt hubs on Mavic 717 Disc built by merlin (I won't bore you retro lads with pics of modern parts).

Paint and Decals:
The frame will be reblasted prior to paint and all the gas holes (from manufacture) and a couple of dents filled using filler. I'm getting the frame painted in 2 pack primer and 2 pack gloss black by the same company who did the shot blasting (Blastech in Morecambe). The mirror decals will then be applied under the super thick 2 pack lacquer, should look nice. The decals arrived this morning (see below) from a company called hollographics.com who specialise in race car graphics (F1 and Le Mans). They aren't cheap (£70) but my god are they high quality and the customer service is A1. Once the frame is completed I'll post pics if I can wait long enough without building when it gets to this stage.

Build:
Simply cannot wait. Realistically though with work commitments I think early September to start build.

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Hiya, This sounds like a great build. as you can tell by my name, I'm really into taking old, and/or broke stuff and making something new or bringing em back to life in what ever way, and a stealthy jet black build sounds fantastic. back to the future!

Keep us posted with pics.

Ok it's been a while since I started this but hopefully I'll have it ready for the peaks. The final metal work for the rear disc is happening this week before it gets a quick blast and painted in 2 pack black. To wet your appetite this is the spec list.

Frame: Alpinestars cro-mega

Fork: Rock Shox Reba SL reduced to 80mm

Headset: Chris King Devolution 1.25 to 1.125
Stem: Race Face Deus XC
Handlebar: Race Face Evolve XC
Grips: Lizard Skin Lock On
Barends: X-Lite Enduro

Brakes: Magura Marta SL
Brake Calipers: Magura Marta
Brake Pads: Goodridge Sintered
Brake Hoses: Magura

Shifters: Shimano Deore XT
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT E-Type
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT Shadow
Derailleur Cables: Shimano Deore XTR
Cassette: Shimano Deore XT
Chain: Shimano Deore XT
Cranks: Shimano Deore XT
Crank Bolts: Shimano Deore XT
Chainrings: Shimano Deore XT
Chainring bolts: Shimano Deore XT
Bottom Bracket: Shimano Deore XT E-Type
Pedals: Shimano Deore XT SPD

Hub Skewers: Hope Silver
Rims: Mavic 717 XC Disc Black
Hubs: Shimano Deore XT
Nipples: Brass
Spokes: DT Revolution
Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic Evo 2.25”
Tubes: Schwalbe

Saddle: Selle Italia Flite Carbonio
Seatpost: Race Face Evolve XC
Seatpost Shim: USE thermoplastic 27.2 -29.4
Seatpost Binder: Hope Silver

Weight: Unknown

AS Gear

Can lend you a suitable shirt for the Peaks ride if you want...

Mr K