1991 Gary Fisher Mt Tam - Restoration Project

[ScooterPie]

I need to find original XT shifters to replace these Altus shifters.

Hi, great bike !
I have some st-m091 brifters surplus, if those are what you're after?

Thanks! Thanks for the offer too. Please PM me the details for your ST-M091's: price, picture, shipping origin. I already ordered replacement shift pods only. I found a great deal on Ebay for NOS. I might still be interested in your complete set for backup or if there are issues with the new shifters.

 

[ScooterPie]

New Deore XT Shifters

I received the new DeoreXT shifters. I sourced the left and right independently. The left/front shifter is from the same ST-M092 series as the brake lever mounts, but the right shifter is from the newer ST-M095 DeoreXT group. Good news is it will work fine (interchangeable with ST-M90 through 95), it's brand new, and it was relatively cheap. Bad news is obvious: it's not the original part .

 

[ScooterPie]

Breakdown

Things have been moving on the Mt Tam. I'm getting closer:

The bike is stripped and I've been working on cleaning up the parts and frame. The BB is perfect so I left it. The headset races are fine and easy to clean installed, so I left those too. This restoration will actually be more of a cleaning and overhaul as everything, except the fork was in very good working order to start; just a little dirty.

Risse Racing called yesterday and the fork should be here any day.

 

[ScooterPie]

Drive train Refresh

The Deore XT drive train on this bike was in perfect working order but dirty and neglected. They just needed a little cleaning. I used a mild degreaser, followed with soap and ware. The rear derailleur pivot points and springs are all working great so I didn't break it down beyond basic parts. Again, this is more of a deep clean and overhaul rather than a restoration. On that note, the derailleurs could use some polishing. I will one day do a complete breakdown of the rear der and polish at that time. For now, the weather is beautiful here and I can't wait to ride this thing!

 

[ScooterPie]

Deore XT M735 Rear Derailleur

Before & After Deore XT M735 Rear

 

[ScooterPie]

RS-1 Restored by Risse Racing

I got the fork back from Risse Racing. They did a complete rebuild and replacement of all seals--plus they replaced the original ball valve (which was prone to leaking and rotting out over time) with a a schrader valve; nice! I think I have just about everything needed to rebuild and ride. I'm close to a factory rebuild with the exception of a few items. I may casually look for an original saddle, grips (mine have been cut short though I will use them), toe clips and straps, and tires, but for now I will run what I have with new modern tires.

 

[ScooterPie]

RS-1 Original Ad

Here is an ad for the RS-1 from back in the day.

 

[ScooterPie]

RS-1 Review

Reading this article really gets you excited about the RS-1

 

[ScooterPie]

1991 Mt Tam Ad

These images came from another RetroBiker post 'Rare 1991 Gary Fisher Mt Tam with RS1'. I thought they would be fitting in this thread too. Thanks, kokies!

 

[ScooterPie]

Rebuild Time!

While I still need tires, saddle, clips and straps, and grips... I made do with what I have to go for a ride. The rest of the parts are all original as came on the bike new in 1991. I was even able to use the original braided, super thick OG Deore XT cable I cleaned everything up and repacked all the bearings (except bottom bracket which is sealed cartridge and good to go as is). The fork was rebuilt by Risse Racing.