Giant Cadex: ’90 890i and ’92 CFM1

[Ferry]

I was 13 when I bought my first mountainbike a 1990 Giant Coldrock, this was quickly followed by a 1992 Giant Cadex CFM2 and the year after a 1993 Giant Cadex CFM1. I am still riding mountainbikes at the moment but not a Giant since.

In January I came across a Giant Cadex 890i and thought it would make a nice bike to commute. It was nearly original except for the seatpost and seat which I replaced for a Kalloy Uno 26.2 mm and a 1990 Selle Italia Turbo. It also had the original tires but I replaced these aswell:

This got me thinking and I started looking for a 1990 Cadex CFM1. It looks like most of these were taken apart for the Shimano XTR M900 groupset but a fortnight ago I found one. Luckily for me I was the first to respond to the ad.

It is clearly not totally original anymore:

So I will try to get in in near original state as possible. I have already found a set of Tioga Biogrips, NOS Shimano PD M737 pedals and one NOS Panaracer Smoke Lite. In the next couple of weeks maybe months I will be looking for:
- Original stem and white handlebars (probably the hardes things to find);
- Shimano M900 brakepads
- Selle Italia Turbo saddle

I do like front suspension though. So I will probably install a (white) Rock Shox Mag21 which was originally equipped on a 1993 Giant Cadex CFM1. A Rock Shox was also an option on the 1992 CFM1. However, I am not sure it was a Mag 20 or 21.

One last pic of the two bikes together:

 

[Double-E F]

That's a lovely set of Giants you got there; you don't see these very often!

Is that the 890i that was on Marktplaats recently?

 

[Ferry]

Thank you. Yes, actually both of these were on Marktplaats recently. The 890i is from Maastricht which is only 15 minutes away. I couldn't believe it still had the original tires mounted. I think it gets harder to find these nowadays especially when these are bought for the components. I plan to keep these as close to stock as possible.

PS very nice collection of Yeti's. My current (non retro mountainbike) is a 2016 ARC C.

 

[Double-E F]

Re:

Thank you too

Are you looking for a white Mag21? I have one still, I think (as I bought a CFM-1 for its components a while ago.. ).

 

[bartsince1975]

Lovely bikes, my first was a 91 CFM-2, especeialy the 890. Rare nowadays and I like the white paint. I remember loving the steel forks of the earlier CFM's, comfy but not flexing in thr wrong directions. Later ones had Alu, dead hard...

 

[KDM]

I had a 90 cfm1 back in 2012, one of the few bikes I regret selling. A lovely and very flickable bike. Giants don't often get the love they deserve but both of those bikes are lovely sir

 

[Ferry]

Re: Re:

Thank you too

Are you looking for a white Mag21? I have one still, I think (as I bought a CFM-1 for its components a while ago.. ).

I have just bought one. It should be in good condition. Could you send me a PM with your price and whereabouts just in case. Might still be interested in one.

No worries for breaking one for parts. It was probably the 1993 model? If it was a 1992 model: I am looking for an original stem and handlebar...

Lovely bikes, my first was a 91 CFM-2, especeialy the 890. Rare nowadays and I like the white paint. I

Yes, very nice paint indeed. Reminds me of certain GT's or Marin's with the painted stem.

I had a 90 cfm1 back in 2012, one of the few bikes I regret selling. A lovely and very flickable bike. Giants don't often get the love they deserve but both of those bikes are lovely sir

Thank you. The CFM1 needs some TLC. I have also regretted selling the 1993 CFM1 back in the day, I bought a Proflex Animal instead...

 

[bartsince1975]

Re:

You are looking for the stainless 1992 stem 1 1/8? Small chance it's still at my parents garage... Wil take some time for me to check, don't live closeby anymore.

 

[Ferry]

Re: Re:

You are looking for the stainless 1992 stem 1 1/8? Small chance it's still at my parents garage... Wil take some time for me to check, don't live closeby anymore.

That's probably the one, I included two pictures of the catalogue If you could that would be great. Take your time I know what it's like, I moved to the other side of the country 7 years ago (Randstad naar Zuid Limburg).

 

[concordino]

Re:

Like you, I have both bikes. Started with a 92 CFM1 and came across an 890i shortly after. I still have both and ride the 890i regularly mostly around town. It is my urban assault machine, love it.

As stated, Giants are underated.