Quick update on my retrobike, and the new/old/retro/not frame thing.
I pressed the original, knackered-at-the-factory ZZ bearings out, and replaced with 2RS ones:
...and got it built up:
Apologies, as there's little in the way of retro content apart from the frame, rear mech, Dia Compe v-brake and the MX Pro coils. Still, it rides acceptably as tested round the local woods yesterday. Needs a much higher rate rear spring; 650lb/" must be designed for someone without my lardy proportions. I did try a longer Fox Float R, but the BB height became amusingly high, rather like riding a horse.
On the Exage road-width, bend-the-frame, knackered-races dilemma, I thought it was about time I had a go at wheel building:
This is onto one of CRC's £9 LX parallax hubs (non-disc, but right width!), using my existing spokes (same flange diameters, +/- 1mm) and my 217SUP sunset.
(Edit: I also made the mistake of wiping the rim down with acetone, which cleaned it up lovely, but also stripped some of the lettering from the Mavic decals. Can you get or get made, replacements?)
Trued it in the frame, with assistance from strips of tape and zip ties, plus the brakes. Flipping the wheel to check dish.
All sorted and ridden to work for the first time ever in the rain on Friday. Sadly, the Icon extra-sawn-off lightweight bars might have suited me back in 1996 but they don't any longer. Crippling neck pain and numb fingers! I've had to source a wider bar for it. Gripshifts will be going back on when I can source new rubbers for them - anyone know where they can be found for 90s models?
(XTR Rapid-rise was a recent Ebay, and I'm learning to love it. Despite the mech itself being bent, and the seller taking a *very* careful photo to hide it. :roll: )
PC