1989 Klein Top Gun

[Canuckbiker]

Look what followed me home from the local swap meet yesterday

Another Klein build . Really looking forward this one, Top Gun’s seem pretty rare, I got a great deal I think, even found an appropriate Spinner fork for dirt cheap at the swap

This won’t end up in my collection but it’s looking positive that my oldest son may want it, would be great to keep it in the family

The factory paint is actually in quite good condition, no repaint planned for the frame, on the fence whether to paint the MC1 red and also paint the fork with the Patriot fade, black on black doesn’t look bad at all, but if I can pull it off, original colour scheme would be best I think

The purchase also included Klein OG decals, no repops

 

[Retro_Roy]

will be watching.

 

[Canuckbiker]

It's looking like an early one, serial# TG02F, if my online hex converter is correct this would be #47

 

[Canuckbiker]

It's definitely looking like this build will end up in my sons hands so I'm loving that, always more fun for me when the finished build stays close to home

This will however influence the direction the build takes, I'll be offering up opinions as I'd do with any of my local collecting buddies but in the end we'll go in the direction he chooses of course.

My other son gifted me the below red Selle Italia XO saddle a few Xmas's ago, it currently does not have a home, last night I threw it on with a Syncros post and some tan wall covered wheels to get an idea of the stance. The XO is too new if we end up going more period correct of course but I think it makes a good case for using a red saddle

Note: decision has been made to repaint the MC1 red and the fork with the Patriot fade

 

[Canuckbiker]

An interesting detail on the 20" Top Gun frame: the rear brake noodle and lack of the typical brake cable bridge

I had noticed the noodle approach used on XS Attitudes, etc that came later which makes a bit more sense due to the compact seatpost cluster

Possibly this is an example of Gary trying the idea out early on and eventually only using it on the XS frames?

 

[Prodigal Son]

It's definitely looking like this build will end up in my sons hands so I'm loving that, always more fun for me when the finished build stays close to home

This will however influence the direction the build takes, I'll be offering up opinions as I'd do with any of my local collecting buddies but in the end we'll go in the direction he chooses of course.

My other son gifted me the below red Selle Italia XO saddle a few Xmas's ago, it currently does not have a home, last night I threw it on with a Syncros post and some tan wall covered wheels to get an idea of the stance. The XO is too new if we end up going more period correct of course but I think it makes a good case for using a red saddle

Note: decision has been made to repaint the MC1 red and the fork with the Patriot fade

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sweet bike

 

[zonoskar]

Very nice. Something about red white and blue color combinations.

 

[Canuckbiker]

A bit more mock up effort completed. We figure a Turbo or Turbo shaped saddle is more appropriate than the XO saddle, likely we'll go with a black version as red ones are very rare and if found, above our budget. Also, some XT M730 cranks c/w black rings, I borrowed a Turbo and some cranks off other bikes to help get visual confirmation we're on the right track. Luckily the existing axle is perfect length for the cranks, no play and butter smooth.

I'm gifting my son wheels, tires, seatpost and few other parts (he is my first born after all ), he will foot the bill for the majority of the build though.

He wanted blue pedals which I think will really go, these are now on order, some nice MKS repops



The Suntour XC 9000 SE rear brakes came with the frame, very cool, I've never worked on SE brakes before, need to track down some XC 9000s for the front, XT cranks and a Turbo or Turbo-ish saddle.

The stem is a 150mm. Pretty long, I set the bike up to be rideable, albeit with one gear and no brakes, lol

Good enough for a spin in the back lane to confirm fit, etc. Feels perfect to me, I'll be looking for his approval though before taking the next steps.

Loving this project so far






Below is a pic of a frame sold on here in the past with our MC1/fork painting plans along with decals applied, this build is gonna look sick I think

 

[Retro_Roy]

going to be stunning. good idea on those pedals.

 

[Canuckbiker]

Not sure why a white saddle option didn't occur to me before, but better late than never. This Avocet borrowed off another bike.

Perfect choice I think

and white Turbo repops are fairly affordable

Suns going down so lighting not the best...