This has been an odd one for me. I hadn't realised how strong the reaction would be to seeing this finished, but it was quite emotional to see (what was essentially) an old friend taking shape in the workshop.
This is as close as I can get to the bike I had BITD when i was in my mountain biking 'sweet spot' and although it's not that bike, the memories that have been resurfacing during the build of my time riding with John Moores University club have been quite surprising.
Every time I look at it, I grin.
Sure some of the build choices are not what I'd make now, but that's not what this was about.
The original bike had security skewers and combo pedals because I used to ride it into uni.
The STX cranks and brakes were what I could afford after I'd blown all that cash on the frame and fork.
The Pace crank spider was easier than replacing the crank once I had some extra cash.
The riser bars were brought because they were the big thing at the time.
It all has a reason.
I tried it with Panaracer Magic tyres (cos I had some BITD) but it just wasn't doing it, so I swapped them for Smoke Darts (which I'd also had at the time) and she just looked 'right'.
I've got to say thank you to all the folks who helped me with parts and a MASSIVE thank you to Gil for his amazing work in reproducing all of the decals for the frame and fork (including the large USE decals on the top tube).
Just a bit chuffed :mrgreen:
