1997 Orange C16R, Slime Green

[Captain Stupido]

Recently purchased from randomdan... viewtopic.php?p=3034343#p3034343 ...his pic below:

Wasn't going to bother with a build thread but here goes. I'll try to keep it brief.

So far have stripped down, cleaned up a few bits, and started putting stuff together. But let's start at the beginning - with a (clean) blank canvas. No plans to repaint or replace decals, I like a survivor with battle scars and all.

 

[Captain Stupido]

Cleaned up the lovely FIR wheels. Sadly the rear has had it... Kudos to Dan who went beyond the call of duty and sent me a partial refund as he'd missed it. Top retrobiker.

A new rim (Kinlin) and spokes (Alpina) are on order... I've actually got a matching black LX rear hub in the parts box which is all serviced and ready to go. Will hang on to the original and keep my eyes peeled for a good FIR rim... anyone?

 

[Captain Stupido]

Started putting a few bits together.

The supplied stem is lovely but it's gonna be too long for me... the best thing I could find was this adjustable one... a bit ugly perhaps but it's actually a really nicely made thing... also looks an ideal length, so I'm going to go with it for the time being. Anyone recognise it? The logo is damaged.

Was chuffed to find a seatpost that fits the supplied shim. Decided against the Orange Enduro saddle - Flite is lighter and I know it'll work.

Replaced the headset too... crown race was really loose on the forks so popped an unused Tange Passage on. Need to find a spacer for it, I don't fancy cutting the forks down.

Continuing the (random) silvery theme I've decided to go with silver hot rods. So far I've used nothing that came with it... so it goes!

 

[Captain Stupido]

Cleaned up some of the original parts...

 

[Captain Stupido]

Slow progress... but I'm pleased that the build is moving forwards. Plan for this is a ratty/"survivor" go anywhere weather proof adventure tourer with rack and mudguards. I'll aim for roughly period spec but there will be exceptions.

I decided to take advantage of the frame's e-type front mech boss... which meant that not only did I have to buy a new mech, but also a suitable BB. Sorted that and then had a change of plan re the chainset... I like the concept - band-on mechs have always seemed like a bit of a compromise.

Brakes are hopefully sorted, some tired looking single digit TIs.

Tyres are temporary... Not sure what I'm going to fit.

Back wheel is still to be built, rim and spokes waiting but headspace lacking.

Getting there...

 

[randomdan]

Re:

Great to see it coming together.. I can't apologise enough for not spotting the damage to the rim.

Frame looks better for a clean too!

 

[Captain Stupido]

Re: Re:

Great to see it coming together.. I can't apologise enough for not spotting the damage to the rim.

Frame looks better for a clean too!

Thanks Dan, and no need to apologise - you're a human being - we make mistakes - I appreciate that you sorted it.

Yeah I admit that I like the original paint, patina and all. I'm finding it hard to resist the temptation to peel off the crumbling decals... once they've gone they've gone...

I'm looking forward to getting it ready to ride, only thing delaying me is getting that back wheel built. Haven't quite had the headspace for wheel builds...

...have done the cockpit at least.

I think I'm going to ride this lots though - it's never going to win BOTM - but I genuinely need something practical and comfortable that I can enjoy riding in all weathers - this should fit the bill...

 

[Captain Stupido]

Built a wheel!

 

[Curveking]

Living 10 miles from Halifax it makes sense i ride a Orange. My wife now rides one also. 2 of our favourite bikes.

 

[Captain Stupido]

I've had a change of plan.

This is how it stands...