Advice on project please

[nic]

I have just bought a Bontrager OR frame with titec seatpost, lx headset and RS bonty crowned forks as a restoration project.

My question is this: in restoring, is the idea to rebuild the bike with the original spec or to build with parts available when the frame was sold originally? For example, I have some beautiful Onza Cantis from ther year the frame was sold. Is it ok to the purist if those are used?

Thanks

Nic

 

[jonnyboy666]

i always think it's personal preference, i try and build the bikes period-ish correct if i can but i don't always worry about it being perfect as the catalogue picture.

if you gonna have it as a garage queen showpiece i'd say go original as poss but if you're gonna ride it (i hope) then go far a smattering of newer parts that could be more reliable.

also depends how soon you want to be on it, finding some retro bits can be an arse to get hold off.

hope that helps!

 

[shovelon]

I think if you select those items from that year that you have a preference for, you are better off.

Personally, the only way I would go with original spec, is if it already had it.

Nothing wrong with upgrades if you ride it more.

 

[legrandefromage]

I tried to build a '93 GT as it came out of the shop - then realized that half the stuff didnt work as good as later gear, so I did a sympathetic resto.

 

[nic]

Thanks guys - period it is.... with modern tyres, cables and brake pads!

 

[yo-eddy]

Thanks guys - period it is.... with modern tyres, cables and brake pads!

Good luck and don´t forget to post some pics

 

[Anthony]

The obvious question is would you fit V-brakes on a 95 bike, and I'd say yes, because if you had bought the bike yourself in 1995, you'd have fitted V-brakes to it in 1996, just like most serious riders did. 96 XT Vs don't look wrong on any 90s bike, because that's what people did at the time. But would I fit a 2008 fork and front disc brake on a 95 bike? Absolutely not.

 

[lewis1641]

i couldnt agree more with antony above

 

[nic]

Bonty Frame

Thanks guys, it echoes my thinking - mind you I'm fortunate as the frame comes with the correct Bonty forks!