Another bike - but what to do?

SimonBrown

Retro Newbie
I'm wondering if a second mountain bike isn't a bad idea...here's my thoughts:-

I own a 1997 Clockwork. I only bought a Clockwork because I couldn't afford a Vitamin T. I want (but don't need) a titanium frame, just because I can afford one now.

I ride off-road a lot. Whatever I buy will have to take 50-100kms of flint and grinding paste sand every week.

The only thing I wish the Clockwork had is a rear disc brake. Rear disc is a must.

Rear suspension? Meh. No thanks.

I would relish building from the frame up, taking as long as it takes to build what I want.

Retro preferred. Rest assured I am not going to take a retro minter with period components and strip to in pursuit of this project...

The Clockwork won't be sold. The freewheel has seized after 1000kms and having two bikes means one can be US awaiting parts and I don't have to sit out a weekend. Like this one. When the sun is shining.

And with that, I open the debate. Over to the forum.
 
Re:

Sounds like you need another bike to save your poor Clockwork from all that grinding paste, how about a more modern frame with a retro feel about it that you can spec as you wish....... Something like a Cove Handjob XC frame :?: :wink:


One of which I just happen to be selling :wink:
 
Re:

Should you buy another MTB?

More a question of what I should be looking for, rather than a should I be looking really.

Sounds like you need another bike to save your poor Clockwork from all that grinding paste

I cringe when I see the crud...but somehow the Clockwork has shrugged it off for 17 years and just keeps going.

Retro, with a rear disc...hmmm.

Drawing on the bank of knowledge, the forum may well say "1997 XYZ brand was the first..." - I honestly don't know if such a beast exists, but unless one asks...

I should add that I have only ever owned three mountain bikes. 1988 or 89 Raleigh Marauder (does it count? I rode it off road), a 1992 Clockwork (25,000 miles on that one) and a 1997 replacement Clockwork frame when the 1992 version rusted around the bottle holders and cracked. Buying another mountain bike is a big thing...for me at least.

Something like a Cove Handjob XC frame

Good idea, but steel. If I'm doing this properly and building the dream then its Ti. But thanks for the suggestion, the Cove Hummer looks interesting.
 
You don't have to go retro. In fact, I would suggest against it given your history. Buy a nice new Ti frame and you can build it up rigid with discs just as you like.

I can heartily recommend the Salsa El Mariachi Ti. Very nicely made triple butted Ti frame and you can fit it with sus forks if you must, or your choice of Steel, Ti or carbon forks.

http://salsacycles.com/bikes/el_mariach ... rame_tech/
 

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