boy"O"boy's 1989 Serotta Off-road Pro-flex prototype
- Thread starter boy"O"boy
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I can spot 6 differences:
Cristian-T
Retro Guru
outstanding stuff !!
27motorhead
Old School Grand Master
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The forks on the production run bike (based on my memory of reading the build thread) are actually from a Slingshot (still True Temper steel) but lack the tapered legs and have quite a pronounced diagonal* cut leading to the dropout. *Forgot what the proper term is - it's late and I should be in bed!
@JCS Good start! @27motorhead is right in the fact that the forks on #54 are from a Slingshot so technically they are not original spec and shouldn't really be included in the frame vs prototype comparison. They do look like a factory upgrade with their better tyre clearance though.
There's 2 more to spot from the comparison pics....some of the other details are so small you can't see them in the pics.
@Cristian-T Glad you like it! - it's come a long way from this time last year!
So nearly there! I've been thwarted by the LH STi shifter being broken and have not been able to cable up the front mech. I haven't really noticed it up until now, but the shifters are actually too new for this to be period correct. I need to source myself a pair of Shimano XT MO-91 shifters in working order to finish up now.
I have managed to create the rubber cap that stops the mud and grit going up inside the swing arm opening. A simple solution really....source some rubber feet for a chair from eBay in the correct diameter......then cut down to suit. Easy.
Hole access to the Allen key bolt that connects the swing arm and elastomer to the frame.
Cut down using broom handle to hold in place.
Couple of attempts to get the sizing right.
The finished item. Looks the part.
Front mech held in place with a prosecco cork!
Note one of the differences between the prototype and Serotta production.....no ring holding the gear cable outer in place, just a rest for the cable instead.
Final update once shifters are sourced.
Cheers all
boy"O"boy
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And I think I'm done.
All the niggles sorted. The seatpost was slipping slightly - probably something to do with using a file on the inside to clear the excess weld from the crack opening the tube slightly. A Coke can shim was enough to remedy the difference.
The shifters are now period Shimano ST- MO91 XT STI. Set up and running so the prosecco cork has finally been ditched.
Plans now?
I'd like to recreate the MBUK Jan 1990 Off-road Ad with a picture against a neutral back drop.
I've given it a quick burn up and down the drive and it all feels good. I've also taken the 'production' version for a longer ride and that felt tight too. All worked well.... enough to take the buzz from the trail but had a familiar 'steel' feel of some of the other 'prestige' steel in the collection.
Here's the end result.
Swapped the tidier Avocet R20 to the prototype
And again with #54 production Serotta Off-road Pro-flex
@JCS
You got most of the differences from the comparison photos
1. Swing arm brace
2. No mudguard hole/ mount on swing arm
3. Seat clamp integrated - not separate collar
4. 3 piece elastomer stack.
Others are -
5. Red is brighter (although pics might not show this well)
6. Head tube is about 18mm longer
7. Bigger True temper 'eagle' on swing arm
Not in pic but......
8. Swing are doesn't have a 'ring' cable guide
9. Non 'Campagnolo' front mech cable guide
10. No frame number.
Cheers all.
boy"O"boy
All the niggles sorted. The seatpost was slipping slightly - probably something to do with using a file on the inside to clear the excess weld from the crack opening the tube slightly. A Coke can shim was enough to remedy the difference.
The shifters are now period Shimano ST- MO91 XT STI. Set up and running so the prosecco cork has finally been ditched.
Plans now?
I'd like to recreate the MBUK Jan 1990 Off-road Ad with a picture against a neutral back drop.
I've given it a quick burn up and down the drive and it all feels good. I've also taken the 'production' version for a longer ride and that felt tight too. All worked well.... enough to take the buzz from the trail but had a familiar 'steel' feel of some of the other 'prestige' steel in the collection.
Here's the end result.
Swapped the tidier Avocet R20 to the prototype
And again with #54 production Serotta Off-road Pro-flex
@JCS
You got most of the differences from the comparison photos
1. Swing arm brace
2. No mudguard hole/ mount on swing arm
3. Seat clamp integrated - not separate collar
4. 3 piece elastomer stack.
Others are -
5. Red is brighter (although pics might not show this well)
6. Head tube is about 18mm longer
7. Bigger True temper 'eagle' on swing arm
Not in pic but......
8. Swing are doesn't have a 'ring' cable guide
9. Non 'Campagnolo' front mech cable guide
10. No frame number.
Cheers all.
boy"O"boy
Cristian-T
Retro Guru
Amazing job dude ! amazing job.
ChrisX_MTB
Scott Fan
Great fantastic work! I have one question — where did you get the decals from? Could you show some more detailed photos here?
Thanks Christian - you remember what this was like when I picked it up from you!
Was great to take it all finished to the Malverns Classic this year. Got some great feedback from the Judges and fellow contestants in the show and shine line - up. Here it is with @stocko 's fantastic Off-road master from 1990.
.....and a couple of screen grabs from Instagram.
Thanks James. Appreciated
Seems excessive having 2 of the same in the collection but the finish on Serotta Pro-flex #54 had to be matched on the prototype as it deserved a proper restoration given it's rarity.
#54 may be on loan to a shop in the near future.
The decals came from Gil_m on here.
Gil@retrodecals.
He spent a long time getting these right for me and has kept them on file. They are printed white on clear rather than vinyl cuts.....but as Gil explained, getting the quality isn't easy, and difficult doesn't come cheaply!
Stocko's Off-road master build thread here -
Cheers all.
boy"O"boy
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