First retro bike project

[Guiri bikes]

Just bought this from my local car boot in spain. I dont think the guy knew what it was as i managed to knock him down to 12 euros! Bargain. Anyway, this is my first time on here and my first retro project. Anyone know anything about the make? I used to work in an LBS but never came across any bikes called " AMERBIK" . It has a full shimano 200gs groupset, araya rims ( not in pic ) and tange cro mo plain gauge tubing. Apart from the paintwork which used to be flourescent yellow and has now faded it's in good nick, minimal wear to sprockets/chain etc. I know its not a classic so im not going to go mad and spend a fortune but should i restore it to its original colour and kit or do something different. Any thoughts or advice would be great. Hope ive put this in the right forum!

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re:

Well 200GS is the bottom of the entry level touring/atb group sets and would be a typical starter bike at the time as they wouldn't cost aa lot.
200GS is 1991 & 1992 this is probably 1992.
The rear mech is a moderner style so if you wanted you could fit and older mech to it to get the look (and away from the big red jockey wheel). Someone might give you one, I wouldn't pay for one.

Clean it up. Don't repaint it as the paint is not worth it (if that's of any consideration) just clean and polish it up and enjoy getting it going again.

Pull the cables out and clean and liube as needed. Same with any bearing.

Have fun.

 

[Guiri bikes]

Ha ha, ive just stripped it down today to repaint. As its my first project and it aint no classic if i chuff it up then it wont matter too much. Your right about the rear mech though "fluffy chicken" its the only component apart from the tyres thats not original. So i'll be on the look out for a retro shimano rear mech a 200gs would be good to complete the groupset but a 300 or 400 lx would do too.
Anyone out there ever come across this make before or had one. Even though its an entry level mtb its pretty well made, nothing special but decent welds, nice looking retro forks and one of those seat tube mounted pulleys for the front mech.

 

[24pouces]

Cool picture.
You live in Australia or somewhere in south hemisphere ?

 

[Guiri bikes]

Re:

No, southern spain. Just outside malaga. Great mountain biking area.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re: Re:

No, southern spain. Just outside malaga. Great mountain biking area.

The picture is upside down ;-)

 

[Guiri bikes]

Re:

Ha ha, what a knob, thats probably cos im crap with technology.

 

[Guiri bikes]

Can i preview a post beforehand so i dont make same mistake. It's the right way round when i view it???

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re:

Using an Apple device?
I know some people have mentioned apple puts a picture upside down, but is fine for them.

There is a preview option yes.

 

[Guiri bikes]

Re:

Yep, an ipad. I'll preview it first next time. Thanks for the info