First ride on retro carbon

[Splatter Paint]

I’ve been off the bike for a while due to injury, in fact I only found out this week what is in my shoulder (see second pic)! So while I’ve not been able to ride I’ve been busy tinkering in the garage, resurrecting a tired 1997 Giant MCM Team. I didn’t want to splash out loads of money, so the build is a hodge-podge of component years (what I had in the spares box). The forks for example, are a set of 2008 Fox F120 forks that I’ve shorted with 45mm of spacers to a more retro-friendly length. This got around the issue the stanchions were heavily worn around the seals – hence they were cheap on eBay.

The ride is actually pretty good, today was my first ride out since the crash that broke my collarbone, so I wasn’t going crazy, but the frame rides really well. I’ll retro it up a bit more once I’ve sold some more bits – an M737 or M739 rear mech would improve the look. It feels stiffer than titanium but ‘softer’ than aluminium – I quite like it. It is VERY yellow though.....

Both pics are from my ancient camera-phone Detailed shots and catalogue scan here: http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... highlight=

SP

 

[merckx]

thats cool, and not something you see every day! i like the fluid lines on this frame.

 

[passiflora]

Very nice, giant certainly knew how to make nice carbon fibre frames, I like the fox forks, I had a set and they are great.

Hope your recovering well from the collar bone

 

[jimo746]

Is that titanium in there?

The bike looks very nice, very yellow as you say, but at least folk will see you coming!

 

[Splatter Paint]

Yes, it is even brighter in the flesh! Yep, free titanium on the NHS.

SP

 

[john]

Did Tomac not ride one of these in his latter Giant era? Or was it the alloy ones only?

Either way nice frame. I also like my old school carbon, love the ride on my mid 90s OCLV.

 

[Splatter Paint]

Kingroon looked in to this, Tomac's was aluminium:

http://www.yetifan.com/tomacyetigiantws.jpg

I'd like to know if anybody from Giant actually raced this model frame.

SP

 

[merckx]

local pros raced them here in australia.

 

[We_are_Stevo]

thats cool, and not something you see every day! i like the fluid lines on this frame.

...and the bike's not bad either

 

[A_Venables]

Ive got the 1999 version I think, built to how I want it (not period) and its such a comfy ride compared with my Alu framed bikes. Can see why carbon is so liked, especially for road frames, although I always worry about it snapping! Should I be worried? Im not exactly light weight! :facepalm: :roll: