Hello

[goldtop]

Couldn't find an intro thread so hope this is the right place

Just bought a '95 Kona Fire Mountain which needs a bit of tlc so I'll be getting on with that over the next couple of weeks. The headset is a bit grouchy so I've ordered a replacement and a few other bits......I'm also converting to v brakes and trigger shifters. Wheels and drivetrain seem to have some life in them as does the bottom bracket but the cranks seem a bit flexier than I'm used too :shock:

It's my first build so I'm frantically digesting youtube clips and gathering a few tools together. I'm sure I'll be asking a few questions as I stumble across problems (already found out the brake conversion is less than straightforward :roll: ).

I'll take some pics along the way.

 

[feetabix]

Welcome aboard!.....

 

[jimo746]

hi di ho! I guess for v-brakes you'll need new levers as well? Something wrong with the current brakes?

Plenty of help on this forum, try the "Search" function as well, you'll be swamped by all the info

 

[goldtop]

hi di ho! I guess for v-brakes you'll need new levers as well? Something wrong with the current brakes?

Plenty of help on this forum, try the "Search" function as well, you'll be swamped by all the info

The cantis just need re-cabling and new pads really, but the grip shifters seem very cumbersome. I'm used to v brakes and thumb shifters on my Bad Boy so decided to go with these as they seem to be a neat solution....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shimano-EZ-fi ... 3a7b16f1d3

Still haven't decided whether to run the brake cable outer wire the full length to the rear v brake secured with cable ties or do it properly with a collar.....

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=113723

 

[goldtop]

Made a start today, stripping down and degreasing/cleaning. The headset was in a shocking state more like treacle than grease. I thought I might get away with a refurb but looks like I'll be off to my lbs to have them fit the new one as I don't have a press

Spent some time tidying up the frame. There was some rust from chainslap but some careful filing and Kurust has sorted that out. I removed the Project Two decals from the forks as they were tatty and gave the Mavics a good tidying up and fitted some 1.95 City Jets.

I replaced the horrible gel saddle with this........ http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... OU:GB:3160

......and the Tranz x risers with some decent flat bars which were on offer at Halfords

I'll take some pics if the weather gets nicer :roll:

 

[goldtop]

Picked up the bike from my lbs after having the headset fitted and it's now all set up with new brakes and shifters. The flexi cranks turned out to be some play in the bb so that will need doing eventually but it's not too bad atm.....in fact it rides very nicely

My eldest son has had his eye on it, so we went out for a short test ride this morning and it seems to be just the right size for him :facepalm:

Haven't worked out how to post pics which is a shame because the bike is looking really nice now.

 

[goldtop]

Took the bike out for a longer ride down the lanes today and gotta say I was very impressed at how nice it was to ride apart from a few issues with the front derailleur

I'd noticed there was some play in it and was hoping to get away with not having to change it, but it looks like I'll need to after all.

I could do with some help pointing to what would be a good replacement. I have these shifters fitted:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shimano-EZ-fi ... 8105443841

 

[xerxes]

Pretty much any 3x7, 3x8 or 3x9 speed Shimano MTB front derailleur will work. I'm not sure about 10 speed or SRAM stuff, I think they may need a different cable pull, but not certain.

Other things you need to consider are clamp size and whether you need a top or bottom pull derailleur. For a '95 Fire Mountain, should be 28.6 and bottom pull.

 

[goldtop]

OK thanks. I think this one fits the bill then....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0775276542

 

[xerxes]

Should do the trick.