Killer V frame build up.

[chumaman]

A single nightmare component, original stem


What do you think about that, many have replaced it with better, possibly aluminum ones

 

[malt]

To be honest, I’ve replaced mine with a period correct Controltech stem, but I’m considering getting the original stem blasted and then put a clear coat on it, better still, I even have the little rubber grommet that covers the bolt hole.

 

[shawnb]

A single nightmare component, original stem
View attachment 578311
View attachment 578313
What do you think about that, many have replaced it with better, possibly aluminum ones

That looks great, looking at the weld, steel? I think I was told back in the day that Tioga made the stems...

 

[shawnb]

View attachment 572540View attachment 572541View attachment 572542I managed to cut the loose bottle cage nut in half carefully with my dremel and then fish it out via a hole inside the head tube..
I took it to the welders today and had them fill the ding in the seat stay and then filed, sanded and polished it back.
Almost impossible to tell it had a ding now, result!
Heaps more polishing now, followed by fresh decals, lacquer and then build..
I have a full XT 730 group which I’m thinking of fitting, but not 100% decided.
Will post updates as I progress..

Brilliant! I have a ding in mine, I'm off to search an alloy welder nearby!

Interesting rear bridge on yours, it can be used with cantis and the force 40 rocker.... mine is force 40 only..

 

[sparkybhp]

It’s amazing all the little variations in these bikes, same model but many subtle changes over the few years that they were produced.
Yeah, couldn’t be happier with how the frame came out - I’ve known our local welders for years through work and they’ve really helped turn this frame around for me.

 

[shawnb]

Yes you did a superb job there, can't wait to get my dent welded and repaired, it really bugs me! Mine turns out to be quite an early one indeed ED/April 93, perhaps they added the extra bridge later on that year thinking it was not a good idea for the frame to be force 40 only....
My bike needs a good wash and polish!!

 

[shawnb]

Anyway, I'm currently home with the bas**rd covid and your thread has given me the motivation to get mine back to its best again!

 

[sparkybhp]

Go for it! Stunning bikes (hope you get through the Covid ok too)..

 

[sparkybhp]

Making progress on the Killer V, decided to go 1x with a polished set of LX cranks I had, 34t narrow/wide and then 9 speed on the back with XTR950 rear mech.
Also tried a polished Fred Salmon stem in place of the semi modern black raceface stem. Suits it better I think.
Brakes and cables next then I should be able to finally ride it(!)

 

[sparkybhp]

Done! Need a slightly shorter seatpost and the rear wheel wants re-dishing a few mm but other than that she’s a peach!
Rear cassette is a m760 9 speed and brakes are m739 v’s with new pads.
Weight is a very satisfying 10.86kg on my scales which I’m happy with considering I wasn’t aiming for weight weenie status, no doubt helped by the lack of triple chainring and shifter/gubbins.
Just lovely, thanks to fellow RBers for all the advice, parts and encouragement along the way.