Modernise a classic build

[The Rookie]

I'm starting work on the Gary Fisher, while it will initially be built using the 'bits I have' (and I think I have everything I need bar perhaps a seatpost) - photo in my signature and I am in two minds how to build it

1/ As close to original as possible - some period type upgrades only but nothing obviously modern.

2/ Some more obvious modernisation but still 'in the style of' the original.

3/ As a 'post retro' type build (along the lones of steel fixie road bikes you see around London) with very obvious modern parts (example carbon or suspension forks).

Hmm despite the third vote option appearing when I go to edit post, its not there as a vote button!

what do people think?

I will NOT be respraying the frame for now, but will leave it as is (downtube has a slight ding in it, nothing structural but fairly obvious if the bike is inverted!), but may do later if I can sort frame stickers in advance!

 

[tintin40]

Option 1. vintage correct parts look far better on a vintage frame. I know as i've been their and done it. Modern parts will make it lighter generally. But look wrong in the case of rear mech's, stems, seats

 

[lewis1641]

retro frames deserve retro parts. but i guess it depends what you are after.

 

[jax13]

i've just gone for option 3.

my new build is a '93 clockwork running arch rivals, full sram drivetrain (x9 all round with an x7 front mech) modern ish hope / sup wheels & finished off with a smattering of x-lite, raceface & syncros bits.

i like the build i've done, although it won't be to everyones taste but as its my only MTB i feel it massages my retro needs without compromising performance compared to a more modern bike.

at the end of the day its your bike to do with as you please but i would imagine most 'period' type builds are gonna be very similar - probably a load of xt bits with maybe a drop of xtr if the budget stretches, just like everyone elses! If you don't need it to be period correct then use the frame to build a unique bike that will stand out in a crowd of fishers rather than look like one thats been pulled out of a shed after being chucked in there 18 years ago!

 

[The Rookie]

Thanks for the comments so far, I do have a commuter and a properMTB already (Air forks, hydro disc brakes etc) so this can really be the bike the way I want to build it, Keep the comments coming, I have my own ideas and will let you know once comments stop coming!

Simon

 

[matt.bee]

Subtle use of modern bits to make the bike more fun to ride is the way I've gone. Majority of the parts are 'period', with modern bars for shape and safety reasons (I don't trust a 18 or so year old bar I don't know the provenance of), XO gripshift and rear mech and modern tyres. Makes the bike 'nicer' to ride for me, without taking too much character away from it.

 

[The Rookie]

OK 3 comments but 10 votes with keep it subtle taking 7/10.

That is really what I intended to do (but may have changed my mind), it will stay at 7 speed (maybe 8 depending on wheel) at the rear, triple up front, no fancy modern bits, but I will be juggling bits around to try and save wome weight, so ally bars instead of steel for example and so on, I stripped the frame down last night, damn its heavy, the frame (2.8Kg), forks (1.3KG), headset and stem (over 0.5Kg) weigh more than the same bits on my MTB which is front sus!

The paint is badly faded (the bits under the front mech and on the steerer are a much yellower yellow) so I may consider a respray straight away, although getting replacement stickers will be near enough impossible I think! have a photo of it stripped which I'll post once my Blasted POS Nokia allows me to take the photo's off!

Simon

 

[Paul Eggleton]

As much as I love the purest view and love seeing a well put together retro build I'm also a fan of modernisation and the benefits it brings.

At the end of the day older stuff needs more TLC and there's the risk of major breakage, which after pouring in good money, can be heartbreaking. To that end I still want to ride and enjoy a bike so wouldn't be too upset about a bit of modernisation to aid usability.

Paul

 

[The Rookie]

Photo of it stripped

You can see from the paint colour on the steerer and behind the front mech band clamp (and where the coputer bits were cable tied to the left hand fork leg (as you look at it) how much its faded.

So shall I leave it as is, try a T-cut or respray and try and sort stickers afterwards?

Simon

 

[MADJEZ]

Everyone seems to have their own opinion on this.

I like to think that bikes evolve over time and you upgrade or replace as
and when. Therefore I want mine to reflect perhaps what they would be
like now had I bought them brand new. So original components where
possible but without wanting to be too fussy. I don't see a problem in
putting a 1999 fork on a 1995 bike as long as it goes.

The other thing is we can't all afford to buy a NOS M900 groupset
(because thats what was in the catalogue). If you are less discerning it keeps the budget down !