New build: Scapin TR-X 1997

[Jimmy2021]

Hi everyone,
I started a new project which of course goes as slow as it has to because I rarely have more than an hour to dedicate on this.
Anyhow, I started with a good clean of the frame which was in better conditions than it looked when dirty.


I touched up those scratches near the bottom bracket but I forgot to take a picture.
I then attacked the forks Rock shox judy 1997 Scapin custom)
There's a separate thread about the fork refurbishment here:

J

Thread 'Help with this Rock Shox please'

May 24, 2025

Hi, trying to service this Rock Shox Rake 44 (that's what's stamped on it).
I got so far as removing the springs but stanchions won't come off.
I tried re-insering the bottom bolts and tapping them but nothing.
How do you take this apart???

• Jimmy2021
• Replies: 52
• Forum: Retro MTB Chat

• 

I then started cleaning all parts I picked from my collection.


I fitted the fork, headset and Scapin stem as well as wheels (with temporary tyres)



Today I had half hour so I started bolting things to the frame: rear derailleur, crankset, front mech and brakes.
Crankset needs to come out as bottom bracket is wobbly.
In fact in another thread I asked advice about it as it has both cups right threaded.
I ordered some stepped ferrules to go into those bendy cable guides.
Fortunately one was attached there so it was easy to measure and order.
That's all I've had time for.
I know I could go for better parts XT, etc., but this is for my young boy and upgrades can be done as and when I find bargains.
For the moment I had lots of nice functional parts and bought this frame to get them out of my boxes.
More to come later in the week.
Thanks for looking.

 

[grantoury]

Nice, I love Scapin.

 

[ibbz]

@kingoffootball @danaroby00

 

[danaroby00]

The best steel frame from the nineties....
Great bike.

 

[Jimmy2021]

Ok guys, I finished building this Scapin and here are some pictures.
I really like the look of this bike!
Please forgive the hazy pictures, I should've cleaned the lens before shooting

 

[Jimmy2021]

Gone for a test ride this morning and the riding position makes you want to go fast!
Got to change those tyres as they're too slippery off road.
Now, for the only problem I found:
Shifting is extremely precise, all gears change quickly and securely, however, when on middle cog and putting pressure on those pedals, there's a noise coming from the front drivetrain.
It sounds exacly like the noise that you find in the rear when the chain doesn't engage the gear properly, like a clank-clank.
Only under pressure and only on middle cog.
No rubbing on front mech, bottom bracket is super smooth and solid.
Now, this is all an 8 speed setup, new cassette, new kmc 8 speed chain.
Rear cassette is a Shimano hg and front crankset a Shimano lx, do I need an hg chain as stamped on them?
I've used those chains before without any problem.
Or as the noise comes from the front it's to do with the middle chainring?
Thanks

 

[ibbz]

Gone for a test ride this morning and the riding position makes you want to go fast!
Got to change those tyres as they're too slippery off road.
Now, for the only problem I found:
Shifting is extremely precise, all gears change quickly and securely, however, when on middle cog and putting pressure on those pedals, there's a noise coming from the front drivetrain.
It sounds exacly like the noise that you find in the rear when the chain doesn't engage the gear properly, like a clank-clank.
Only under pressure and only on middle cog.
No rubbing on front mech, bottom bracket is super smooth and solid.
Now, this is all an 8 speed setup, new cassette, new kmc 8 speed chain.
Rear cassette is a Shimano hg and front crankset a Shimano lx, do I need an hg chain as stamped on them?
I've used those chains before without any problem.
Or as the noise comes from the front it's to do with the middle chainring?
Thanks

New chain ring bruv

 

[Jimmy2021]

Ok, I fitted a different middle cog and the problem has totally disappeared.
Perfect smooth shifting and zero noise.
I used a Truvativ I had in my stash of parts, I might wear this out a bit, then change all chainrings.
The problem chainring is well worn, very noticeable once unfitted.

 

[ibbz]

Ok, I fitted a different middle cog and the problem has totally disappeared.
Perfect smooth shifting and zero noise.
I used a Truvativ I had in my stash of parts, I might wear this out a bit, then change all chainrings.
The problem chainring is well worn, very noticeable once unfitted.

Nice one !!