Bluefan1974
Retro Newbie
Currently contemplating a retromod project on a 2000 Bear Valley with an XTR M9600 Groupset Thompson seatpost and Stem with Crossmax rims? Good idea or not worth it?
Ovation Marin Bear Valley
- Thread starter Bluefan1974
- Start date
CassidyAce
Senior Retro Guru
I think that most people would say that there's a discrepancy between the quality of the frame and the quality of the parts: higher end parts on mid-range frame. Deore would be a suitable match for the frame. However, there's no particular reason to care what others think about something like this. If you like the frame and want those parts on it, go for it. Is there a reason why you especially like the frame?
(BTW, this should be in the 1998 and after section.)
(BTW, this should be in the 1998 and after section.)
Bluefan1974
Retro Newbie
I used to have a bear valley se years ago and just liked the geometry of the frame. I would base the build on a team ti but how far do you go?
most of the parts would be coming off an old fsr sworks I picked up cheap minus the crank.
most of the parts would be coming off an old fsr sworks I picked up cheap minus the crank.
CassidyAce
Senior Retro Guru
If I were you, I'd just go for it. You might end up with a bike that gives you years of enjoyment. But if it doesn't turn out as you hope, you're not doing anything that can't be undone.
How far do you go? As far as you want but, if you haven't done so already, it might be a good idea to just get the bike in a rideable condition and try it out before going very far. The geometry you loved years ago might not be the geometry for you today, especially if you're not quite as flexible as you used to be.
How far do you go? As far as you want but, if you haven't done so already, it might be a good idea to just get the bike in a rideable condition and try it out before going very far. The geometry you loved years ago might not be the geometry for you today, especially if you're not quite as flexible as you used to be.
Definitely worth trying - especially if you've got most of the parts. I would not be wedded to the stem though - the best stem is the one that makes the ride bearable/enjoyable. If the Thomson stem works, fantastic - if not, get a different one.
A lot of people would have started with a mid-range bike and upgraded it as they went along.
The worst thing can happen is that you try it, find it's not as fun as it used to be - and part it all out for a new one. Nothing to lose but a little time.
A lot of people would have started with a mid-range bike and upgraded it as they went along.
The worst thing can happen is that you try it, find it's not as fun as it used to be - and part it all out for a new one. Nothing to lose but a little time.
Guinessisgoodforyou
rBotM Winner
All very good advice, go for it and post pics. 
Bluefan1974
Retro Newbie
Seems a daft question but would a reasonably modern XTR groupset fit on a Bear valley frame? The hollowtech bb etc. I have already discovered the seatpost is a different diameter.
It will be fine...marin frames of that age are not the best.....tbh, you would be better of with an older bear valley frame....better steel, but then your going to run into brake issues with newer kit....
But why not. Its just time in the shed....and if you hate it.....take it bits and sell it all again......its what we have all been doing for decades...
But why not. Its just time in the shed....and if you hate it.....take it bits and sell it all again......its what we have all been doing for decades...
Bluefan1974
Retro Newbie
It has some Indy c forks. Cant make my mind up about them. Leave them or swap for original, rigid rockstar ones? The brakes are sorted. XTR V brakes with matching XTR 2 finger pull levers on a Raceface next carbon handlebar with Onza bar ends. Either Mavic X517 rims on XT front XTR rear hubs or Mavic Crossmax wheels. XTR m980 front and back mech, XTR cassette and chain. just needs a seatpost, stem XTR M980 crank and its time to build.
