Overbury's Pioneer 1988 Updated 2021

[Gtpulse]

Hi All, I found this recently at a local general auction, my mum had sent me a link to a Hetchins that was also there. Having gone to view the Hetchins I had a look at the stuff outside and found this sat out in the rain under a pile of other bikes and general tat. I've spent long enough lurking on the mtb forum to know that this is a nice bike and equally as worthy as a Hetchins of a place indoors in the heated auction room! I left a tentative bid on both not expecting to get either - I missed out on the Hetchins but was really pleased to get the Overbury's.
I've started the strip down and cleaning process and it seems to be in really great condition, loads of sticky grease has preserved everything. Bearing cups and cones etc are almost unmarked. A bit of chainsuck on the stays and the odd chip but no rust and coming up well.
I know it's not the best group set but I'm impressed to find it is complete Exage Mountain throughout - even pedals, hubs and headset. I've never had a bike that hasn't had the odd bit vary from the main groupset.
Pioneer decal on top tube looks a bit wonky - is this normal or an addition?
Based on shimano parts code I'm guessing 1988?
Will post more as I progress

*Photos updated here September 2021

 

[The History Man]

Nice find. Checking in.

 

[firedfromthecircus]

Good score.

 

[Si_33]

Great find! Overbury's decal placement seemed to be pretty random - I'd guess yours is all-original and maybe quite an early one? Please post up the serial number on the bottom bracket which should help to date it. Click on the link in my signature to see my 1988 Pioneer for reference

 

[Giom6]

Re:

Cool find.

 

[Gtpulse]

Re:

Thanks for your interest guys.

Frame number is 20A7 hope that makes sense and someone knows what date that equates to.

Got to be honest, it was the brakes that drew me to this first. They are the same as my Christmas 1992 upgrade to my Christmas 1991 Raleigh Marauder Index. Index part very important at 13 years of age. Wow did I use some WD-40 on that bike, realise now I probably flushed every drop of grease from every orifice I could squeeze the red straw into. Seemed to make it better as a 13 year old though.

 

[Si_33]

As far as I know, frame numbers are usually numbers only (I could be wrong!). My 1988 Pioneer is 2226. Could yours be 2047? Does anyone know when the Pioneer was launched?

 

[legrandefromage]

Pioneers are far earlier than many may realize

danson67's number 3 from February 1986

 

[Gtpulse]

Re:

Yes, mine looks a bit later than that one looking at the forks and the kit on it.
Frame number is definitely 20A7.

 

[Si_33]

Well, there goes my theory! :facepalm: