Silverfish 1993 Crosstrac Sonoma

[Silverfish]

Continuing my personal theme that the mountain bike heyday was very much the early 90's, I've been looking for a Crosstrac Sonoma for a very long time. It defeated me the last time I got the retro bug but this time I've managed to find one

This was another bike from my time in San Diego when a customer rocked up to a group ride riding one. At 4" of travel front and rear it was way ahead of its time. This one is a relatively early one as it has the Mk2 narrower spaced shock mount plates, the Firestone bladder and a low serial number so I would guess a Mid-1993 build date.

I must thank Dan Chambers (danson67) for agreeing to let this one go. And remarkably, he also had the original Crosstrac forks, Dia Compe 1-1/4" Aheadset, Crosstrac zero rise stem, Crosstrac seat clamp and the Crosstrac seat post. Which we think are all the pieces that were originally manufactured or supplied. It also came with some no name silver bars which we're not really sure whether they are original or not? Anyone know?

Having waited so long to get my hands on one, I think this will be a quick build but I'm not 100% convinced where I'm headed with it yet. I will have a play with a few different options and see how it comes together.

Pretty excited about this one though...

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[Silverfish]

Crosstrac catalogue 1995 (from Mombat)

 

[Silverfish]

PR from January 1993

 

[Silverfish]

So it's time to put the frame and parts together. No surprises which is a better start than I had with the Manitou FS build, although fitting the saddle is a real ball ache! Luckily Dan was able to help. Apparently the 2 clamping halves of the seatclamp are slightly different - one has more overlap than the other. They need to be inserted in the correct order to have any chance of getting the saddle rails to fit!

I need to give it a good polish now and then will start playing with some colours. The fork is missing the Crosstrac Sonoma decals so Gil to the rescue...

 

[Silverfish]

Finished polishing the bugger
Looks sweet AF now
I need to have a play with different wheel options. I think the high shine will really lend itself well to some bright ano parts, I have a truckload of 3DV but not sure I want to go down that rabbit hole again.
I would try turquoise but I’m all out of those
Might keep it classy and go with black…

 

[Silverfish]

I need to stop posting late at night - I feel like I’m talking to myself

Jet lagged that’s the problem

Had a play tonight. Tried a few different BB’s to get the chain line right - landed on the 122mm. I actually bought these cranks for another build but think they look Frickin awesome on this Sonoma so they will stay.

Also had a play with some 3DV brakes and wheels. But I really don’t want another 3DV build. I will try and trade the Paul’s NOS 3DV Stoplights and Love Levers for a black set. And sell the Ringle wheels.

I think a simple silver/black theme is the right build for this bike.

Got another idea for the wheels that I want to try…a bit off the wall.. just need to be patient and wait for them to arrive.

 

[stevet1]

Love this, there was always an advert in MTB Action that I drooled over.

 

[slimjoe]

That’s a great bike and project. You are right and I totally agree that black kit will look perfect against its shininess. Looking forward to the next instalment

 

[racer x]

I really like the purple it pops with the polished finish. Just don’t go total purple

 

[Silverfish]

I really like the purple it pops with the polished finish. Just don’t go total purple

Don’t say that - I’m gonna regret not running purple now
I think I would if I didn’t already have a Mani FS covered in 3DV