Just got this European Marin Bear Valley from 1990 (according to some catalogs found online).
Wanted to get my first vintage commuter project. Couldn't pass on that gem, even though I paid some 250€. There isn't even much to work on, for better or worse 😄
The bike is 99% stock AND mint (apart from the parts that won't obviously stay mint for 35 years, like cables and tires):
– no stretch on the chain,
– still rocking a dork disc, derailleur protector and reflectors,
– rotten original rear tire, newer front one,
– literally 0 wear on the saddle,
– spotless frame and decals.
My plan is to:
– clean it up,
– replace with modern tan walls,
– keep the brakes and drivetrain, just replace cables,
– change saddle and grips,
– (maybeee) update the handlebars.
I will probably keep everything original in a bin still
What do you guys think about this?
by Constant-Wonder-438
2 Comments
I think that’s exactly what you should, and it would be a shame to do otherwise.
Are the composite pedals OEM? I’d have expected beartraps but I’m not so up to date on these modern bikes 😉
Might want to swap out a chainring or two. I know that my 91 barely went down to 1:1 which just wasn’t enough oomph for going uphill.