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    Did I just catch a unicorn ?

    Been hunting for one of these for over a year and it randomly popped up on eBay locally.

    Messaged the guy right away. He had just bought a new bike and was asking 65€ for this “old junk” so I picked it up for 60.

    Even came with the original tires.

    Sometimes you just get lucky.

    Now I’m planning the build and could use some input:

    Thinking 1×11 for sure. Also considering a 650b conversion, but not sure if that will play nicely with fenders if I want to run it as a daily. Anyone here running 650b + fenders on a similar frame?

    Looking for inspiration in general. Clean, functional daily setup.

    Also need a higher stem for a more comfortable position, any recommendations?

    Plan is to keep as many original S parts as possible.

    One more thing: how are you guys treating the inside of the frame for long-term protection? I usually use Ballistol (the better WD40) , but wondering if there’s something better out there.

    Goal is to keep this thing for life.

    by valek8

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    7 Comments

    1. Shrugski on

      Really cool bike, love the deep red. Looks like the steerer is pretty short, maybe look into some BMX style riser bars, that’s how I got my Rockhopper to feel comfy.

    2. malivoirec on

      I don’t understand this sub’s fixation with 1x conversions on ’90s MTBs. That looks like an STX groupset on there, cleaned up and with fresh cables it will probably shift great. Seems such a waste to get rid of it. I would keep it 3x and spend the money you would have spent on a new crank, chain, mech, shifter on some nice tyres, saddle etc.

    3. MantraProAttitude on

      There are probably still 5 million on the road and in garages around the world.

    4. konishiwoi on

      > “plan is as many S parts as possible”

      > 1x, 650b

      Bro

      Keep it 3x it’s perfectly good and cheaper.
      Keep it 26in if you want to run fenders, plus you’ll struggle with your brakes if you run 650b

    5. owlpellet on

      If you’re swapping the stem, get the redshift suspension stem. It’s great, no downsides.

    6. frogs_fear_me on

      Not sure I’d say “unicorn” but it’s a solid bike with a good mid-level groupset. I love those levers because canti brakes are prettier than V!

      What would be your reason for going 650b? It’s a lot of trouble for 25mm bigger diameter. I like 26in for city bikes anyway- they spin up fast, feel quicker, and better rollover isn’t a big deal for town bikes.

      If you go 1x, consider 10 or fewer speeds. It’s a lot easier to find cheap parts, and might(?) be more durable. More tightly spaced gearing makes sense for MTB or racing or whatever, but if you’re just racing cars and stoplights I don’t care.

      Recommendations you’ll see are boiled linseed oil (very gross), framesaver, or Boeshield. I use Boeshield sometimes if I have a bare frame, but all my old bikes haven’t been maintained well for decades and they’re not rusted apart. Unless you live in a rainforest or next to the ocean, I’m not sure it’s something to stress about.

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