When I first really got into riding, post college, it was in trail riding. I have had this bike since 1997, and it was my second "real" bike (my first one was an M2 Stumpjumper). This past winter, I sort of "re-discovered" how much I love riding off road and have been spending more time on this old rig. The issue is that the parts are wicked old and things are starting to simply fall apart-virtually everything on this is circa '95-97.
So I'm trying to do some sensible upgrades-the first was a replacing a Judy XC from '95 with Arlo Englund Total Air cartridges with a slightly used RockShox Reba from GFG who is now sporting a brand new 29er. All I can say is Wow. What a HUGE difference this thing is-no more pogo sticking down the single track. The steering is a bit off due to the increased travel but I can deal with it. With the new fork I also put on a new headset so the front end is Ok now.
The shifting, however, sucks even with new cables and adjustments....I think the 1996 8-speed GripShift is just breaking down. My buddy Norm may be willing to part with some X.9 shifters and rear derailleur and if I can manage that expenditure, she should be ready to roll for 24 Hours of GG. If I ever get lucky enough to stockpile enough newer parts I can theoretically make the jump to a duel suspension bike next year....it's a pipedream but still....
Note to Rich....hang on to those CrossMax disc wheels, I want to get on your payment plan!!!
2 comments:
Wheels are still in the garage :)
SWEET, I WANT 'EM!!!
Post a Comment