Looks so cleannnn, I love a bike that looks like it wouldn’t make a lot of noise when you bounce it, this boy looks like it would make more of a plunk noise and I love that
The Troll fork is oversized and a bit heavy. It's definitely noticeable when you're taking some nice 90s mtb and doing a fork swap, which I did with a 93 Diamond Back Ascent Ex knowing it would change the attitude of the geometry. This looks more suited to the bike. Congrats on the refresh here. Really turned out nice.
Thanks! Correct me if I’m wrong but I think the 950, 970 and 990 from that era were virtually identical. They were all made from the same steel. The only difference was the components
The 930 also shared the same frame. Fork, depending on the year, was different, with the lower models having a Trek made fork and the higher models something from Tange (Big Fork, etc)
970&970 same frame (my 990 is actually stamped 970 on the BB) same oversize tubing and seatpost diameter for the given 92 year. The 950 and 930 had shared the same frame (same diameter seatpost). Welded ones were once again different (not oversized tubing). These ride solid like track tanks. The ideal adventure rig for rough stuff.
One of the most cohesively put together bikes I’ve seen on here. I know there’s been others, but this one is above average….way above. Be nice to see the other one you kept.
Go for it man! Just be careful with what kind of frame you decide to do it with. Some of the 80s and early 90s bikes had funky bb and headset standards
Yeah opted not to at one point in the past, thought trying to get a 10 or 11 cassette on the back would be an issue. Can’t remember why, maybe because I thought I read I would have to expand the width of the rear dropouts.
You’d need a 135mm rear spacing. Cold setting a steel frame isn’t really that difficult, there are a few videos on yt on how to do it. Your rear hub would have to have a 34,9 hg free hub but that’s virtually it
After you widen everything take the time to align your dropouts and it should be fine. Going to 135 from 126 or so is a bit of a jump but not a problem for steel.
A blue gt cirque - it’s a weird bike but weird in a good way. It has up to 700x50 clearance both front and rear. I’m rebuilding it since some idiot stole the handlebars/stem/brifters from it (why one would decide to steal the handlebars I will never know)
It was more out of necessity rather than me being “minimalistic” with my bike collection. Financial issues, moving to a smaller apartment, etc. Definitely looking forward to getting more bikes in the future but it’s just not possible now
I just moved into a bigger space 😈.
My gf and I already had 12+ bikes stuffed into a 2 bedroom, but moved to Bentonville Arkansas. Really itching for an e-bike or two.
That's a lot of bikes for a 2 bedroom. Hopefully you optimized the storage space. I keep looking at my panniers and hiking backpacks and wanting a better way to store them. Some things can just be nested inside one another but utilizing vertical space is the thing to do.
As a mechanic I'm trying to not own too many personal bikes. I am kinda failing at that. My ideal number is 4 but right now it's 5 plus 3 trailers and then there's the mass of other bikes and trailers that I just claim live on my property but aren't personal riders. XD
I made a big bulk order of washers and threaded hooks, thinking I would hang the bikes on long sliding door rails like a clothing rack and slide everything to maximize the hanging space. While I might still do that I'm currently going with fixed hooks and alternating the vertical hang position. I realize for renters this likely isn't possible, but it's super efficient and really economical when you have a long span to chain several rails together.
The absolute dream bike. I envy my partner because I built her my dream 970 🙃
Side note: do you feel like you would have rather gone with the Barnacle lite or is the og your preference? Debating between the two.
YO IM MAKING THE SAME BUILD it’s so good to finally have a reference as to how it’s going to look as a final product because there’s only like 2-3 that I’ve found with a similar look. I was also hesitating so much on the barnacle fork, and now I have the perfect reference UGH I LOVE REDDIT SOME TIMES
This headset has actually been installed on 5 bikes before this one. It didn’t feel good to drop 100 euros on a headset when I’d first bought it but I now feel like it was a good investment. The other parts are just immaculate🤌. The BB was initially installed on gravel bike that I had and it has around 8-9k km on it. It still spins like butter. I haven’t used the hubs/wheelset for a long time so I can’t tell you anything about them except that the free hub is really loud (like a swarm of angry bees). I like it but it can put some people off I guess
I have the same drivetrain setup on my Rockhopper; I had to go to a 38T Wolf Tooth chainring; the stock 32 definitely leaves you a bit wanting anywhere but plogging up a hill lmao
I think so? I didn’t change it and the previous owner (who actually bought the bike in 1992) also hadn’t as far as I know. It’s 32t, but it’s a bit small for my liking. I think I’ll change to 36t sometime in the future. I’ve been riding fixed gears/ track bikes for around 10 years so it’s always a bit weird to have such low gearing😅
I haven’t been a huge fan of the Stridsland fork because it’s overbuilt but love it on this. Big old frame tubes compliment it nicely. I have one of these bikes in my garage and might consider it now.
That was one of the reasons why I wanted to share it. It can really make or break a build depending on what kind of tubing you have. I really doubt it’ll look good on a frame with thin tubes but whatever floats your boat…
I was skeptical about dropping that kind of money on a rigid fork but it was totally worth it! The original suspension fork was really meh and I didn’t want to mess up the geometry. It worked out really well!
Fully understand. I’m current selling 3 bikes trying to clean the garage so I can park 1 car this… WINTER. It’s June and 86degF out right now.
ETA: it’s actually July. Sorry, time is running away from me.
Looks so cleannnn, I love a bike that looks like it wouldn’t make a lot of noise when you bounce it, this boy looks like it would make more of a plunk noise and I love that
As a BMX kid I used to love my bike sounding like a basketball when I bounced it, it's how I knew everything was 👌
Is it weird that what you wrote makes sense to me?
Monke bmx Brain must bounce bike
This is the first bike I've seen where the Stridsland fork looks like it actually belongs on it. Turned out so clean and perfect.
Thanks! I was a bit torn between surly troll and stridsland forks but it seems it was the correct choice
The Troll fork is oversized and a bit heavy. It's definitely noticeable when you're taking some nice 90s mtb and doing a fork swap, which I did with a 93 Diamond Back Ascent Ex knowing it would change the attitude of the geometry. This looks more suited to the bike. Congrats on the refresh here. Really turned out nice.
I have a 90’s 930 with a troll fork yours looks way better.
Thanks! I mean it’s not like it’s a competition - as long as it’s functional it’s all good imo
Def! The 930 I’ve built up using mostly free, cheap, and parts bin stuff. It looks like a clown would ride it but it’s very functional lol.
* My 970 is my favorite bike. Your 990 is sick, nice job!
Thanks! Correct me if I’m wrong but I think the 950, 970 and 990 from that era were virtually identical. They were all made from the same steel. The only difference was the components
The 930 also shared the same frame. Fork, depending on the year, was different, with the lower models having a Trek made fork and the higher models something from Tange (Big Fork, etc)
970&970 same frame (my 990 is actually stamped 970 on the BB) same oversize tubing and seatpost diameter for the given 92 year. The 950 and 930 had shared the same frame (same diameter seatpost). Welded ones were once again different (not oversized tubing). These ride solid like track tanks. The ideal adventure rig for rough stuff.
One of the most cohesively put together bikes I’ve seen on here. I know there’s been others, but this one is above average….way above. Be nice to see the other one you kept.
Thanks a lot!
What's the other one?
A new-ish blue GT Cirque. I’m rebuilding it now since some idiot decided to steal the handlebars (who does that?)
The OG handlebars on the Cirque doubled as very effective boat anchors! I’d be suprised if they weren’t 40% as heavy as the naked frame.
I like it
This is beautiful, would love to do a modern conversion like this at some point
Go for it man! Just be careful with what kind of frame you decide to do it with. Some of the 80s and early 90s bikes had funky bb and headset standards
Yeah opted not to at one point in the past, thought trying to get a 10 or 11 cassette on the back would be an issue. Can’t remember why, maybe because I thought I read I would have to expand the width of the rear dropouts.
You’d need a 135mm rear spacing. Cold setting a steel frame isn’t really that difficult, there are a few videos on yt on how to do it. Your rear hub would have to have a 34,9 hg free hub but that’s virtually it
Awesome I appreciate it!
After you widen everything take the time to align your dropouts and it should be fine. Going to 135 from 126 or so is a bit of a jump but not a problem for steel.
Luggie boi! There was one of those on sale near me recently. Unfortunately too small
Gorgeous bike. Deore was such a good choice.
What is the other bike? This one is siiiick.
A blue gt cirque - it’s a weird bike but weird in a good way. It has up to 700x50 clearance both front and rear. I’m rebuilding it since some idiot stole the handlebars/stem/brifters from it (why one would decide to steal the handlebars I will never know)
Nice! That sounds fun. I'm definitely on the "never too many bikes" end of the spectrum, but wish I could get away with just 2.
It was more out of necessity rather than me being “minimalistic” with my bike collection. Financial issues, moving to a smaller apartment, etc. Definitely looking forward to getting more bikes in the future but it’s just not possible now
I just moved into a bigger space 😈. My gf and I already had 12+ bikes stuffed into a 2 bedroom, but moved to Bentonville Arkansas. Really itching for an e-bike or two.
That's a lot of bikes for a 2 bedroom. Hopefully you optimized the storage space. I keep looking at my panniers and hiking backpacks and wanting a better way to store them. Some things can just be nested inside one another but utilizing vertical space is the thing to do. As a mechanic I'm trying to not own too many personal bikes. I am kinda failing at that. My ideal number is 4 but right now it's 5 plus 3 trailers and then there's the mass of other bikes and trailers that I just claim live on my property but aren't personal riders. XD
I built a big ten bike rack for them that worked well enough. Still was pretty cramped, though. 😂
I made a big bulk order of washers and threaded hooks, thinking I would hang the bikes on long sliding door rails like a clothing rack and slide everything to maximize the hanging space. While I might still do that I'm currently going with fixed hooks and alternating the vertical hang position. I realize for renters this likely isn't possible, but it's super efficient and really economical when you have a long span to chain several rails together.
This was my solution. https://preview.redd.it/f9574djyh5ad1.jpeg?width=2160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3f6d7428615eb948e0ca07b7b92051bcd12fa7be
What’s the oil slick looking bike with gold cranks???
The absolute dream bike. I envy my partner because I built her my dream 970 🙃 Side note: do you feel like you would have rather gone with the Barnacle lite or is the og your preference? Debating between the two.
Thanks! I’ll post a few pictures when it’s fully loaded. I like the extra mounting options on the barnacle but they’re definitely not necessary
That is a nice ride. Super clean.
Dayum
Gorgeous. I sold my Trek once, bought it back, and it’s not going anywhere until I’m dead.
Wow you can mount everything you own on that fork! Beautiful bike!
this is sick, love the hope hubs
is tihs 26?
Yeah, they’re 26 inch wheels
I sold my 29' bike. Now I only have my 30 year old 26 bike with midrange parts. I realized that 26 is more fun.
It’s definitely a nice change of pace. This sub has definitely been a respite (at least for me) from a more „serious“ side of cycling.
Proper bike. Rare for this sub lol.
Niiice!!!! Just got the same one yesterday and yours is a great source of build inspiration!!!
ngl the idea to build this bike came after watching a wavey wheelies video. The colors/setup are pretty similar to his gt
Great channel! Thank you for the info. I'll share mine as well once I have it ready!!
Nice! What fork is that?
Stridsland barnacle! It’s a bit expensive but if you want all the mounting points, then it’s definitely the right choice
Awesome build!
YO IM MAKING THE SAME BUILD it’s so good to finally have a reference as to how it’s going to look as a final product because there’s only like 2-3 that I’ve found with a similar look. I was also hesitating so much on the barnacle fork, and now I have the perfect reference UGH I LOVE REDDIT SOME TIMES
Sweet I have the same bars https://www.reddit.com/r/xbiking/s/YMvfs1QQTw Edit—similar
Ya know that us brits do the best bike components let’s be honest here, HOPE all day baby!
This headset has actually been installed on 5 bikes before this one. It didn’t feel good to drop 100 euros on a headset when I’d first bought it but I now feel like it was a good investment. The other parts are just immaculate🤌. The BB was initially installed on gravel bike that I had and it has around 8-9k km on it. It still spins like butter. I haven’t used the hubs/wheelset for a long time so I can’t tell you anything about them except that the free hub is really loud (like a swarm of angry bees). I like it but it can put some people off I guess
Wow!! You did a great job building this!! Love every part of it.. you've got great taste 👌
Great job! With a 32t, don't you find it a bit short of top speed?
Thanks! Yeah I do, I spin out at around 35-37 km/h (around 23 mph in freedom units). A bigger chainring is definitely my next upgrade!
"Freedom units", nice!! I kinda like that!! 👍
I have the same drivetrain setup on my Rockhopper; I had to go to a 38T Wolf Tooth chainring; the stock 32 definitely leaves you a bit wanting anywhere but plogging up a hill lmao
What's the other one?
Very nice build! Is the headtube badge original? And what size is your front chainring? Thanks for sharing!
I think so? I didn’t change it and the previous owner (who actually bought the bike in 1992) also hadn’t as far as I know. It’s 32t, but it’s a bit small for my liking. I think I’ll change to 36t sometime in the future. I’ve been riding fixed gears/ track bikes for around 10 years so it’s always a bit weird to have such low gearing😅
Clean as a whistle!
I haven’t been a huge fan of the Stridsland fork because it’s overbuilt but love it on this. Big old frame tubes compliment it nicely. I have one of these bikes in my garage and might consider it now.
That was one of the reasons why I wanted to share it. It can really make or break a build depending on what kind of tubing you have. I really doubt it’ll look good on a frame with thin tubes but whatever floats your boat…
Looks so clean. You did a great job man.
"ride slow, die whenever" I am stealing this quote
Yep. Want it but black.
Sick Hope hubs :) What was the other bike you kept?
That fork is my spirit animal.
I was skeptical about dropping that kind of money on a rigid fork but it was totally worth it! The original suspension fork was really meh and I didn’t want to mess up the geometry. It worked out really well!
How do you feel op? And what happened? Did you file for a divorce? Got a new job? Had a major breakthrough with your therapist?
😂lol, nah just some financial issues and also moving to a smaller apartment so there’s not enough space for bikes
Fully understand. I’m current selling 3 bikes trying to clean the garage so I can park 1 car this… WINTER. It’s June and 86degF out right now. ETA: it’s actually July. Sorry, time is running away from me.
I now think that all of us live in a perpetual cycle - buy bice, build bice, store bice, run out of space, sell bice.. rinse and repeat
Thanks for reminding me. I need to put some time into building the bike shed.
That is not what I meant friend, cause I’m assuming your spouse/partner/babymama ain’t blind and she will find your shed.
Das Klean - but do you even ride it?
I definitely do! I just cleaned it before taking the pictures