Got a new bike, Orbit Harrier. Borderline classic...?

[Ugo51]

After a bit of searching, I got myself a new bike. I just made the purchase, haven't received yet, but very exciting.

I was looking for a bike with
- steel frame
- steel forks
- mudguard eyelets
- rack mounts
- 130mm spacing and vertical dropouts

And this checks all the boxes. I mean, it's not the right size, but that's a small detail
My current bikes all have 53-54mm top tubes. This is 52. I think I will have no issues making it fit.

I had never heard of this bike before, and only rarely heard of the Orbit brand, which I was pleased to know is still in business.
I very much like the RX100 groupset, 7 speed cassette, I believe, not freewheel. I don't count on the wheels being top notch, so I might have to replace them and go for a 8-speed at the rear, but I'll see how it goes.

Very happy. Can't wait to get my hands on it...and take apart. Oh, and ride it, also ride it.

 

[highlandsflyer]

Lovely bike!
Our's is off the road right now, but it's a 54cm and I can make it work, if snug, as someone who rides 56/58/60 as a norm.

 

[Ugo51]

I need to get myself one of those bottle holders!

I notice that when I search for Orbit Harrier, only models with canti brakes come up while mine has calipers.

What year is yours? I wrote borderline classic because I am not sure how old it is. I would say late 90s but might be quite a bit more modern actually

 

[highlandsflyer]

Not sure on the age, though I once was, but we have had it a long time. Lots of knowledge on here about them, but hard to find it!
Not sure if this one is going back on the road soon. It needs stripped, dipped and paint at least. It's been ridden hard and left out in the wet.
They also went to a bigger head tube on these Columbus Zona models, as well as the cantis, so that opens up a lot of options. If you like it once you get on it, you could wait for one the perfect size to come up. I am always looking for a perfect shape 56.

 

[highlandsflyer]

Definitely a classic!

 

[Battersby]

Is this the one with an offset rear end?

 

[Ugo51]

Sorry, I don't know what that is

 

[Battersby]

Sorry, I don't know what that is

On some harriers the rear triangle was offset to remove any dishing in the rear wheel.

 

[Ugo51]

oh...I hope not or I won't be able to run normal wheels.

 

[Battersby]

oh...I hope not or I won't be able to run normal wheels.

Ive seen it on the Zona built ones. Not sure about 531