P7 rust issues

P

Pabski

Retro Newbie
Hi all, I’m looking to buy one of the bikes I owned as a teenager and have my eye on a Marin Eldridge Grade and an Orange P7 from the early ‘90s.
The problem is, the P7 has the usual rust problem areas. Has anyone got any advice? Should I give it a miss or is it easily remedied?
From memory the P7 was more fun to ride but the Marin wasn’t too shabby.
IMG_9356.webp
 
STX RC really was a fabulous and very under-rated groupset. Bit of a game changer in my opinion, and the chromica finish was far classier than the price point deserved.

P7's and their nickel finish do pick up surface rust (even the painted ones with stone dings) but if you're prepared to put some elbow grease into it then it's easily remedied and they come up really nicely. Lots of tips on here, ranging from various wire wools/scouring pads/crushed foil and a lot of WD40.

I've a similar frame with a lot more than yours and I'll be bringing it back to life this summer, and a black one that has the same issue. Just check there's nothing more serious than surface, but they last well and are a fantastic ride.

Also consider a repaint if it's a keeper. I sent my P7 "keeper" back to Orange, which wasn't cheap - but they did an amazing job,

Marin's of the time are very under-rated too. Think Eldridge was one under the Bear Valley, which was their mid price range steel offering
 
markoc said:
STX RC really was a fabulous and very under-rated groupset. Bit of a game changer in my opinion, and the chromica finish was far classier than the price point deserved.

P7's and their nickel finish do pick up surface rust (even the painted ones with stone dings) but if you're prepared to put some elbow grease into it then it's easily remedied and they come up really nicely. Lots of tips on here, ranging from various wire wools/scouring pads/crushed foil and a lot of WD40.

I've a similar frame with a lot more than yours and I'll be bringing it back to life this summer, and a black one that has the same issue. Just check there's nothing more serious than surface, but they last well and are a fantastic ride.

Also consider a repaint if it's a keeper. I sent my P7 "keeper" back to Orange, which wasn't cheap - but they did an amazing job,

Marin's of the time are very under-rated too. Think Eldridge was one under the Bear Valley, which was their mid price range steel offering
Click to expand...
The other way round - Eldridge Grade was above Bear Valley
 
Having owned both, I would go for the P7; it rides like a scalded cat and always brings a smile. It’s the one I kept.
I wouldn’t worry about rust like that - some aluminium foil and soapy water will get that off. Afterwards I use car wax to keep moisture out, it only needs doing once a year. Mine is kept in an unheated garage which gets damp in winter, after 10 years the rust hasn’t reappeared.
 
Scalded cat 😂
Hamster and Markoc thanks for your advice. Do you know what size the M frame is? 17.5 or 19”?
I’m 5’11 and worried the M will be too small. I can’t remember what I had back in the day (over 30 years ago! 😱)
 
STX was an awful groupset, it marked the start of the slow decline of the good looking stuff to the robotic durge of today (OK 30 years is a long time!)

It had a lot of hidden steel parts thar rusted pretty quick and the chainset was simply horrible in everyday use as it was very bendy. Plus it came with a 95mm bcd chainring that didn't fit anything else!

STX-RC however, much nicer looking and as v-brakes appeared, the levers and shifters were as good as anything above in the range. The v-brakes themselves were a bit naff though. Front and rear mechs were much better quality with the front sharing interchangeable parts all the way to XT

For the rust on the frame people have used tin foil, white vinegar, fine wire wool, all sorts. It's a satin chrome plate with a lacquer and just like any coated material, as soon as there's chips, rust will follow

They are great frames and I do prefer them over most of the Marin steel bikes
 
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