1986 F W Evans

[Captain Stupido]

It's cleaning all the bits as you go that takes time... but I reckon I might get a ride this weekend.

 

[Captain Stupido]

Chain to fit and gears to cable up, it's looking really nice I think...

 

[Peachy!]

Excellent, got to be in this coming months early 80's special BotM

 

[Captain Stupido]

Just spent 15 minutes on my hands and knees looking for a missing ferrule on the workshop floor. Found it so time for a cuppa.

Nearly finished but sods law that it's raining so I'll probably have to postpone the test ride.

Only just managed to cobble together the right combination of ferrules, cables, and adapters for this - the frame uses little (3mm?) cable stops for the gears so was very glad to have stashed some suitable bits and bobs over the years... also for some reason I managed to find a short length of 5mm white gear outers, whereas I normally use 4mm and only have ferrules for that. Again scrabbling around in various boxes of bits I managed to find just enough bits of the right size.

Can't wait to take it for a blast now.

 

[Captain Stupido]

It's a bike!

Time for lunch... might ride it after.

 

[Captain Stupido]

 

[Captain Stupido]

Finally rode it in anger. Took it to the local trail centre (Haldon Forest) and did my favourite (not very gnarly) trail. I love it!

Didn't feel the need to go as quickly as I would on my (hard tail) Clockwork but it was no less enjoyable and certainly didn't scare the life out of me, which given the slippery rocky trail, and the tyres (more of an all terrain design than a proper knobbly xc tread) is pretty impressive.

Great fun riding past people on modern expensive full sussers. Totally proves that a mountain bike is a mountain bike and you don't need to spend serious money to have fun, and get about.

I've been trying to sell it as I wasn't sure I was going to ride it. Well, I'm keeping it.

 

[Captain Stupido]

The question is: rack and mudguards?

 

[widowmaker]

The question is: rack and mudguards?

Yes it needs some, but would upset the clean lines.

Answer - ride it in the dry

 

[Captain Stupido]

would upset the clean lines.

More than it upsets the modern bike riders at Haldon?

Thing is, I have about 12 bikes and literally not one with proper mudguards! I've always considered myself an advocate of their use! And I've got loads here... And I like riding in the rain, sometimes.

Let me rephrase the question. Black or silver mudguards?

Would be a nice bike to take touring.