1989 Kestrel MX-Z

[deoreo]

While scrounging parts for another unrelated build, I happened to come across this in a local Craigslist ad.
It was still available, and at a price that made it a no-brainer to go and get. Now I need to source some parts for two builds

Pictured as bought, with a Manitou 1 fork, XT headset, bottom bracket, and front derailleur, and A-Tac stem.
Overall, the frame is in great shape. only a few tiny rubs in the paint.

Originally the rear cantilevers were held on by a plate that formed the bushing with a bolt securing the entire brake assembly. They were missing, so I got a set of 6mm cantilever studs from Brake Stuff in Germany. They have 22mm of threads. I need to cut them down to 9mm.

The fork moves only a few milimeters. Already have the elastomer kit and dust seals on the way from Suspension Fork Parts.

Originally thought the seatpost diameter was 27.0 but it's actually 27.2 There was what appears to be a bit of paint inside the steel tube that makes up the seat tube. Got most of it off, and may run a hone through it to get it nice and smooth.

Already have a great, like new wheelset ready to go- Deore II hubs (130mm rear) and Araya RM20 rims with a Deore II 13-30 cluster.

Looking forward to trying this one out!

 

[jimi911]

I really like these. Nice find

 

[Crus]

Supercool frame! Always loved it

 

[retroboston]

Re:

Looking forward to this one. Great looking frame.

 

[haulawayjoe]

Re:

I always liked Kestrel frames, one is on my list to own one day. I would prefer white myself but that is just personal preference. Yours would look very classy with an all silver parts build, should look ace when done.

 

[deoreo]

Re:

Got the cantilever studs trimmed down.

Cleaned up the bottom bracket, and polished up the fork top caps.

Cleaned up and mounted the HG70 cassette and wheels. Added some new Panaracer Smoke tires.

The seat tube is nice and smooth for a 27.2 seatpost now. Gathering up parts. Will be a Shimano M730-M735 build. Still need to pull the fork apart, and replace the elastomers.

 

[brocklanders023]

Re:

Always thought these were ace and this thread is building in to a belter.

 

[Ollie]

Wow , awesome find! Can't wait for the finished result .

 

[deoreo]

Re:

Thanks for the kind words, everyone!
As I said in the first post I was sourcing parts for another build when I found this.
That other build is a 1990 Litespeed mountain. I have to say, I'm almost more excited to get the Kestrel up and running!

It was one of the cool, "unobtanium" bikes that I read about in the magazines back in the day, while I was riding my Raleigh Chill

 

[raidan73]

Nice 'dale behind it too