1993 GT timberline retro mod.

[synchronicity]

I originally had this bike, upgraded the parts to silly XTR level stuff when I was a student, massively overcapitalising on the frame (my intention was to swap out the frame for something titanium like an ibis or something, but never did, too expensive).

Went to road bikes around the year 2000, sold everything off but the frame.

So it's been sitting there as a frame only for over a decade. But it has some kind of weird sentimental value.
For one thing, I still like the original paint job.

Anyway, I've been slowly gathering parts for at least the last year or so.
It's kinda weird as this was my first bike and it probably 'only' took me about 3 months to save up for it, < AUD$800 in 1993 dollars.

Every time I might run into some unexpected dollars, that's when I tend to buy another part.
Some of the parts are hand-me-downs from other bikes in my stable.
Like the cassette, rear derailleur and shifters.

I'm only missing the saddle and the fork at this stage. I think.
It's not meant to be an original build. Nor is it going to have flashy [read: über expensive/lightweight] parts.
Just a sensible quality build for those off days when I don't feel like riding far.

I'll start with the headset.
FSA Orbit MX, arrived a little over a week ago.
It's been in my virtual shopping basket for about the last 9 months.

 

[synchronicity]

I think I need a little help/push forum motivation to complete this build.
Other little projects and things have taken priority lately.

I still need to order the forks for example.

It's going to be a 1x9 setup to make things simpler (and cheaper).

 

[synchronicity]

I have decided to opt for a rather unusual rear derailleur (for this bike anyway).
The humble shimano 105 RD-5500 black edition.
It has a very short cage, less than 50mm between pulley & jockey wheels.

Gearing with be 36T at the front, 11-19T 9 speed straight block in the rear.
This will give 1.9 ~3.3 drive ratio, or about 49" to 85" gear progression.

I think the shifting will be pretty quick anyway, just how I like it.

 

[synchronicity]

As for the stem, I'm going with this one, one of my favourite budget stems, the ITM lite luxe:

 

[Suprachrgd82]

That’s a seemingly strange build with the short cage and straight block but I can’t imagine that the ride will disappoint. Those wheels are damn sexy.

 

[synchronicity]

The wheels are just basic mavic crossride units:
https://www.bike-components.de/en/Mavic/Crossride-UB-26-Wheelset-p46929/They go in and out of stock quite regularly.
Not many places to buy new 26" rim brake wheelsets anymore.

 

[synchronicity]

Chain, will be one of these FSA K-Force light 10 speed chains
I got it for AUD$30 on sale. At that price, I ordered a second one for a different bike.

I degreased it, waxed it and unfortunately it totally rusted before I could even use it!
Whatever you do, don't store waxed chains in your shed, or this happens.
(yes, the second chain also rusted, 'cause I did them in a batch)

 

[synchronicity]

Then it's also going to have Time link pedals on it.
The v-brakes are going to be something just a little bit special.

As for the fork, I'm undecided.
Perhaps some cheapy mosso alloy fork. It works alright.
But the rim brake model has sucky graphics...

Perhaps a surly. I don't know. Suggestions?
I want a rigid fork but preferably one without disc brake tabs.

 

[synchronicity]

Tyres are mounted. Just some old hutchinson top slick 2's that I had lying about.
I might upgrade these to Schwalbe marathon plus once they wear out completely.
Recently repaired innertubes.

 

[synchronicity]

I also ordered the fork this week.
This is a budget build so wasn't prepared to spend much on the fork.
(I noticed you either get a cheap steel fork or have to spend hundreds and hundreds and hundreds)
So I got this which is kind of an intermediate spend.

Won't be riding far, so comfort isn't a priority.
The lower crown race won't really match (visually speaking) with the massive diameter of the fork (base plate?), I'm prepared to live with that.

This is my second Mosso fork. They work alright (for the price).