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1993 Raleigh Apex K2
December 2011
Freshly built up the night before the Turkey Twizzler, here's another addition to the fleet.
Utilising a selection of more or less period correct parts including the 1993 only Exage ES mechs and cantilevers matched up to some spongey Dia Compe SS5 levers.
The main reason it got built for this ride in particular was due to the original spec of blackwall tyres. After the last two trips to Cannock being dirty mud fests, I couldn't bear the thought of ruining another set of skin walls. I'm also pleased to have a pink bike to match my ETTO helmet.
So this rolls on Ritchey Z-Max rubber and has sensible all steel chainrings for the ultimate retro winter drivetrain.
Deore thumbies perform their always reliable shifting duties and a battered Velo Ti saddle provides a reasonably comfortable perch.
It is a 21" frame though, which is an inch or two bigger than I'd usually opt for. The head tube is really long and front end is about the same height as some of my modern bikes with big forks and riser bars. Despite this, the reach is about average for what I'm used to.
Cornering does require a fair bit of body language and lean in, but overall it's a good starting point.
Not sure where to go next with it, perhaps some drop bars and singlespeed.
I'm happy just to have finished another bike and ridden it in the meantime.
I'll add some detail shots when I've taken them.
December 2011
Freshly built up the night before the Turkey Twizzler, here's another addition to the fleet.
Utilising a selection of more or less period correct parts including the 1993 only Exage ES mechs and cantilevers matched up to some spongey Dia Compe SS5 levers.
The main reason it got built for this ride in particular was due to the original spec of blackwall tyres. After the last two trips to Cannock being dirty mud fests, I couldn't bear the thought of ruining another set of skin walls. I'm also pleased to have a pink bike to match my ETTO helmet.
So this rolls on Ritchey Z-Max rubber and has sensible all steel chainrings for the ultimate retro winter drivetrain.
Deore thumbies perform their always reliable shifting duties and a battered Velo Ti saddle provides a reasonably comfortable perch.
It is a 21" frame though, which is an inch or two bigger than I'd usually opt for. The head tube is really long and front end is about the same height as some of my modern bikes with big forks and riser bars. Despite this, the reach is about average for what I'm used to.
Cornering does require a fair bit of body language and lean in, but overall it's a good starting point.
Not sure where to go next with it, perhaps some drop bars and singlespeed.
I'm happy just to have finished another bike and ridden it in the meantime.
I'll add some detail shots when I've taken them.
