1994 Manitou DH, Beneke Replica

[Davichin]

Re: 1994 Manitou DH

Loved to find this thread! I built 1993 Beneke replica and I know how hard it is to find information about his bikes...

You can check my thread at viewtopic.php?f=6&t=314917

One thing is that he used 36 spoke wheels. And you can try and contact Steven Gravenites, as he built wheels for Juergen back then.

Good luck!

Edit: I have checked some pics and he also used some 32 spoke rims

 

[Skynet]

Re: 1994 Manitou DH

Thanks Dav, I did read through your thread and any other I could find! '93 he basically used a XC bike as most others seemed to do. Looks like '94 was when big changes started to happen with more specialised equipment started coming out.

You may well have seen this site, they retrace the world cup downhill
http://www.triridemtb.com/world-cup-history-1994

you'll be more interested in this page
http://www.triridemtb.com/world-cup-history-1993

His kit did seem to change all the time and, as you found. There aren't many pics out there, even fewer clear ones. There's going to be a couple of parts that are best guesses but that seems to be the same with most rebuilds and replicas I've seen.

I did count the spokes in the rear and they are 32 (think that the front Ringle through axle only came in 32h) but he had mismatched wheels. It's possible that he started off the week with a pair of Mavics but that his mechanical trashed his rear wheel and not just his tyre. I'll see if WTB remember, the person who was involved in giving him the tyre still works there.

One new thing I spotted last night after reading through some unrelated Manitou posts was that it looks like it had a Avid Rollamajig. It's just a blob in the photos so hadn't noticed, seems like a silver one. They seem to have been a popular upgrade on Manitous. Not sure what year they came out, '93?

 

[Skynet]

Re: 1994 Manitou DH

Hadn't noticed as it blended in with the chair but that's what I think is an Avid Rollamajig.

 

[Skynet]

Re: 1994 Manitou DH

Forgot to post the obligatory bottom bracket shot. Assume it's the 7th DH frame, no idea how many they made in total but would be interesting to find out.

Added the final few decals. The J.Beneke down tube ones which I may or may not use and also the Grip Shift ones for the shifters.

Just out of interest I did spend some time trying to find out what helmet he used but didn't find a match. Has Uvex stickers on it but whether it is a Uvex or they were a sponsor I don't know.

Now the holidays are over I'm starting to look for the parts. Only have what came with it, so front wheel and front mech (have the Ringle/Manitou seat post too but it's no good for the build). So anyone who has anything, build list is on page 4, let me know and I'll mark items off as I get them.

In addition to the list I'll need a threaded EFC crown and steerer, still thinking going 1⅛" would be a good idea. Might be able to just swap the steerer but not tried on a press fit so not sure.

 

[unit3]

Re:

Is the efc crown much different to the mani 2/3/4 crown? (I will check my efc but think I swapped them around ages ago)

Would 100% use headset reducer cups, Douge M recommends them ;-)

 

[Skynet]

I've 4's here and the crown is different to the EFC's I have, mine are like those in Answer's '95 catalog. My crown is about 5mm taller, both the clamp section and the top being a bit taller. The EFC's are on the left. But just checked and some EFC do have the same or similar crowns to 4's with the angular cut out rather than round.

 

[nutallabrot]

Re:

The Manitou 4 and EFC used the crowns with the round cutout, the Manitou 3 had the angular cutout. You can use both that's why you'll find forks with round and angular crowns when people swapped crowns (e.g. for a different frame).

The stem is definitely a A-Tac qill stem. Earelier A-Tacs had the logo in outlined letters rather than bold. I have stickers for an outlined A-Tac logo which I can send you.

Nice project by the way!

 

[Skynet]

You're right, mine are Manitou 3's not 4's. So long since I bought them I'd forgotten, just saw the blue and assumed.

On one photo you can make out 2 crown bolts at the back as well as the angular cutout, so guess they've either been swapped or they're prototypes with a Manitou 3 crown.

Hadn't seen photos of a non-noodle atac with outline lettering, but that would explain why it's not very clear. Just googled and did find an example in this thread:
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=234214

 

[Retro Spud]

Re: 1994 Manitou DH

Stumbled across this. Had to do a quick fix to put back some missing bits of lettering etc. Not done it quite right so might redraw it as it's pretty straightforward, although bound not to be able to find the fonts they used.

Digged what Marc did with this art work so much I had to get me some O.N.S (Old New Stock)


1 x New Tee Shirt pretending to be 21 years old
the photo's are taken in doors under the kitchen lights and don't do the graphic nor the colours justice


its actually been printed with Ink rather than one of those crappy plastic heat press transfers, so hopefully will last a good few years.
Gonna have to wash it first though as the smell of the fresh ink is dire !

Spud

 

[Skynet]

Glad it turned out well Nick, looks good.

As I'm posting may as well say how I'm getting on. Got the brakes, bars, seapost and Rollamajig (good swap!) but no leads on cranks, saddle, rear rim or hub so far.