1994 Marin Eldridge Grade rebuild..

[RallyMarshal]

Finally got round to starting my Eldridge Grade rebuild. Was my third MTB BITD (after a Universal non-name and a Carrera Quattro Comp GT) and did a lot of mileage back then both fun and racing. It means something to me so this is going to be a restore to fairly original specs..

This is my original bike bought new from Rhondda Cycle Centre in late 1993 (for the South Wales Winter Cyclo Cross Championships) and whilst I have bought a 1996 Tequesta to romp about on, this is the bike I will return to ride.

The bike itself is pretty worn out, but the frame, although scratched in quite a few places doesnt seem cracked or dented anywhere. Current specs are:

Tange frameset
Rockstar Fork
Ritchey Logic Headset
Marin Lite Stem , bars and barends
Deore LX M563 cantis
Deore LX M563 brake / gear levers
Deore LX front and rear mechs
Deore LX (black) compactdrive chainset
Deore XT (M735?) pedals (now on Tequesta)
Selle Italia Rolls saddle with Marin seatpost
Mavic 231 rims on M563 parallax hubs

First job was stripping the frameset to remove everything. Luckily no stuck seatpost but cant hold frame enought in Lounge to remove BB without damaging the floor! Therefore thats a job for next time I get to spend time on it. Didnt realise just how bent back the seatpost was till I removed it!

Next job will be completely stripping it of BB / headset etc then sending it off to be powdercoated. Anyone know the closest RAL or BS colour to the "champagne" or whatever its called finish on these Marins?

Paul..

 

[Benandemu]

All these Marin resto's make me happy.

The best advice for colour is to take it to a paint supplier and go through the swatches to get the closest match. I think Maserati do an 'old Modena Gold' that is a good starting point.

Keep us all updated.

 

[RallyMarshal]

Now stripped completely of parts (thanks to local LBS for removing BB as I couldnt get it out!)

Its now off to powder coaters for blasting and coating. Couldnt get exact match as its like a silver colour with a bronze tint so did the best match we could and will see how it comes out.

Ive used MK powder coating in Shirebrook, Notts. Took it there myself as its local, very resonably priced at £45 for frame and £8 for forks so will see how it comes out. They specialise in motorcycle frames and parts so fingers crossed for a decent finish.

Paul..

 

[jonrock]

Good work. .looks like your going the right way about it.
J

 

[RallyMarshal]

Build time...

Got the frame and forks back from the powder coaters. They did a superb job on it - Im very happy with their work, but maybe I should have been more patient and searched out a closer match colour and finish. I went for bronze metallic as all the other similar colours were flat grey or plain silver without any bronze in them. This one has a hammered style finish to the colour but its been powder laquered over the top so its smooth to the touch.

It means it throws my idea of a completely original rebuild out of the window but at least it will be unique! Fitted with Ritchey Logic headset and UN54 bottom bracket ithe frame and forks weighs around 3300grams which isnt too bad.

Also got all the other new bits stripped from the donor bike. Thats a 94 Eldridge Grade in superb condition but in 15.5" so its too small for me. Cleaned each part after the strip.

Original parts galore - Complete Deore LX (M563) groupset whilst the wheels are LX parallax hubs with Ritchey Rock 395 front and 405 rear with good condition Marin Lite tyres!

Paul..

 

[Standish]

That frame's looking real good, just ready to send mine for coating, looking for a chainset and handlebar then ready for build up keep us updated with plenty pics

 

[WD Pro]

Looking good !

 

[clockworkgazz]

will look very nice, will be watching to see this machine bloom.

 

[RallyMarshal]

Ready to be tested...

Decided Id like this to be ready for the Sherwood Pines ride at the weekend so spent last night assembling and tweaking the bike. Think the bronze colour goes really well with the black on the cranks etc but not sure about the bits of red on the stem, seat qr and spoke nipples now.

Just weighed it and its 11.3kg fully built up - just a shade under 25lbs. Think Im still going to add the correct decals but then have the stem powdercoated black and fit a silver or black seat qr. Also need to get the wheels changed.. maybe I will keep the original 15.5" frame and rebuild it for the wife instead!

Paul..

 

[clockworkgazz]

I like the red- red decals would finish it off IMHO- looking very cool