In the 1990's I had specialized. My dad's friend worked for Caratti who imported them in the late 80's so I had hardrocks, then stumpjumpers. After uni I got a rockhopper and when the retro bug hit a few years ago I returned to what I know.
But I'd alway hankered after a bontrager. I just loved the single minded ethos that went into the design. I lived near Mike Cookson cycles in the early noughties and they had an old Privateer frames still on sale for about £400. I really wanted it but didn't have the cash.
I've seen various frames pop up over the last few years - but not often and too small. I was really tempted by RobMac's Privateer a month or so ago - but I wanted to restore something and anything I did to that would make it worse and lose its originality.
Which brings me to this week. I finally managed to score a UK based bontrager for a decent price on ebay. Its only a privateer but thats OK. I think.
the plan is strip it right down get it re-finished by fastline coating in preston (KTM Orange, Kawasaki Green, or satin ruby red are in contention - although Nardo Grey looks interesting) and build it up in 1997ish XT spec. Finish it off with OR decals from Gil and it should look more like a a bontrager should. To my eyes the privateers were always a bit dowdy.
The bike I have comes with rigid forks so I'm on the lookout for some 1" forks, although I may fit a new steerer to the RC36's on my stumpjumper.
I also need a seatpost and probably a chain suck place or template for making one.
I'll post again when the bike actually arrives. Looking forward to this.
But I'd alway hankered after a bontrager. I just loved the single minded ethos that went into the design. I lived near Mike Cookson cycles in the early noughties and they had an old Privateer frames still on sale for about £400. I really wanted it but didn't have the cash.
I've seen various frames pop up over the last few years - but not often and too small. I was really tempted by RobMac's Privateer a month or so ago - but I wanted to restore something and anything I did to that would make it worse and lose its originality.
Which brings me to this week. I finally managed to score a UK based bontrager for a decent price on ebay. Its only a privateer but thats OK. I think.
the plan is strip it right down get it re-finished by fastline coating in preston (KTM Orange, Kawasaki Green, or satin ruby red are in contention - although Nardo Grey looks interesting) and build it up in 1997ish XT spec. Finish it off with OR decals from Gil and it should look more like a a bontrager should. To my eyes the privateers were always a bit dowdy.
The bike I have comes with rigid forks so I'm on the lookout for some 1" forks, although I may fit a new steerer to the RC36's on my stumpjumper.
I also need a seatpost and probably a chain suck place or template for making one.
I'll post again when the bike actually arrives. Looking forward to this.
