1996 Bontrager Privateer - AKA I finally managed to get one.

[slackboy]

Re: FInally got a bontrager thread

All stripped down now. It came apart easily and happily the stem looks completely unmarked.

The frame has a few big chunks out of it - on the down tube and and the chainstay so its definitely getting painted. Need to decide between KTM orange or a trying to get a metallic dark blue - RAL 5004 looks like a close match for the original.

Some differences on the privateer - the brake studs and drop outs I already knew about but didn't realise that there are no gussets on the chainstays of the privateer - unlike the race and race lite.

It does have the top and down tube gussets though so it is at a least a little bit authentic.

Also, bontragers seem to be like buses - none for ages and then three come along at once - in the course of tracking down a seatpost I nearly ended up buying a race lite as well.

 

[slackboy]

Re: FInally got a bontrager thread

I was going to clean up the BCX-3 wheels and re-use them. But having compared them to some Mavic 221's that I have they are a lot heavier (front is 100g more without a skewer) so I'll probably use the Mavic's instead.

Also have some cheapo WTB Velociraptors on the way from Planet X but will more likely get some Smoke & Darts in the future.

 

[slackboy]

I reckon RAL 5004 looks like a winner:

Althogh RAL2009 does look appealling

 

[2manyoranges]

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I have indeed seen excellent orange Privateers. It’s a great colourway. But COTIC have kindof occupied it now. And I always think Oranges should be orange - since the first Tushinghams were white-orange fade.
My RACELITE OR is the nice deep purple and I have a real soft spot for that. Looks black.....but when you get up close....it’s purple. And that’s nice.

 

[slackboy]

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But COTIC have kindof occupied it now.

Thats why I'm thinking orange. I like the idea of it sharing a garage with its grand child

 

[2manyoranges]

Re:

.....I think that that is an EXCELLENT idea.....

Brilliant

 

[2manyoranges]

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....ther retroGrom has an orange COTIC soul and bloody hell I wanted one ... but I thought it would be really naff if we both turned up on identifical bikes, one small and one medium, so mine’s in Baby Blue.....

 

[slackboy]

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I saw that - lucky kid.

I keep thinking of getting an XS cotic for my girlfriend - but at 5' nothing it would probably be too big for her anyway.

 

[2manyoranges]

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Actually I am not so sure. Alex (RGrom) is 5 2 and he’s on a small with the saddle on an in-line post (the temperamental but light Cranks Cobalt 3) and a 40mm stem - and the whole thing is just slightly too big but only by a smidge. He was on an XS Orange P7 with 24 inch wheel and then 26 inch, and that fitted him brilliantly ... but i think the COTIC is fine and in one month will be perfect. I would say that Cy recommends on the small size in respect of the Soul 26 chart - I am 5 7 and the small is ... too small. I would say an XS would fit your partner well, and you could put 24 wheels on it as an option but I don’t think that would be necessary.

Below is a photo of Alex on the COTIC and I think it’s good. And let’s face it, I was having trouble catching him on the berms in Thetford....

 

[slackboy]

A weekend of hunting down parts. Got a silver thomson seatpost and some WTB velociraptors incoming.

Trying to source a 1" steerer for my pace fork along with a 1 1/8 to 1" shim.

Off on hols next week so the paintwork will have to wait until I'm back.