1997 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo

[Stressed]

Just received the first batch of components for this build: frame, forks, wheels, shifters and front mech. Pretty much everything else is currently living on a 98 Joshua XO donor that I'm picking up as soon as I'm allowed to drive to York(!)
Frame and forks need stripping down and repainting and I've been in touch with Gil regarding some lovely new decals
Wheels need a clean up and bearing service/replacement. Shifters are battered but working and the front mech is a nice top swing XT...
Anyhoo...here's a few pic's.
(BTW: Does anyone know if the decal on the last pic' is original?)

 

[Paul R]

looks like potential

 

[Stressed]

Re:

'Potential' is definitely the right word

 

[Stressed]

Re:

After a bit of research turns out the 'Man's best friend' is a Gary Fisher staple of the era...who'd 'a' thunk it!

 

[Paul R]

lol

 

[Stressed]

Re:

Now this is awkward. Having aquired the Joshua XO Donor Bike I (naturally) took it for a ride before I begin to strip it down. I've never ridden a full sus' bike. Don't like 'em: Too heavy. Ugly. Expensive. Just for down-hillers, etc, etc. So while I'm trundling along- bit of road, bit of trail, up, down, I'm beginning to think: 'This is nice'. 'Kinda comfy'. 'Light enough and quite nippy'. 'Needs some work but ...'. You get the idea. DILEMMA :shock: :?

 

[Paul R]

two bikes easy

 

[Stressed]

two bikes easy

But if I keep this one I have to source parts for the Hoo Koo again

More time. More money. :?

 

[Paul R]

just swap the frames now and again. try out the hardtail built up and go from there maybe.

 

[Stressed]

Re:

Rode it again today. It's really, really, really(!) nice :shock: :facepalm:
So now I've decided to build up the Hoo Koo E Koo from the Joshua but use my Muddy Fox Monarch Sport as a donor for the XO!!?
It makes sense as I'll have the Hoo Koo for a hard tail and can dabble in the FS voodoo of the XO when I fancy it

You're right Paul R- thanks for the advice!