This isn't going to win an award for icon of the late nineties, but I had one bitd and have searched for one ever since, and this came up for sale via gumtree a few weeks back so I jumped at the chance of owning one again.
The reason I bought this bitd was because all of my mates were hanging out in quarries doing jumps etc while I didn't have anything to join them on (an XCer), so when I saw an advert back in 1999 for this model on offer at Warminster Cycle Centre (coincidently Warminster was I where I picked this one up from) and seeing the spec, I jumped at the chance (using a credit card as well to buy it :roll: ).
It cost me £799.95 bitd, and the kit fitted to it comprises of XT front mech, LX rear mech, and shifters, STX RC brake levers and rear hub. Marzocchi Z5 bombers as well. I think I fitted a chain device, and replaced the handlebar and stem, and changed the rear brake to DX one almost immediately back then. And also fitted one of those moto style front guards. A couple of years later I changed the front wheel and fitted a front v brake, and bolted on some Junior T forks. In 2004 I binned the frame, and transferred all of the componentry across to a 2003 Saracen Zen Frame (which I later sold as it turned out that this style of riding was never going to be my thing).
Honestly this is too small for me but it is virtually still all original spec apart from some of the cables being replaced by the previous owner. This did have x lite bar ends fitted, and the grips were cut down in order for them to fit, but I've been able to source identical grips to the original ones via Amazon USA.
If a larger frame ever comes along I'll jump at that so I can actually fully enjoy the ride.
The reason I bought this bitd was because all of my mates were hanging out in quarries doing jumps etc while I didn't have anything to join them on (an XCer), so when I saw an advert back in 1999 for this model on offer at Warminster Cycle Centre (coincidently Warminster was I where I picked this one up from) and seeing the spec, I jumped at the chance (using a credit card as well to buy it :roll: ).
It cost me £799.95 bitd, and the kit fitted to it comprises of XT front mech, LX rear mech, and shifters, STX RC brake levers and rear hub. Marzocchi Z5 bombers as well. I think I fitted a chain device, and replaced the handlebar and stem, and changed the rear brake to DX one almost immediately back then. And also fitted one of those moto style front guards. A couple of years later I changed the front wheel and fitted a front v brake, and bolted on some Junior T forks. In 2004 I binned the frame, and transferred all of the componentry across to a 2003 Saracen Zen Frame (which I later sold as it turned out that this style of riding was never going to be my thing).
Honestly this is too small for me but it is virtually still all original spec apart from some of the cables being replaced by the previous owner. This did have x lite bar ends fitted, and the grips were cut down in order for them to fit, but I've been able to source identical grips to the original ones via Amazon USA.
If a larger frame ever comes along I'll jump at that so I can actually fully enjoy the ride.
).
