Thanks for taking the time
@ishaw and going in to detail with your modern projects, it’s nice to hear that there is still fettling to be done with modern kit. Sounds like you just dipped your toe in to start with before sliding into modern bikes.
@synchronicity, I hear what you’re saying about larger wheeled bikes - 26” wheels seem to look ‘right’ proportionally, especially with smaller frame sizes. If you get the chance have a ride on the more modern stuff, it’s definitely different - not saying you’ll like it necessarily but there is a reason (other than to sell more bikes) that manufacturers have gone that way.. I respect your decision to stick with 26” mtb’s though, there’s enough variety to never be bored with them and if that’s what you enjoy then there’s no need to change.
Another thing I forgot to mention in my posts was that a big part of the fun of the retro stuff is indeed the acquiring of bikes and parts, and the therapeutic nature of the build.
I love finding what I consider a bargain.
I enjoy the little road trips to collect stuff, and often the sellers you meet are cool or interesting.
The quiet hours in the workshop fettling are soothing for the soul.
The support and enthusiasm on this forum are brilliant, I can spend ages reading other people’s build threads - there’s some engineering talent here too, but no one is showing off.
I’ll be sticking with the hobby for all of the reasons above and saving the retro bikes for steady enjoyable miles. I’ll report back once the new bike arrives, and when I’ve had a chance to get out and use it I’ll post updates with how things are going.
I’m stoked to see how it goes.