Can someone help with info on this Schwinn MOAB?

[PACERC250T]

Hi

A workmate has been tasked with getting this Schwinn MOAB back on the road after many years hanging from the rafters of a workshop

He'd like to know how old it is, whether it's been modified from new, how much it would have cost, how much it's worth in it's current state and how much if it had a total 'original' paint job

Other than the obvious bits of paint that have come off whilst in storage, the bike looks in good nick; it even has it's original 'cracked-up but like new treads' tyres!

The components seems to be a mix of Shimano LX and XT plus some nice looking Hope hydraulic brakes (especially nice are the levers...)

The wheels have Shimano hubs and the rear brake caliper is mounted in an unusual position to what is usually about (I'm a Magura HS33 man, so what do I know...)

Any info would be gratefully received. Oh, and before you ask, it's not for sale...

 

[markwashington]

If the forks are standard I think it's a 1999 or 2000, this fits with the other parts as well. I've no idea as to the value I'm afraid, but I suspect not much more than £200 if it went on Ebay.

 

[gdb2b]

Based on the pics it is 1999 Gloss red/White Pearl Schwinn Moab 1 Aluminum 17 inch Disc. Based on the mix of middle of the line Deore LX componentts and some XT, it sold for $1,099 USD stateside. I can't speak to its worth on that side of the pond, but here stateside you might get 175 - 250 USD for it. Based on its apparent condition, it is likely to be worth more for its components as parts than for its value as a restoration project. An original new paint won't increase its value much, especially given how much you'll spend repainting it.

It's a bit of an oddity component-wise. The disc versions were a bit less common than the standard Vee brakes equipped models, and as a result of the higher cost, it tended to be paired with the XT level componentry. Hence one with LX components is somewhat less common. By chance does it have STX-RC shifter pods or hubs? As is, the disc brake parts and the fork comprise the bulk of its value.

It looks to have 170mm Deore LX cranks and 42/32/22 rings, a Deore LX front derailluer, probably a XT M739 rear derailleur and 11/32T 9 speed cassette. From the pics it looks to be all stock. Not enough pic visibility to the hydraulic cabling to comment on it.

CAUTION - STRONG CAUTION The pics suggest lots of galvonic corrosion at the rear disc mounting points. Exercise caution, care, and patience when disassembling it.

If you do restore it, all of the drive train parts are still available EXCEPT the brake stuff. Finding NOS brake parts will take a bit of looking.

Bottom line. A worthy restoration project, especially if you were to upgrade the drivetrain components to XT stuff. Then you have a collector's item...

If you have questions, feel free to contact me. I've restored a cople.

 

[gdb2b]

I did a bit more background research on the 1999 Moab 1...

Model-wise, the Moab 1 Disc was the top of the model, irrespective of the type of frame, either aluminum or Chromoly (steel). The mix of components dictated the price. The top of the line component set (XT) topped out at $1,399 USD MSRP.

There are a couple of interesting things that are rather intruiging with this bike. The front brake line is black - stock, whereas the rear is braided stainless steel - an upgrade but with the same stock fittings suggesting that it was built/delivered that way. The fork looks to be a standard RockShox Judy XC Hyrdacoil. The rear derailluer hanger is white - not stock, suggesting that it has been replaced, or was changed at some point. The chain rings look to be in peculiarly good condition - at odds with the condition of the crank arms, and the chain suck paint damage on the driveside of the BB shell.

Care to share the serial number (on the underside of the BB shell) and the headbadge number (4 digit number on the Schwinn logo headbadge on the head tube). These will allow the exact component set to be identified.

Lastly, although I can't tell with certainty from the pics, but there seems to be some (fair bit?) amount of galvonic paint bubble in several spots on the frame (BB shell, rear brake caliper mount, downtube waterbottle screw eyelets etc.). Exposed aluminum oxidizes and these frames were prone to piting once the paint seal was breached.

Please post a close-up of the top tube where the gloss red/pearl white intersect, both sides if you would. I'm curious - something has caught my eye. If he restores it, please share some pics.