Obviously this isn't a particularly prestigious bike. It's a mid range hybrid from a firm with a proud history, but had by 1996 lost much of its early magic. The frames were produced using decent enough tubing in factories overseas, and the parts that adorn this model are certainly not held in particularly high regard today. However, the frameset is exactly the same as the top end model, and the chromoly tubing is certainly a few tiers above BSO level.
The seller told me that his late dad had bought the bike from new, he passed away recently at the grand old age of 97, which means he was in his mid 60s when he bought the bike. So as you'd expect it's also been very well looked after and not at all abused. It was stored in the garage and only ridden on dry days.
I haven't had a chance to strip it all down yet, but first impressions are great. Their are no dents or scrapes that I can see, the powder coat seems to be in excellent condition with just a few tiny chips.
It has all the usual accessories, pump, kick stand, simple bike computer, reflectors, mudguards, chainring guard, lights etc. plus the handlebar bag which contained some tools, spare inner tube, cable lock and key, trouser clips and even batteries for the lights and computer. Everything's original except the tyres and saddle.
I could just give it a deep clean and service, replace the pads and cables and it would be a very reliable and fun bike. But I'm really not a fan of the gripshifters, brake levers or the saddle/seatpost. So some changes are definitely on the cards. I have some better kit in the parts bin that might help to get the best out of this bike.
So I think my plan will be to give it a full service, shed some of the weight and some kind of period correct upgrade.
There seems to be much more than the clearance required for the original 35mm Mega Bites, so I might get some 38mm or even wider off road tyres on it.
If you're looking to flog the bag I'd be interested
You can have the bag for postage money, sadly one of the arms has broken. It's still usable and it might not be that hard to get a replacement made. I'll dm you in a bit.
Just had a bastard of an afternoon cutting out a stuck plastic bb cup. Whoever thought those were a good idea needs shooting.
and adding it to the "show us your 700c... "
