Complete rebuild of 1990's MTB to 2016 XT spec 1x10

[secret_squirrel]

Re: Re:

I'd fit some classier brakes and shifters but that hanger is well lush!

I don't think I'll be able to bear it when this build finally concludes... I loves it I does!

Tiagras a good choice for road pull brakes. Although you can get Ultegra flat bar levers for a tenner more. Probably the cheapest Ultegra component come to think of it.

 

[NewRider]

Hi everyone

Well those brake levers have certainly got everyone talking haven't they!

I had originally decided to purchase the Ultegra flat bar levers but they were out of stock. After a little bit of research I concluded that how much difference can £10 or so really mean between them as mechanically the principle is exactly the same. As a result in the end I went with these Tiagras as I feel the difference is a sticker and a little marketing. If after riding the finished bike and I become more competent riding I may upgrade later.

 

[NewRider]

A couple of updates...

Today I fitted the new pedals onto the bike so this can help with turning the chain once everything is fitted and gets rid of another box from under the desk, amazing how much room had been lost to new bike parts. I decided to go with these Shimano Saint pedals as they are all alloy construction and feature studs on both sides which will be useful. Ultimately they will weigh in slightly more than the original plastic pedals but these will be so much nicer going forward.

I also added in the new Clarks brake pads onto the front brake so everything is now coming along nicely.

Photos below...

 

[NewRider]

The next job started was the fitment of inner cables and the brake outer cable housings. I also removed the standard rear quick shifter inner cable that it came with ready to swap it for the Shimano XTR black version which I will fit together with the outer cable housing that came in the XTR set.

In regard to the brake cables the original Apollo bike had the outer cable just cut and sat within the cable end stops fitted on the frame. As I want to create the best detailing I could on the bike and reduce friction as much possible I purchased at the time of the other items a number of accessory pieces such as metal end caps and plastic needle ends to locate the inner cable through which I then combined with the rubber outer sleeve. As I am cutting all my own cables to my required length I also invested in a Park tool CN10 professional to reduce any problems with cutting the cables.

Before cutting I measured up all the old cable lengths to provide a base measurement and then threaded the new ones through the frame. Once fitted I checked the lengths and removed as much excess as possible so that the everything works / turns as required without the large excessive original cable curves.

Photos below...

 

[NewRider]

More photos..

 

[NewRider]

Also I couldn't wait so I have test fitted my bespoke hanger onto the frame. At present I have used the screw fitting from the purchased cheap hanger but will swap this at later date as I what a stainless steel fixing. Tomorrow I will be focusing on fitting the hanger properly so will post more images in due course.

One photo below of new hanger...

 

[Ghosty]

I'm honestly baffled to see someone putting even half as much effort into an Apollo as you are... but this thread is riveting. Keep it up!

 

[k-rod]

I'm honestly baffled to see someone putting even half as much effort into an Apollo as you are...

I thot you were going to make a comment about those (crappy) sheet metal brakes he's using.

:facepalm:

 

[secret_squirrel]

I thot you were going to make a comment about those (crappy) sheet metal brakes he's using.

:facepalm:

But he's put TLC into them and they are now HIS. Plus they now look good and with those pads he should be able to lock the wheels. OK they'll flex alarmingly but they'll still stop OK. I did the exact same on my daughters Dawes Lotty BSO. (Without the TLC though)

 

[redzephyr]

If a bike gets someone out and about in the countryside and provides that feeling of freedom, who cares what brand it is or what flashy bits its got

...well said at the start of the build.

It's not (all) about the bling (or brakes as the case maybe).