Re:
Do you remember how strangely thrilling messing with old racers with the wrong geometry but with free completely disposable parts and frames was? Putting on cow horn bars, brakes that kind of worked, fat tyres, feeling tall and a little unwieldy at first. Slow steering, everything way out front, sitting above the bike.
The first mile brought it all back. The front and rear axles have separate time zones. It is absolutely wonderful. Unique. What were they thinking? Find me a beach.
You can tell it was a first attempt. You could put drops on and tour. So stable. Not heavy. Still waiting for permission to turn into the tricky downhill section. Maybe tomorrow's post will bring news.
The frame, despite expectations, is nicely rigid with a little flex over the bumpy stuff. The back end is solid. Riding position is surprisingly short with the crazy bars and long saddle rails. Braking is gradual and predictable. The old kool stop pads are still there and may bed in or be swapped. Plenty of meat on them. All a bit spongy. The groupset is solid, quiet and reliable. The whole bike is rattle free and taught. Nice.
I'm really getting into early stuff. I wonder what else is out there in steel, 531 ATB, early almost experimental large framed loveliness.
It rocks!
