Early 90's Davidson

[Ductape]

I came across this frame and fork a few weeks ago and couldn't pass it up. Too small for me, I justified the purchase by deciding it was time to build up a lighter bike for my wife. I learned early in our relationship that she would never be a Mtn. biker but is certainly game for access road type riding and the occasional cruise along the beach. Most of these rides she either is stuck on the 41 DX Klunker or my sons Sinister Ridge with 6" of travel in the front. Neither bike is ideal for what she likes to do (do you like the way I justified this purchase?).





Over 20 years old, I don't think this frame was ever completely put together until I picked it up. The paint and decals are beautiful with only a few shop wear marks here and there.


Beautiful lug work along with a filet brazed BB area. A little grime and grease prints from me. White shows the dirt.

 

[Ductape]

The Objective was simple. Era correct to the early 90's (Custom frame, no serial numbers, email sent to Davidson for more information), Black bits to accent the white frame and fork. Put it together with parts already in the garage. Have it ready to go as a gift by the 25th.

Finished Friday night and she loves it. A few small issues that she wouldn't notice but really bug me and probably a few purists around these parts. Need to change out the M730 FD for a M735. Need to find some black XT chainrings. I would like to swap the Dean post and Hyperlite bars for black Ritchey components. Basically an XT/Ritchey groupset all in black. I think it came out pretty good:

 

[sinnerman]

Nice Score mate...

 

[Ductape]

Davidson is one of the premiere frame builders here in The PacNW for 40 years.

http://davidsonbicycles.com/history/

Certainly if you are deep into road bike collecting you know who co owner Bob Freeman is, who is magic when it comes to restoring vintage steeds and well known through his contributions on Classic Rendezvous.

 

[Ductape]

Sorry not much more of build thread, but I have only had the frame for about a week. Call that a record for Ductape who usually can drag one of these projects for a year or two (or more).

I guess I will update when I get the last few components changed to what I want.

 

[raidan73]

That's lovely although I must confess that I know nothing of the brand. Post and bars look good to me but agree that the chainrings look a bit out of place.

 

[Ductape]

With Ritchey brakes, wheels, grips and stem, I just like things to be the same. Call me a geek but I feel the frame needs something classy like A Ritchey post (I will keep the Dean for something more flashy). In my eyes it's the subtle class that makes this bike cool.

 

[raidan73]

With Ritchey brakes, wheels, grips and stem, I just like things to be the same. Call me a geek but I feel the frame needs something classy like A Ritchey post (I will keep the Dean for something more flashy). In my eyes it's the subtle class that makes this bike cool.

I understand that. I did the same thing with my Brodie and didn't even put it together until all the Ritchey kit was in place

Just been having a look at the website. Did they used to build mountain bikes regularly as there is no mention of them on there now.

 

[Ductape]

They will still build anything within reason you want. From the early to mid 90's they made semi production line Mtb frames in several sizes. I believe they stepped out when FS frames started taking over.

 

[miliu]

First time I see this brand.
I think the ritchey seatpost wolud like better than the Dean one. In my opinion other chainrings too. But the simple lines of the frame look quite good, classic and efficient. I like the regal seat too. The bullmouse are you seeking is for this build?