GT Xizang 92. Done 23/05/10 (Pictures heavy)

[Radoslaw]

3D forks from my old Avalanche fitted.
Mint condition due to replaced BITD on to mags and stored. Suntour grease guard head set.

I've just put default wheel set to see how the bike will be look.

21.5 inch top tube, tad short to me but wih 150 mm stem seems to be fine.

Purchased hubs from Germany as 36 hole set, bought nice old Mavic 36 h. rims and was told by bike mechanic front hub has 32 holes...gutted.

Now I have from Gary Turner from France nice Rigida rims (thanks a lot) and still waiting for MD 32 h rear hub and cogs.
WIll be micro, waited too long to buit it up so would like do it right.

 

[stubbsy]

that is very, very nice

cool to see the before and after on the frame, you have done a great job

what does it ride like :?:

cheers

stubbsy

 

[Radoslaw]

what does it ride like :?:

Don't know, haven't finished yet just tryied out how bike suit. I've had and sold 19 inch 98 Xizang, was too big for me but it was sweet ride. Time will show how smaller (and older) frame will be doing.

 

[stubbsy]

i missed the cables not conected due to the super shiney frame

i want one :roll: but must finish the alpinestar first

stubbsy

 

[D_XZ]

Where did you get the new decals from? Did you have them made up?

Always wanted a Xizang, liking yours a lot

 

[Radoslaw]

Long story with decals.
At first I've purchased originals on Ebay from States.
I think they are still available on US bay but beware, because decals are over 18 years old, glue dry out and is very difficult or impossible to peel off. Decals came sealed, I don't think seller realized that.

Later on, I bought reproductions via Ebay UK but they were so so. Only down tube decals match originals top tube ones are ok. but head and seat tube badges are terrible.
I've used very gently steam to manage to peel off original head badge and top tube decals and lacquered over with clear paint on frame for durability.
Anyway, top and front decals are originals and down tube decals are reproductions but acceptable as very close to originals.

Final conclusion: contact with Gil M to avoid all that hassle.

These decals are odd, I know they are like originals but doesn't match this ones from 92 catalogue.
They are mix of design from 91/92. Early 92 perhaps?

 

[justwannaride]

Nice bike! I used to have the same year and size.
And loved it.

Moved recently i re-found some stuff long filed away... including my original Xizang decal rubbings.

When i first received my Xizang in '92 i loved it but wanted the graphics to be blue. Luckily i had a friend that worked in a plant that made adhesive vinyl and he was able get me some industrial grade reflective blue. So i went about it the hard way. Rubbed, traced and hand cut with an x-acto knife. Labour intensive but the graphics lasted the life of the frame.

 

[Radoslaw]

Thats look great dude, labour work indeed. This type of decals is more proper for 92 I think. Seen these in white colour on The Ken's bike, RB member.
His reproductions looks good as yours, fancy to change on to blue after pictures of your bike (would look perfect with forks and saddle) but mine costed me so much hassle so I'll stick wtih these for now. Thanks for sharing

 

[justwannaride]

Thanks.
The drive-side shot of your bike just looks right. Awesome.

And looking at yours being built up makes me want mine back again so much! I've recently posted part of the pictoral history of my 92 Xizang here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/justwannar ... 998622342/
Ya know... for reference.

 

[Jupke]

That's ace mate. Belongs with the best around here. Respect for the effort you put into this.