If I put '92 XT kit on a '94 (?) frame...

[kjarrett]

Brilliant. Thanks! I’ve sourced the bits over the past six months from eBay and members here. Everything in excellent condition, some even NOS. I had the frame powder coated wet black and it’s got repro decals from Gil, so it’s going to look and feel like a new bike. And, my back up wheelset has M650 DX hubs, as it turns out. Can’t wait to finish this thing!

I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures

Most of everything is on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twozerodeltathree/

Hoping to finish the build this week if one more part arrives!

 

[kjarrett]

M735 ran from 1990 to 93 anyway, so your really not out of date with the frame by much is any.

Sounds perfect.

Thanks!

This frame rode wonderfully when it was LX M560, it's going to be even sweeter with XT.

 

[kjarrett]

Re: Re:

If you put the incorrect groupset on the frame the sky will fall in, dogs will start living with cats, plague will sweep the earth..........oh hang on!

 

[kjarrett]

Brilliant. Thanks! I’ve sourced the bits over the past six months from eBay and members here. Everything in excellent condition, some even NOS. I had the frame powder coated wet black and it’s got repro decals from Gil, so it’s going to look and feel like a new bike. And, my back up wheelset has M650 DX hubs, as it turns out. Can’t wait to finish this thing!

I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures

Just uploaded the most recent shots to this Flickr album: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmSqNwGX

Gil's decals look great. Frame is waxed, coating the innards with WD-40 tonight, build tomorrow, hopefully!

 

[MR OX]

Re:

I really don't like that. I love it!
That looks really lovely, you can't beat Gil for decals.
Can't wait to see the finished article

 

[pommieMJ]

In my experience of running all sorts of kit from LX through XT and XTR M900 (which is still the best group set there ever was - IMHO) but running things from the same group set gives you smoother and sharper performance. So, seeing as you've got pretty much all XT gear I'd go with that. And if you love her and treat her right, taking her for ride often, then I don't think you will need to worry about the circus

 

[kjarrett]

In my experience of running all sorts of kit from LX through XT and XTR M900 (which is still the best group set there ever was - IMHO) but running things from the same group set gives you smoother and sharper performance. So, seeing as you've got pretty much all XT gear I'd go with that. And if you love her and treat her right, taking her for ride often, then I don't think you will need to worry about the circus

Amen! Thanks. This bike is not historically significant or particularly valuable, and it’s my only MTB, so it’s definitely going to get ridden, not hidden.

Fun fact: I actually came into possession of 'some' of a 1992 M900 group, on a Trek 8900 I found on Facebook Marketplace. It was in very rough nick and the only usable parts were the brakes, hubs, cassette, seatpost (which was especially sad cosmetically) the left shifter/lever and right lever only. I would have needed both mechs, cranks and a right shifter pod AND have wheels built around the hubs. Seriously considered it, but the investment was just too much for me financially and, in the end, felt my needs would be served just fine with the XT kit. Sold all the M900 stuff on eBay (did okay).

Beyond excited to get this thing back together and on the trails again!

 

[kjarrett]

Done! Here's a quick pic, full post coming with all the details...

 

[sksmith2500]

I really like that, looks great!

 

[kjarrett]

I really like that, looks great!

Thanks! Beauty shots are up: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kjarrett/ ... 7067962991

Working on a post for later, thanking everyone here who helped with parts, advice and encouragement!