So here, at last is episode 3 in my series of how to navigate the world of retrobiking 
Previous episodes (see the links in the signiture) have focused on the more affordable routes in but also explain how to chose the right bike. In other words, pick something you like and what to spend some time on as opposed to just getting something for the hell of it.
After the Fire Mountain and Lava Dome, it was only right I wanted to own the one I wanted the most; the white Cinder Cone splatter. Problem is, a lot of you lot want or have one so when they come up they can go for a fair price.
So, when this came up on ebay at the tale end of last year I took a massive punt. It looked like it has a stuck seatpost and it had been unloved for a long time. But, I figured I could probably fix most of it. And for under 70 notes even if it went wrong I could split it and break even.
After a pick up at Camden and a quick ride on her back to Victoria, past the Rememberance veterans I realised this was going to take a while. Indeed the seatpost was "welded" stuck and the BB was fucked. It had been replaced with a more modern BB but they had failed to put a screw where the old grease nipple had been so it was rust infested.
The paintwork looked grey, the kit tarnished and well...it looked really sorrz for itself. So, as usual, I took it apart completely and thanks to the LBS they freed the post. After the usual epic cleaning, polishing, cleaning, polishing, lube and love (arf arf) plus the standard ebay and rb sale section wins I'm proud to present "old" Cindy.
1989 Kona Cinder Cone, 19". All original apart from the seat, BB, tubes, tyres, cables and grips. Full spec list to come. Feedback and comments always welcome!
Sad, grey and dusty :cry:
Now looking nice and shiny after some epic degreasing, cleaning and t-cutting
Mountain LX porn after more cleaning and autosol magic.
Love it.
First time I've used thumbshifters in over 10 years. Nice and clicky after a refurb.
It's a 1991 model saddle but still the right style and type.
The extra long head-tube. It does make the front more upright but also a little more twitchy.
TBG goodness.
Many thanks to everyone that helped through the advice (BB help), sourcing the parts and of course the inspiration.
Personally I like the more simple splatter of the yellow and red, than the yellow, red and blue in later models. She rides super smooth and is eager to climb.
Previous episodes (see the links in the signiture) have focused on the more affordable routes in but also explain how to chose the right bike. In other words, pick something you like and what to spend some time on as opposed to just getting something for the hell of it.After the Fire Mountain and Lava Dome, it was only right I wanted to own the one I wanted the most; the white Cinder Cone splatter. Problem is, a lot of you lot want or have one so when they come up they can go for a fair price.
So, when this came up on ebay at the tale end of last year I took a massive punt. It looked like it has a stuck seatpost and it had been unloved for a long time. But, I figured I could probably fix most of it. And for under 70 notes even if it went wrong I could split it and break even.
After a pick up at Camden and a quick ride on her back to Victoria, past the Rememberance veterans I realised this was going to take a while. Indeed the seatpost was "welded" stuck and the BB was fucked. It had been replaced with a more modern BB but they had failed to put a screw where the old grease nipple had been so it was rust infested.
The paintwork looked grey, the kit tarnished and well...it looked really sorrz for itself. So, as usual, I took it apart completely and thanks to the LBS they freed the post. After the usual epic cleaning, polishing, cleaning, polishing, lube and love (arf arf) plus the standard ebay and rb sale section wins I'm proud to present "old" Cindy.
1989 Kona Cinder Cone, 19". All original apart from the seat, BB, tubes, tyres, cables and grips. Full spec list to come. Feedback and comments always welcome!
Sad, grey and dusty :cry:
Now looking nice and shiny after some epic degreasing, cleaning and t-cutting
Mountain LX porn after more cleaning and autosol magic.
Love it.
First time I've used thumbshifters in over 10 years. Nice and clicky after a refurb.
It's a 1991 model saddle but still the right style and type.
The extra long head-tube. It does make the front more upright but also a little more twitchy.
TBG goodness.
Many thanks to everyone that helped through the advice (BB help), sourcing the parts and of course the inspiration.
Personally I like the more simple splatter of the yellow and red, than the yellow, red and blue in later models. She rides super smooth and is eager to climb.
