Marin Eldridge Grade 1994

[simcfarlane]

I've had a thing about Marin for a long time. Maybe it's the posters overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge... or the evocative names based on the trails.

My everyday bike is a 96 Pine Mountain - with mudguards, drops and bar end shifters. I've owned a few Palisades Trail, Muirwoods, Bear Valley SE.

I was speaking to some friends at the local Dr Bike and they told me someone had donated a 94 Eldridge Grade to them. They often tidy up bikes and sell them to raise funds. This was a bit beyond tidying up for them. Frozen headset, lots of algae, nasty set of gear leavers and rusted wheels. I do love a challenge though.

 

[simcfarlane]

First thing was to remove the rust and replace the headset. I didn't want to completely strip the frame as it was in pretty solid condition.

Got a replacement headset from Tootyred and a middle chainring from KermitGKona88 (original was starting to disintergrate!). Paint was from Halfords - I think it was a 90s Lexus Champagne. I also picked up a cherry red which seemed pretty close.

 

[simcfarlane]

Derailleur’s looked terrible - but actually cleaned up pretty well.

I normally coat cleaned chrome in Owatrol Marine Oil. Seems to help here... I'm right next to the sea.

 

[simcfarlane]

The new decals arrived from Retrodecals. I dug out a couple of Marin Lite bottle cages and painted to match - was starting to come together.

 

[simcfarlane]

Growler79 really kindly gave me an 94 Marin Lite saddle with the red rails.

It had quite a big rip and some small holes. I've tried repairing a few saddles now and I'm getting better at it.

 

[simcfarlane]

I managed to find wheels from a donor bike... love the red spoke nipples. They even had a really nice pair of Marin Lite tyres.

Only taken out for a short ride - but is great. Really light and responsive. Looking forward to many more longer rides.

I think it probably owes me about £100!

 

[Growler79]

I managed to find wheels from a donor bike... love the red spoke nipples. They even had a really nice pair of Marin Lite tyres.

Only taken out for a short ride - but is great. Really light and responsive. Looking forward to many more longer rides.

I think it probably owes me about £100!

Really decent mate!! A new lease of life!! Was the donor bike that one in Portslade? Again, well done!!

 

[simcfarlane]

Really decent mate!! A new lease of life!! Was the donor bike that one in Portslade? Again, well done!!

Cheers - and thanks again for the saddle, really looks the part - but like you said... pretty uncomfortable!

Ended up getting a different donor bike. The one I found had lots of great parts (apart from the saddle)... but someone had painted the frame a nasty black and covered in cheap gold Marin stickers.

It's now been turned into a college commuter for my eldest.