My next Marin project.... any advice?

[simcfarlane]

It's been a while since I finished my '94 Palisades Trail.

I've been scouring the local ads / eBay / MTB for sale for my next project. This time I want to do a proper restoration as the last was a learning experience. That bike will go to someone as a tourer / commuter.

It's gotta to be a Marin - so what do you think?

I'm thinking 90-93... Pine Mountain, Eldridge Grade, Indian Fire Trail?

Needs to be a good rider. I ride on the South Downs bridal paths. What should I expect compared to the Palisades - how is it different?

I've got a '99 Eldridge Grade which is my daily rider. I love the feel of that bike (it's Columbus Thron).

Any advice / suggestions appreciated. Look forward to learning from your experiences!

Cheers

Simon

 

[KermitGKona88]

Re:

What size?

 

[simcfarlane]

Re:

I'm 6'.

The Palisades is 17 and I find it a little small. Plus getting a bit old to have the seat post right out!

I guess I need a 19 or 20?

 

[KermitGKona88]

Re:

I have a Marin Pine Mountain 91' Frame/forks and parts, in 19/20" ratty paint and a couple of small dents under the top tube, any good ?

 

[simcfarlane]

Re:

Thanks for the offer. Wanna get a perfect frame though.


Don't mind painting - but no dents. I'd keep noticing them

 

[KermitGKona88]

Re:

Easy enough to fill if you are painting

 

[Cetim]

Re:

I restored an 92 Eldridge Grade and 91 Pine Mountain over last winter.

The Pine Mountain was a total basket case frame, ended up getting it powder coated.

There's a build thread somewhere but it went from this:
Pine Mountain Build by Mac74, on Flickr

to this:

Untitled by Mac74, on Flickr

It was a bit of a labour of love and to my shame, I've never actually ridden it despite all the nice weather we've had :-(

I do use the Eldridge though and have done a couple of hundred miles on it since spring.

The 19.5" frame will be the right size for you, mine are the 17.5" and I'm 5'10".

 

[simcfarlane]

Re:

That's exactly what I had in mind. I think it needs to be a Pine Mountain or Eldridge Grade.

Great job you've done there.

What does the Eldridge ride like? I want to treat it well but still get it muddy sometimes!

My Palisades is a bit sluggish. I think it's just the weight of the frame / forks.

 

[Cetim]

Re:

Rides great. I wouldn't say it's a lightweight but it tracks and climbs really well.

Well worth getting one but I would try to buy as complete a bike as possible rather than the bare frame that I did as it took a while to source the correct forks, stem and bars.

 

[hamster]

Pine Mountain, Eldridge and Bear Valley SE all share the same frame.
Similarly for Palisades and Bear Valley.

I'd agree with the 'slightly ponderous' remark - but that makes them brilliant for all day rides and touring.