Newbie...opinions please :)

[Rawcas]

Hello all.

I've been enviously visiting the site for the last two years to keep check on some of the fantastic bikes that people are posting but it's about time I asked a few questions and got some advice!

Rather than opting for the usual Bike to work scheme option I have stuck with my trusty 1994/95 Carrera for the last 17 years now...I know, I know, it's a Carrera...but to be fair it's lasted the journey and does me proud.

As it's a daily commuter and only a part time trail bike it has had a few 'new' parts added over the years but is mostly original. Before any pictures grace this site I might add that at times it has not been endowed with the best of kit so please bare with me! This is something I want to change...

With this in mind I was hoping to get some opinions as to where to go next in regards to fitting some uprated parts that still fit with the bikes age.

I want to get shot of the awful stop-gap Suntour bouncy castle forks that were fitted after the original (and not much better) Scott forks died a death. I'd also like to upgrade brakes, drive train, bars, seatpost, wheels, hubs, pedals and cranks as well.

The idea here is to make a nice, lightweight commuter that I can easily swap from slicks to of road tyres if needs be.

Be gentle with me as I know this is not the most perfect of projects to start with but it's all I've got.

Drivetrain wise it is currently good 'ol grip shift...very worn at that...I'm not adverse to dumping it completely but there is something quite cool about it all the same

Pics to follow.

 

[MAXTHEROTTI]

hey if you like it roll with it

as for kit that all depend on your budget but as you allready alluded to your aware of the frames stature in the bike world so if it was me i would just get some good nick stx rc or lx kit on it and just ride it


welcome to the world of empty wallet too

Rob

 

[bryan555]

+1 for going for functional.

Good for you for keeping the bike going all this time.

If you're got spare cash for upgrades why not get yourself a project and build yourself an off road bike and keep your Carrera for your commute. It would save the hassle of changing tires over. BUT, it's very addictive, and although you can do it on a tight budget it can be en expensive hobby

 

[cornholio's RC200]

Hello there!

Definitely pics. We like pics.

Doesn't matter what kit you have. Get out there and ride it

 

[Rawcas]

Cheers guys....one thing I've definitely done is ride it!

Bought it off a mate almost new....from memory it was nearer the top end of Halfords range at the time...On lunch very shortly so will try and take a few snaps

Have considered buying another frame to build up for a while now and may still do that. Cash isn't so much a problem, for me it's time. I have a road bike I can use if the Carrera has to stay in the shed being worked on for a while so no prob's there.

 

[Rawcas]

Well, for what it's worth, here are some pic's of the workhorse...apologies in advance for some of the horrific quick-fix parts that have been added over time!! Apologies too for the rather naff camera phone images...could not get focus on the really worn Gripshifts

The big ol' Tioga Psycho II mud plugger will be taken off at the weekend and slicks will be going on for the fair weather!

 

[Mark65]

Nothing wrong with that m8ty, nice colours and tidy welding, try some rigid forks on it, other than that if it still works use it.

 

[Rawcas]

Cheers Makes me feel much better...

Fork recommendations...would some Pace carbon forks be sacrilege

 

[spike3]

I'd agree with the person above that said to enjoy riding this and get yourself a project bike that you can take time building exactly how you want it.

I still ride my £35 Raleigh cobra and enjoy its simplicity and quircky charms

 

[classen]

I really like that paint. That seems like a greater daily commuter. I would definitely take pride in the fact that you've kept it running as such for 17 years is very cool.

Perhaps if you are tight on funds but still excited for a retro build you could pick something up at a garage sale (not sure what you call it? A jumble sale?). Start from a fresh pallette and with the help of members here you could build up a really fun bike.