Orange clockwork

[tricky43]

I think its a C16-r too I think you're right with 1995 though

 

[Anthony]

Hi all,Im new to Retrobiking and biking in general really,a mate from work got me into it.Ive just bought this which I believe is a Orange clockwork from 95.Ive had a look round the forum and I think its a 95 because the frame number is A50400527.

The canti bridge and removeable seat clamp indicate that it's a 1996 C16R frame, which is consistent with the build date of April 95. However it looks as though it was held over and sold in the 1997 model year, because the F7 looks original and 1996 Oranges still had quill stems. Also the colour scheme and surviving decals look like 97 ones.

 

[OrangeJase]

So this should have cantis on then?Ive been looking at getting some and a decal kit.Does anyone know of anywhere who could match the paint to touch the frame up.Sorry for all the questions

 

[brocklanders023]

Hi all,Im new to Retrobiking and biking in general really,a mate from work got me into it.Ive just bought this which I believe is a Orange clockwork from 95.Ive had a look round the forum and I think its a 95 because the frame number is A50400527.

The canti bridge and removeable seat clamp indicate that it's a 1996 C16R frame, which is consistent with the build date of April 95. However it looks as though it was held over and sold in the 1997 model year, because the F7 looks original and 1996 Oranges still had quill stems. Also the colour scheme and surviving decals look like 97 ones.

Agreed Anthony. I wonder if it went back to Orange for a refresh around 1997? Groupo etc updated at the time? Or an old frame that they found, painted up and sold on? :? Don't think slime green was available in 95/6?

 

[Anthony]

Agreed Anthony. I wonder if it went back to Orange for a refresh around 1997? Groupo etc updated at the time?

I did wonder about that, but even if an owner was sending it back for a respray, would you really invest in a new fork, headset and stem just to get the (rather minor) advantages of aheadness?

Or an old frame that they found, painted up and sold on? :? Don't think slime green was available in 95/6?

I think this is much more plausible - that it left the Orange factory in this form as a 97 model, complete with its V-brakes.

 

[OrangeJase]

By eck your a mine of information you lot,spot on,Imight just update the v brakes then

 

[brocklanders023]

Just to confuse things even more, I just had a look at the 1997 archive and it seems the c16 came with a threaded headset in that year. The stem on this bike came on some of the other 97 Orange's. Also, the seat post and saddle are the same as on my old 1994/5 c16. By 97 they were using different saddles but the seat post looks the same :?

 

[OrangeJase]

Can anyone give me the thunbs up on this plan as I dont want to lose the originality of the bike but I was thinking the following
STX RC Vbrakes and levers
XT front and rear mech with the stx shifters that are already there
Put the hot rod bars back on and give it a bit of a clean up
Or would it be more fitting to the time period to have all STX gear on there?

 

[cornholio's RC200]

Just to add to the fun, my wife's '96 C-16R has the removeable seat clamp and has the canti bridge but also has crud catcher bosses fitted. I've not got the serial number to hand but when did they start putting the bosses on there and how long for? It seems to have been quite a short-lived mod.

Here it is, resplendent in its retromodded and child-friendly guise....

Oh and Jase - have the bike how you want - it's a lovely bike so make it the way you are most comfortable with. Unless you are producing concours standard stuff you're going to ride it and things are bound to (nay will) get worn out. The one thing I would do is make sure it is dry in the frame and get some bolts to fill all the cage/rack/mudguard holes. Stop muck and eventually rust getting into the frame.

 

[OrangeJase]

top tip mate thanks,I think me heads gunna explode