You do not have to grease free hub before reinstalling cassette but you should remove plastic shield since it is ugly and redundant if RD is properly adjusted
New tires look nice and I would suggest keeping them until you get something age(look) appropriate - I will order a pair of those splash backs for myself!
New chain has arrived.
PTFE brake cable sheathing has finally arrived from china. I can now start re cabling the gears and brakes.
I experimented polishing a section of frame with my DA fitted with a 4" spot pad but even on its lowest setting its a bit fierce for the rockhoppers paint .... its gonna have to be a 'hand job' :roll:
ive finished touching in with the paint i had mixed and toying with wet sanding the touched in areas but considering how fragile the paint is on these frames ... i might not.
Got rid of the knackered old chain slap protector thingy ...
So whats left to do ?
Re cable gears
Re cable brakes
Strip and properly detail brake leavers and cantilevers
Fit new tyres
Wet sand paint work (maybe)
Full clean, polish and seal paint work