Rocky Mountain Cirrus 1992

[Tomac23]

Hello Everyone,

I’ve been mulling over what to do with this bike do I thought I’d ask for your advice as to the value as a full bike and as a frameset (frame, forks, headset, stem and seatpost.

It’s a 17.5 inch frame and unless someone tell me different I think it’s all original apart from the saddle and the xlite bar ends which were added later. I think they are the original panaracers too.

The frame is free from cracks and the Mag 30s, although a little tatty cosmetically, still work well. Syncros stem, bars and seatpost

Original Rocky Mountain spec also attached as a reference.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Cheers.
Ryan

 

[GoGetter0508]

Hi Ryan,
I’m no expert on the Cirrus, but I own the Experience of the same year.
I know for sure that your stem and seatpost are not the original, but second generation. I believe that your bar is also second generation…I stand to be corrected. I also think that is the 17” as I have the 18.5” as my head tube and top tube are further spaced than yours. I stand to be corrected. Rocki_MTN would know better than me, and just my observations.
Hopefully you are riding that Beauty and don’t worry about those forks…They look great and might just need a servicing…I serviced my Judy XC’s and it was pretty straight forward and not difficult. Thank You YouTube!
Ride Safe!
Regards,
Kyle…

 

[Onecrazywingnut]

Priceless. I built my cirrus up while managing bike shop in 1993. I put 1,000s of miles and many memories on her before storing away.
Now decades later, my wife and I are planning 3 month bicycle ride starting in Munich, spring 2023.
Now my GS is stored and my pleasure for a trip is in preparation. I've decided to rebuild my old bike. Joining this forum to get long forgotten specs for components, and offer any pre suspension first hand knowledge.
I used this 17.5 to tour with because it fit me. My wife bought a Marin touring bike and is more than willing to tell me where I'm wrong with this approach with all of her pre purchase blog info on what a touring bike is.
I built it with Manitou forks locked out, but am now looking for rigid fork. 1 1/8" head tube, threaded Ritchey headset.
Anybody have syncros forks they wish to part with? Any input on forks I may want to use considering I will be looking to purchase front pannier system?
It's been decades of no pedaling. I throttle my GS, and believe if you are going to tour, then one must pedal. No E bike.
What size sealed BB do I need? Oh this will be an adventure.

Colorado

 

[GoGetter0508]

Hey Colorado,
I'm not a Cirrus expert by any means...I think RockiMtn is MUCH more knowledgeable on it...But, if it's anything like the Experience, I can give my two cents.
To answer your question...The Cirrus' frame geometry lent itself to front suspension...I believe it came standard with the RockShox Mag 21's? So, to move to a rigid I'm sure is doable, but not what the bike was meant for. Syncros Powerlites are tough to come by, but they do pop-up every so often, but VERY expensive...Other options might include the Tange Big Forks (meant for the Experience) that are much more reasonably priced...
Depending on your cranks (Shimano XT or XTR I assume), I believe that you will require a 127mm or 127.5mm...Syncros cranks (if you have them), I believe 117mm or 117.5mm (this is what I use on my Experience which should be the same)...You might want to double check my numbers here...Anyone else on here, please chime-in!
Good Luck with the build...I'm working on another Experience this winter, so I know the 'adventure' ... Safe Riding!
Regards,
Kyle...

 

[kingoffootball]

Depending on your cranks (Shimano XT or XTR I assume), I believe that you will require a 127mm or 127.5mm...

122.5 mm for XT and 107 mm for XTR, unless you need a 50 mm chainline, then it's 113 mm

 

[FluffyChicken]

...
I know for sure that your stem and seatpost are not the original, but second generation. I believe that your bar is also second generation…I stand to be corrected.

Be corrected then ;-),
The stem is the 1992 stem (only used this year, it changed again a bit in 1993).
The seatpost is also the 1992 seatpost (as used in 1991 as it also came on my 1991 Altitude).
The bar is also correct.

The seatpost with the bar through is earlier, although the 1992 RM catalogues often show the bar through seatpost. It wasn't actually the one used, the newer one was used. Just the pictures had been made with whatever they had lying around. Hey the 1992 Altitude even has the whole wrong groupset on it in the picture.

1991 I think also used this seatpost are not actually the bar ones as per the 1991 catalogue, but they may have been a switch in the year, I do not know. I've only seen bikes come with this style seatpost, not the bar type of earlier. My 1991 Altitude had this integrated top post style seatpost.


---
Technically it is not a 17.5" as they didn't make one.
It is either 17.0" or 18.5", easy to check, just measure from BB axle to top of the seattube (~Quick Release)


MAG30 are the correct and original fork and even the fact it still has the original short cage XT mech is ace

If you are actually touring a long way, you may want to take of the really nice looking old Smoke tyre and either fit a modern touring tyre or get some of the newer reissues Smoke/Dart tyres. (you could probably sell the old smoke dart for quite a bit as the logos are now different style (just)

That M730 XT need a 122.5mm length / 68mm shell bottom bracket. Just check what is fitted, since it is a cartridge style (and UN70 if original) then the D-NL stamp will be on the axle or shell.

 

[GoGetter0508]

Damn! You know your ‘stuff’ FluffyChicken! I stand corrected and bow to you! . Seriously, I never knew all that and what you say makes perfect sense (now)! Thanks for bringing us all up to speed on that, and correcting me of course!
OneCrazyWingNut, there you have it! Have a ‘good rebuild’ and please post some pics when you get it done…Have a great tour/trip!

 

[GoGetter0508]

122.5 mm for XT and 107 mm for XTR, unless you need a 50 mm chainline, then it's 113 mm

Thanks KingOfFootball! You helped clear this up too!