Recent content by beast_of_the_east

The damage being on the first thread might make grinding it out with a Dremel like tool worth considering if all else fails?

Flipped the stem and it made all the difference. The fork is a pogo stick atm but all that will be fixed. Really glad I was able to source an air fork with proper bushings instead of those plastic sleeves that are commonly found for low end forks. Once I fit a damper I'll take it for the...

I usually use the first three cassette gears with the smallest chainring - but on this beauty I can only run the first gear without the chain rubbing on the bottom of the front chain guide. There is no rub(for second and third cassette gear) when I use the middle chainring but the gear ratio is...

Today I set up the mechanicals and did a test ride(I just couldn't wait anymore TBH). Seemed appropriate, given the sunshine. Rides nice enough but I will likely be flipping the stem on the "raiser" side, and upsweep-rotate the handlebars. The high BB feels quirky given the low stack but I will...

The build continues(after being delayed for a while, because reasons). Richey cockpit and forged seatpost, RST fork with Bontrager grips and SQLab saddle(my personal preference combo). Not the most flattering angle, but more pics to follow. Some hickups with the fork - I ordered a RST Omega...

They are ST-EF28 and were sold in parallel with a set of BR-M280 v-brakes(I too was unaware any of these models even existed). I got to inspect the v brakes in person and on a bike and the "squish" of that modulation spring lever at the top was not really pleasing to me. Once we removed them...

As promised, the chain protector end result pictures. Looks bulky but the frame is properly protected and it is really quiet. The wheels are finished too - I rebult the front hub(changed the cones and ball bearings, cleaned the cups since they had very very little damage. The rear wheel spun...

Polished the cranks and some bits of the derailleur, could've turned out better but for a newbie - I'll take it! Gotta have a reason to pull them apart again. Also added a DIY chain protector to the frame as the worst wear was there. I doubt the LX derailleur has a modern clutch anti-slap...

Finished with frame touch ups(I used a glossy spray in a can, sprayed some in a cup and applied with a small brush). Pictures after polishing and waxing. The paint spots really worked wonders to blend in the new paint application. Quite pleased with how the frame turned out. I am done with the...

While I am waiting on another heatwave to pass, I started to CAD model the fork in hopes to figure out for sure the oil level it needs. The lower leg is disassembled and modeled(with some of the seals/retainers). I still have not gotten around to disassembling the upper leg as I am not sure how...

Continued on the fork service, while I wait for various parts/supplies. Separated the telescope from the lower leg with the help of a rubber mallet. No broken seals, just a few brittle ones. Perhaps I'll get lucky and find replacements. The quality and metal work on the parts is impressive, this...

The frame is now sticker-free and cleaned up(not thoroughly). The "Handmade in USA" decal is a sticker and in pretty bad shape - I will likely have to remove it to polish there. Up next is a proper clean, paint touch-ups and polishing.

Disassembled the bike today, everything came off sooo smooth. Someone serviced this bike relatively recently and that someone knew what he/she was doing - there was copper anti-seize on the quill, grease on the square taper, nothing was over torqued. I am counting my blessings here. I will not...

Also started to disassemble the Rond Hydro Pro 1 stanchions and got interrupted. Planning on documenting the rebuild(successful or not) since I could not find any instructions online. Both spare stanchions are not stuck - which is a good sign. Lots of sloshing sounds on the initial stroke and...

Got to the serial number - it was under the kickstand clamp. It's a '91 frame, size 52 Not sure how this relates to the recall(of which I learned here)...