Out of curiosity, are there many out there? I bought a slot dropout 853 jobbie back in 07 (I think) Every now and then I think of selling it but think that if I did, I would likely regret it…
07, one of the imposter re-issues then! I have one of the original 853 Inbreds from 01 (or 00 or 02). I’m the same, don’t ride it much and sometimes think of selling, but for all I’d get for it I just keep it. Still a great handling bike, can’t find any photos though.
But it love it. It’s a keeper. I realised I’ll never sell it quite a while ago. It’s just too versatile and it fits me perfectly. I might get it sprayed again in a couple of years, but the Argos paint is holding up very well after 5 years of abuse. 🙂
….Oh, it’s still got the same wheels, the same cranks, the same shifters, the same front mech and the same seatpost as when I first built it, too. 🙂
(I’ve replaced the rear mech for another one the same as the origional one wore out. Mrs PPs utility bike now has the bars and stem off the first pic on it, too.
Anyone think On one have a gap in their range now for a posh steel frame? They’ve got the DN6 frames and then its either a Scandel or Ti, a nice 853 or equivalent would be lapped up by the steel tarts out there I reckon..
My brother does metal and did it as a favour, he doesn’t do frames generally though I’m afraid. If mine didn’t work out it didn’t really matter.
Mine was still straight but just holed so he tacked in some braces, cut of the offending part of the stay and looked at the pictures of ragleys I’d sent him and freestyled 😉
Bought 2nd hand last summer to replace a ss whippet (which I just couldnt get on with) which replaced a DN6 slot dropout inbred (which was great, I just fancied something lighter).
I don’t think the 853 is (noticeably) lighter, but it does the job with no fuss – great for winter mud & bikepacking
Edit – the patio has been jetwashed & repointed since that pic
Looks good – a concept I’ve been mulling over for my standard slot inbred.
It works well so long as you keep the front end low, I swapped 1″ risers for fleegles which are flat. Plenty of room in the 26″ fork for a 29×2.4 Ardent