I decided to sit-out the wheel size debate last year – and gave my 2010 Mk2 Cotic Soul a makeover:
Re-sprayed in autumn 2013 from black to two-pack white by Argos.
Sporting a custom pewter head badge, with new decals from Cotic and Reynolds. I also gave the 2010 Fox F120 forks (bought heavily discounted but new in 2013) and DT rims new 2013/14 decals at the same time.
Now rolling on 2.4 Mountain Kings, but otherwise as per pic: XT/R, with Hope and Thomson where it matters.
I keep being attracted to 27/29/generally more “rad” options, but then realise that most of them are very small variations on what I already have or would be too much for my needs. 🙂
I really should have had a 1.5 head tube stuck on though…
I have a really old hardtail with a 1992 frame, but we’re presumably after modern bikes which have been obsoleted by changing standards, so here’s my ultimate bling bike. When I built this up in 2007 I thought it would last for many years as my ultimate bike.
No seat QR, but no dropper post either I’ve just always ridden full height. However it does have 26″ wheels, straight 1 1/8″ steerer (it is ZS, so in theory I have the option of tapered), QR wheels, 3×9, narrow flat bars (~560 in the pic, now 600), bar ends, 2.1 tyres.
Tiny little wheels, 2×9, piddly little 140 forks and a skinny seat tube.. My blue filing cabinet has clocked up over 500 miles this year, was my more than capable steed around Molini and I love it just as much as I did 4 years ago when I bought it.
Started life as a Saracen Kili Racer circa 1993 with a poorly Headtube.
After a bit of surgery and removal of some unnecessary bits, fresh powdercoat and decals has been brought back to life.
I like to think of it as Nouveau Retro, old fashioned looks with new tech rolled in,such as 1×10 drivetrain, Carbon bars and other lightweight bits,Disc up front and Avid V brake at the rear.
None of the above get used all that often now although until early this year the Cannondale and the Tinbred were my main bikes. I’ve added a couple “modern” bikes this year and I have to say really enjoying them so the older bikes aren’t getting used as much. I have a 27.5 geared carbon hardtail and a 29er rigid single speed. The wheel size does make some difference but the biggest change/benefit for me is the more modern geometry.
Some very nice bikes here, especially Unovolos’ Saracen!
Here’s my other-halfs’ Kona Kilauea; it’s been sat in the shed since May, so decided to give it a revamp.
I removed all the cable barrels and stops and silver-brazed on full outer barrels, plus some headtube rings to add a bit of strength there.
I know it doesn’t fit the thread exactly, but I’ve been riding it to work and I forgot just how nice it was!