giantcfr1

For a while, I've wanted an MTB bike which has been neglected, so I can bring it back to life.
Today by chance, I bumped into an old friend I haven't seen for 3 years. I asked him about his cycling and he told me he hasn't touched his bike for 2 years.
I got thinking, this is a chance and asked him how much. "Oh oh oh, you don't want my bike" he said, "it's in bad condition and too small for you"
ding ding ding I need this bike.

I said how much, and he said he'd have to think about it.
He emailed me later with an amount of $100. I raced over and grabbed it.

Yes it's in crappy looking condition, but filthy dirty only.
It's too small for me but perfect for my wife.

Maybe about 7 years old and cromolly. The frame is a Vigore, which is a local frame builder here in Kyoto.

All XTR, (cranks deraileurs hubs shifters) Thomson stem and seat post and Mavic rims. I think it also has ti bars.

woo woo, this weekend's project.

Also got a helmet, floor pump, mini pump, two spare tubes...... Bargin!!!
I'll post the before pics tomorrow. (pissing down rain here now)

jbchybridrider 

Cant wait to see sounds interesting you may have been bitten by the restorers bug, not such a bad thing.

javal

Put it in the rain, take a pic! Nice & shiny!

giantcfr1

Ok here are the before pics. This will take alot of cleaning. I was wrong the only XTR are the shifts / levers. The rest is XT. I can't believe how light this bike is.

mjwithtwins

Nice! This is for your wife? That is going to be a very nice looking bike when you get it all cleaned up. Can't wait to see the after pictures.

jbchybridrider 

Nice score. Looks like a quality bit of gear a good clean will make it new again just keep the insect repellent handy against those restorer bugs.

giantcfr1

Thankyou. Yes it's for my wife.
It'll be a few weeks (I think) before it's ready so I'll do my best to bring it back to life.
As you can see I've already moved the saddle forward because I think the stem is too long. She says the stem is just fine, along with the flat bars. I'll flip the stem tomorrow to give some height, as she's used to a step-through up-right bike. Although she's happy with the flat bar, I've got a second hand riser bar organised through a friend for her to try.

giantcfr1

The bugs are biting. I had trouble sleeping last night thinking about it and was disappointed as night fell tonight, because I had to come inside. Those black grease marks on the paint are baked on so I'm using "JIFF" (shiiiittt!!!) to get it off. Degreaser wasn't moving it. This is because the bike sat on a balcony in the sun for 3 years and he never washed it. At least the balcony had a roof.

wiredfoxterror

Can't wait to see it all clean! And with the riser bars. Nice looking bike.

qmsdc15

You have a very generous friend!

jt02gt

Maybe some simple green would work, don't know if would be too harsh though. Or maybe Seafoam or some other sort of engine degreaser, might be worth a try?

goagain

Try Charlie's Soap all-purpose cleaner on the grease if the other stuff doesn't work.

giantcfr1

Luckily, we have a group of friends we call Shakariki and we swap parts and help out when needed. Amaizing what people discard just to "upgrade"

giantcfr1

Thanks everyone for your cleaning advice. Unfortunately here in Japan, we don't have such brands, but of course we have simpilar. I'll try a bit of everything.

qmsdc15

Grease stains that don't come off can stay on. What difference does it make?

jbchybridrider 

Jiff might work OK if you finish with a good auto polish or you can just try a paint cut and polish compound, I think thats your best bet and what ever gunk is left just live with it.
Its still going to look good.

jbchybridrider 

"OK" here are the tools for refurbishing paint and just tried it with a white frame with the same problem as Giants to be sure and it came up like new again.
It doesnt take much pressure with a rag over the fingers and a bit of time just go easy around stickers and decals.

javal

That´ll clean up fine, but more so, thats a bike you dont see too often (never) on BF. Your wife will probably simply speed away!

giantcfr1

Yes the cutting compound will work and as you and qmsdc15 commented, the major stains will stay on, no worries.
@javal...The Vigore Bike Shop is a third generation frame builder. Previous to frames, the family made Katana.

Today I was able to swap the bottle holders (got plenty already) for Welgo Magnesium pedals.

BTW, along with the bike we scored these, plus a nike wind cheater, summer and winter bib and braces.

giantcfr1

Well it's almost finished. All the parts are cleaned up (the best I can) and replacements / adjustments where neccessary. Just have to put some stickers on. The Vigore bike shop was kind enough to give me free ones.
I haven't done the calculations, but I think it'll have cost me an extra $50 or so. Once the stickers are on, I'll post the pics.

giantcfr1

YES we can!!!!

Well it's done and she's (wife) happy happy.

This bike was done on the cheap with only a few of purchases. Riserbar, grips, cables and outers, saddle and cleaning products. The rest were swaps with friends. eg. stem, pedals and freebees. It cleaned up / turned out pretty good. I just noticed I need to tighten the rear deraileur cable.

jbchybridrider 

Its come up great and I thought you were bluffing saying its for the missy just so you could flog parts for you own bike. I bet your wife is glad she got it now.
I sure your both very proud to have a locally made bike even if your an aussie, just leave it alone for your wife now and dont go flogging the fork for your own bike will you. Nicely done mate looks new.

mjwithtwins

Wow! It is beautiful. You did a great job and I bet your wife is thrilled with it.

giantcfr1

Thanks but now I want a Vigore. I'm hangin for a steel frame....BTW I'm spewin' that the Thomson stem doesn't fit my road (or hybrid). My plan all along was to fit it to my road bike and it was a big FAIL.

giantcfr1

Thankyou she is. My daughter wants one now but she'll have to wait until I find another cheapy.
My wife is a bit worried that I did everything though. (I am too )