TimmyT 

Fwiw. You jumped the shark.

lostarchitect 

Thanks!

lostarchitect 

kcdoug

Very, very nice - great job!
You mentioned a little drag in the rear. That's not a slight bit of scrubbing at the chainstay, is it? I mounted a pair of Schwalbe Big Apple 2.35s on mine and they were just barely too big - slight scrubbing at the chainstay, and any at all is a no-go.
I'm seriously interested in the Compass RTP, but I want to make absolutely sure they're a good fit before I commit. Any thoughts now that they've been on for a bit?
BTW, I think the grey bar tape looks terrific - really a classy looking ride!

kcdoug

On the strength of your endorsement of the Compass RTP tires on your bike (not to mention the way they look), I got a pair and put them on mine. I must say, the difference is startling. These tires are very fast and very smooth. It's no exaggeration to say I'm thrilled with them. I'll put a picture up as soon as I can take one - probably this weekend. Thanks for posting!

lostarchitect 

Doug, glad they are working out for you! I haven't solved the drag issue yet but I'm pretty sure it's the hub bearings, just need to find time to take it apart.

The Thin Man 

Any chance you'll be adding fenders to keep all that gravel from bead blasting your frame?

lostarchitect 

I'll get back to you if I ever ride the damn thing on any gravel!

simmonsgc

I'd love it, since Doug has NEW compass RTPs on his bike, and yours are now older (and maybe stretched a little since September?), if you guys could slap a caliper on and tell us what width you're getting on the mounted tires now. I've got an MB2 I was considering these for, but the 2.3 Kendas I tried gave me rub at the chainstays. I know your rim width might be different, but looking for a ballpark, maybe? Thanks, gents.

lostarchitect 

I won't be home for a couple weeks, but I'll try and remember to do that when I am.

kcdoug

I don't know why the Rat Trap Pass is classified by Compass as a 2.3" tire. I tried a pair of Schwalbe Big Apple 2.3s and they were strictly a no-go - scrubbing on the chainstay. It says right on the Compass website that, although these tires are nominally 2.3, they come in at 52mm with tubes or 54mm tubeless. 52mm is 2.04" while 54mm is 2.126 - both a good bit smaller than 2.3.

I can assure you they fit perfectly on my High Sierra, and in my view are absolutely worth the money. They really transformed my bike. These tires are plush and fast!

simmonsgc

Hey, thanks for the details. I have a new set of gumwall 1.75 paselas (that would leave me room for fenders) lying around that I was gonna use on this build, but folks say really good things about the compass tires. I'd have no problem with fit with the specs you sent, so there goes another excuse...

I do appreciate your trouble, thanks again!

kcdoug

Here is a quick shot of my bike with the Compass RTP tires. Again, they've made a huge difference in the speed and smoothness of my bike. This is just a phone pic - I'll take some good ones very soon.

sdn40

I stared at an identical High Sierra on CL for a month before it disappeared. Should have followed my gut instinct. $80 and beautiful shape. Only thing better would be finding one in black chrome.
Anyone else think with the prices of these and Trek Antelope type bikes very affordable, people are gonna start modding these into a road / hybrid type thing ? Seems like bikes like these are $80 all day long

noglider 

@lostarchitect, where are the gravel roads in Sullivan County? I ride the carriage roads in Lake Minnewaska State Park Preserve. The scenery is astonishing. Best time I have on a bike. And what town are you in? We might be near. You really owe it to yourself to try the carriage roads.

lostarchitect 

There are gravel and dirt roads all over, the county is very rural. I'm in North Branch, I believe you are about 90 minutes away.

LarryBSky

Here's a picture of my High Sierra at Minnewaska State Park. One of my favorite day trips.

WP_20160824_10_57_31_Pro.jpg

kcdoug

Nice! What year is your bike? I haven't seen one with those decals.
Beautiful scene!
-Doug

swen0171 

I recently switched from the 2.35 Big Apples to the RTP on my commuter (Surly LHT 26" wheels) and the difference is real and very noticeable. The RTP are smoother and much faster and seem to grip better is loose stuff even though they look almost like slicks. I thought they would be bigger than the Apples but they seem just a tad smaller. I didn't measure but if the Big Apples fit these should fit.

Only issue is the chance for a flat is much higher with the RTP. I've taken to bringing a tube, patch kit and a head lamp whenever I go out!

LarryBSky

I'm not sure. It was out for trash and I haven't done much research on it. It just needed a cleaning, a seat and one new shifter. Below is a closeup, check out the paint.
HighSierrra.jpg

3speedslow

They did the drizzle paint back then. It came out quite nice on the models they put forth.

My 91 High Plains had this paint treatment and I always admire the effect. It was said to be individually put on the frame by hand so no two were the same.

I noticed the chain stay has the dip to it. The Paramount had those as well.

Cannot believe this was a trash find, Unbelievable !

lostarchitect 

I am paranoid, so I always bring that stuff anyway. Certainly I at least always have a patch kit.

noglider 

Getting a flat and having a patch kit or tube is great but not when you've forgotten your pump.

lostarchitect 

And that's why I also have one of those mini pumps that attaches to the frame!

SkierSue

Hey, I have that exact same bike, color and all! But mine is still as it was when I bought it in 1986. You have inspired me to keep it, and turn it into a touring rig. I did have to replace a broken rear derailleur, and the paint job has taken a beating, but I just rode it yesterday and it is a great bike! Thanks for sharing your work.