Project 3
 

Hi,
I spotted this on CL and was wondering if anyone could help identify the year? I emailed the seller and he did send me pics of the Deore shifters (but not the derailleurs like I asked).
Thanks

https://images.craigslist.org/00t0t_...g_1200x900.jpg

Considering the components, decals, and sloping top tube, I'd guess 90s, will look more closely and report back.

Even though I can't find the catalogs in enough detail to read them, bike blue book says the Project 3 was only made from '93-'95.

Even though you didn't ask for a price, I probably wouldn't pay more than $150 for it, even if it was in perfect working condition. I'd say it's more of the "right above a $100" range. Depending on your local market of course. At least, that's what we'd price that bike at our coop.

Thanks, the seller is asking $140. Not too bad, and it's a 20'' frame so that'd work for me.

I was wondering if this was maybe late 80s? Bikepedia and blue book only go back to '93, so I'm thinking this bike might predate those references.

Google doesn't have any results for anything earlier than a 1992 Project 3.

Again, considering the sloping top tube and "hybridness" of this bike, I'd say it's early 90s.

[MENTION=159681]Bianchigirll[/MENTION] would probably know more.

That might be a '92, the black '93 had Celeste decals, and I am pretty sure the '94 and later would have the 'SuperLug' frame with the 1/2 headlug points being on the side vice top.

Judging by condition of that bike $140 doesn't sound bad. These were full fledged MTBs not swanky Hybrid. I think this would compare like a HardRock Comp, all the basic gear but nothing too fancy.

Thanks again, BG!:thumb:

I'm not sure I'll pull the trigger, but I think this could really make a cool gravel bike. I have a fat tire bike (which I love), but it's kind of a load peddling on roads. You've made me curious about these Project bikes.

I just nabbed an '07 Strada yesterday for my wife that seems like it should be a nice ride. Now this Project 3 pops up. I'm just not sure I need another bike right now.

According to the '92 catalog this had a Tange DB ChroMo frame and fork, Deore LX RD, Deore DX shifters and Shimano top pull front. These bikes are 'hi wire' like a cross bike or MTB all the cables run across the TT. DiaCompe brakes, SR crank, shimano cassette hubs....

I never offroaded my Project 3 much but in that New England single track it ran pretty good. As a commuter it was great especially in the snow. The nice thing is when these first came out MTBs were starting to move to that stupid 'Hyper Driver' stuff with the small chainwheels, these still had 28/38/48 rings so with those 700c wheels they would really move out.

These are interesting bikes. I wouldn't mind getting my hands on one.

GT Tachyon, Bianchi Project 7, and the Tire Standard That Wasn?t - Bike Hugger

700x41 wasn't big enough? It is probably dry rotted by now but I have a 700x41 Smoke in the basement storage area.

Ok, now you're making me want this thing. I really like the idea of the larger chain rings up front. I'd probably use this as more of an all terrain bike than a true off-roader. My fatty with the rock shocks is used for that kind of riding.

Wow. That was a very interesting article! Read here about probably the earliest 700c MTB: https://clelandcycles.wordpress.com/history/

Got it (well almost), and I do admit I'm a bit pumped! I spoke with the seller and he really didn't know anything about this bike other than he recently had it tuned. He wanted a newer hybrid so I offered him $100 and he took it.

This was listed in the Minneapolis CL under the title "Mens Bike", so I don't think it got the attention it deserved. I had my youngest son pick it up for me (I'm in Fargo), so I'm going to grab it this weekend.

I thought the decals were purple, but they're hot pink! :rolleyes: Not sure how hard removing bike decals are, but Celeste decals would look nice. Anyway, my son said it shifts and break very nice, and no rust. It's dirty and has some scrapes, but for $100 I'm feeling pretty good about this. I'm thinking this will be my gravel bike and toying with the idea of trekking butterfly bars; not sure yet.

I'd love to have a copy of the original specs from the '92 catalog on this thing, BG. Anyway you could post it here, email, or PM a copy to me?

Looks like a fun bike, and at a good price. I've heard of em from reading BG's posts, but first time seeing one.

I like the pink! They did look purple at first though. Celeste + pink + black go together well though...If I did the butterfly bars, I'd do celeste cables and pink tape, or pink cables and celeste tape...or something. Pink cages, either way.

This is a good piece as well.

Here are some specs

If you do, please save those cool Onza bar-ends!

You got that bike for a good price. A few years ago I got one for free on a Saturday and had it sold on Sunday for $190 (also in the Twin Cities).

Just make sure you take care of your tags!

Thanks, BG! I'm doing my bike "round up" weekend. Grabbing my wife's '07 Strada in Sioux Falls then off to Minneapolis to grab the '92 Project 3 before I complete the triangle back home to Fargo Sunday.

It's a fun weekend so far, and that Strada I got for 150 bucks is a beautiful bike. :thumb:

That head badge pic looks sweet. If it's in decent shape, for sure that's staying.:beer:

Project 3 (Updated with Photos)
 

Thanks @Bianchigirll! I've had to do some work on this Project 3, but it's now where I like. It fits great, and i really love how it rides. I had to fix/replace/lube about everything, but it's a very cool ride now. I did invest on the Surly Moloko bars, and i think they're great. Lots of options for your hands, and I feel very comfortable when the hands are up on top; feels quite a bit like the hoods on drop bars.

Anyway, here it is now:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...g?t=1498534411

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...g?t=1498535231

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...g?t=1498535286

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...g?t=1498535356

I put on 38mm Nashbar Ramblers because they were cheap, but they ride really well on gravel and paved roads. The longboard fenders are sweet too. i do admit it took awhile to get them on, but they're plenty sturdy.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...psairx4le6.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...g?t=1498535728

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...g?t=1498535810

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...g?t=1498535844

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...g?t=1498535874

I can slap on the bags for my morning commute, and this old Bianchi lives again! :thumb:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...g?t=1498536018

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...g?t=1498536063

Nice job on the bike. I like the bars. It's worth the money you put into it. This is a really interesting early 29er and you have a very versatile bike.