The Lobotomy Project
03-04-25 | 08:14 AM
#26
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,058
Likes: 2,139
From: NW Ohio
Bikes: 1984 Miyata 310, 1986 Schwinn Sierra, 1987 Ross Mt. Hood, 1988 Schwinn LeTour, 1988 Trek 400T, 1981 Fuji S12-1977 Univega Grand Rally, S LTD, 1973 Sears Free Spirit 531, 197? FW Evans
I really like how the lettering came out using the stickers as a mask. With all the Joann stores closing, I should grab a few sets at clearance prices to use on future projects.
03-04-25 | 10:27 AM
#27
Pedal to the medal
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 331
From: The Arsenal of Democracy
Bikes: 1991 Team Miyata Track, 1992 Lemond Alpe d'Huez, 19?? Schwinn High Serra, 1982 Trek 614, 198X Raleigh Alyeska
03-04-25 | 10:33 AM
#28
Pedal to the medal
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 331
From: The Arsenal of Democracy
Bikes: 1991 Team Miyata Track, 1992 Lemond Alpe d'Huez, 19?? Schwinn High Serra, 1982 Trek 614, 198X Raleigh Alyeska
Honestly, this looks great and is inspiring me to try my hand at painting a bike.
03-04-25 | 11:05 AM
#29
I'm impressed, and I think that gold was the right choice! Fork looks awesome.
03-04-25 | 11:07 AM
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 10,335
Likes: 9,923
From: Utah
Bikes: Paletti,Pinarello Monviso,Duell Vienna,Giordana XL Super,Lemond Maillot Juane.& custom,PDG Paramount,Fuji Opus III,Davidson Impulse,Pashley Guv'nor,Evans,Fishlips,Y-Foil,Softride, Tetra Pro, CAAD8 Optimo,
03-04-25 | 04:16 PM
#31
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 1,185
From: North Ogden, Utah
Thanks for all the kind words; I do appreciate them. But truly, it is a 7 footer at best. Painting is not one of my strong suits but this old thing really needed some help. And at least it won’t be melted down to make another Toyota Camry. Yet.
03-06-25 | 11:31 AM
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 3,633
From: Dallas / Ft Worth
I'll add my 'nice job ' comment as well.
It should be a fun ride and knowing you saved it from becoming scrap must be satisfying plus not much invested in the project other than your time.
I know for myself it's also very satisfying to turn a rough but worthy frame and a bunch of parts into a cool new ride on the cheap and now ride it with a big smile on my face.
About a decade or a bit longer ago I did a similar project with a 1988 or 89 Specialized Hard Rock Comp painting it burgundy.
I enjoyed that bike a lot.
A few years later I also brushed on a pumpkin orange hammered paint onto a 1990 Trek 7000 MTB aluminum frame . That bike was also a blast to ride with 26 x 2.4 smooth tread tires. It probably looked best at least from a 15 foot view but it turned out better than I expected. That type paint seems to smooth out the brush lines somehow.
Since then I've mostly paid around $90 to a local power coater on the frames with bad paint although on a couple I just stripped to bare metal and rode that way occasionally spraying down with WD 40.
Enjoy your new ride.
It should be a fun ride and knowing you saved it from becoming scrap must be satisfying plus not much invested in the project other than your time.
I know for myself it's also very satisfying to turn a rough but worthy frame and a bunch of parts into a cool new ride on the cheap and now ride it with a big smile on my face.
About a decade or a bit longer ago I did a similar project with a 1988 or 89 Specialized Hard Rock Comp painting it burgundy.
I enjoyed that bike a lot.
A few years later I also brushed on a pumpkin orange hammered paint onto a 1990 Trek 7000 MTB aluminum frame . That bike was also a blast to ride with 26 x 2.4 smooth tread tires. It probably looked best at least from a 15 foot view but it turned out better than I expected. That type paint seems to smooth out the brush lines somehow.
Since then I've mostly paid around $90 to a local power coater on the frames with bad paint although on a couple I just stripped to bare metal and rode that way occasionally spraying down with WD 40.
Enjoy your new ride.
05-17-25 | 03:45 PM
#33
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 1,185
From: North Ogden, Utah
Ah yes, the lobotomy project. Been a while, hasn’t it, friends?
An explanation is perhaps due ((overdue?). Weather in northern Utah is notoriously fickle. A popular saying around here goes something like this: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes”. My own interests are also notoriously fickle as well. So - weather sidetracked me, and combined with my overall disdain for low level Treks and spending money on said Treks, I put this one on the back burner and conveniently forgot about it while it sat neglected in the basement.
I know, I know… I already had a sweet component group and wheels (Deore LX) earmarked for this build but somehow they felt too nice. The LX stands for Luxury, after all, and this bike ain’t luxurious by any stretch of the imagination.
So a week ago I stumbled upon (more like drove an hour one way for) an interesting old Mt. Shasta mountain bike that was kitted out in Shimano Mountain LX - a pleasant, if uninspiring, mid level group set. And it was almost complete, only featuring a mismatched front wheel and a broken cover off the rear thumbshifters. I bet you can guess where this is going, can’t you?
Yep, the Shasta gets the cool Deore LX, and the Lobotomy Trek gets the Mountain LX, a perfect pairing. Like cheese and crackers, Tom and Jerry, or peanut butter and carrots!
And the old Trek came back out of the basement to have its new, more appropriate clothing tailored to fit:
Now would be a good time to check stand over height; see if I can even straddle the dang thing.
It’s close but manageable so long as I never dismount anywhere other than perfectly flat, level ground! Call it “French fit”, maybe?
I’ve not cabled it up yet, I haven’t decided on a bar other than that it must be cheap, comfortable, and not flat. Maybe some kind of a swept back bar, or better yet, some hideous but very functional butterfly bars. Or even those old Scott triathlon bars for mountain bikes that were so popular back in the late 80’s, early 90’s. That would keep this thing from getting too proud….
An explanation is perhaps due ((overdue?). Weather in northern Utah is notoriously fickle. A popular saying around here goes something like this: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes”. My own interests are also notoriously fickle as well. So - weather sidetracked me, and combined with my overall disdain for low level Treks and spending money on said Treks, I put this one on the back burner and conveniently forgot about it while it sat neglected in the basement.
I know, I know… I already had a sweet component group and wheels (Deore LX) earmarked for this build but somehow they felt too nice. The LX stands for Luxury, after all, and this bike ain’t luxurious by any stretch of the imagination.
So a week ago I stumbled upon (more like drove an hour one way for) an interesting old Mt. Shasta mountain bike that was kitted out in Shimano Mountain LX - a pleasant, if uninspiring, mid level group set. And it was almost complete, only featuring a mismatched front wheel and a broken cover off the rear thumbshifters. I bet you can guess where this is going, can’t you?
Yep, the Shasta gets the cool Deore LX, and the Lobotomy Trek gets the Mountain LX, a perfect pairing. Like cheese and crackers, Tom and Jerry, or peanut butter and carrots!
And the old Trek came back out of the basement to have its new, more appropriate clothing tailored to fit:
Now would be a good time to check stand over height; see if I can even straddle the dang thing.
It’s close but manageable so long as I never dismount anywhere other than perfectly flat, level ground! Call it “French fit”, maybe?
I’ve not cabled it up yet, I haven’t decided on a bar other than that it must be cheap, comfortable, and not flat. Maybe some kind of a swept back bar, or better yet, some hideous but very functional butterfly bars. Or even those old Scott triathlon bars for mountain bikes that were so popular back in the late 80’s, early 90’s. That would keep this thing from getting too proud….
05-17-25 | 07:36 PM
#34
Edumacator
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 9,659
Likes: 5,139
From: Goose Creek, SC
Bikes: More than the people who ride them...oy.
Ah yes, the lobotomy project. Been a while, hasn’t it, friends?
An explanation is perhaps due ((overdue?). Weather in northern Utah is notoriously fickle. A popular saying around here goes something like this: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes”. My own interests are also notoriously fickle as well. So - weather sidetracked me, and combined with my overall disdain for low level Treks and spending money on said Treks, I put this one on the back burner and conveniently forgot about it while it sat neglected in the basement.
I know, I know… I already had a sweet component group and wheels (Deore LX) earmarked for this build but somehow they felt too nice. The LX stands for Luxury, after all, and this bike ain’t luxurious by any stretch of the imagination.
So a week ago I stumbled upon (more like drove an hour one way for) an interesting old Mt. Shasta mountain bike that was kitted out in Shimano Mountain LX - a pleasant, if uninspiring, mid level group set. And it was almost complete, only featuring a mismatched front wheel and a broken cover off the rear thumbshifters. I bet you can guess where this is going, can’t you?
Yep, the Shasta gets the cool Deore LX, and the Lobotomy Trek gets the Mountain LX, a perfect pairing. Like cheese and crackers, Tom and Jerry, or peanut butter and carrots!
And the old Trek came back out of the basement to have its new, more appropriate clothing tailored to fit:
Now would be a good time to check stand over height; see if I can even straddle the dang thing.
It’s close but manageable so long as I never dismount anywhere other than perfectly flat, level ground! Call it “French fit”, maybe?
I’ve not cabled it up yet, I haven’t decided on a bar other than that it must be cheap, comfortable, and not flat. Maybe some kind of a swept back bar, or better yet, some hideous but very functional butterfly bars. Or even those old Scott triathlon bars for mountain bikes that were so popular back in the late 80’s, early 90’s. That would keep this thing from getting too proud….
An explanation is perhaps due ((overdue?). Weather in northern Utah is notoriously fickle. A popular saying around here goes something like this: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes”. My own interests are also notoriously fickle as well. So - weather sidetracked me, and combined with my overall disdain for low level Treks and spending money on said Treks, I put this one on the back burner and conveniently forgot about it while it sat neglected in the basement.
I know, I know… I already had a sweet component group and wheels (Deore LX) earmarked for this build but somehow they felt too nice. The LX stands for Luxury, after all, and this bike ain’t luxurious by any stretch of the imagination.
So a week ago I stumbled upon (more like drove an hour one way for) an interesting old Mt. Shasta mountain bike that was kitted out in Shimano Mountain LX - a pleasant, if uninspiring, mid level group set. And it was almost complete, only featuring a mismatched front wheel and a broken cover off the rear thumbshifters. I bet you can guess where this is going, can’t you?
Yep, the Shasta gets the cool Deore LX, and the Lobotomy Trek gets the Mountain LX, a perfect pairing. Like cheese and crackers, Tom and Jerry, or peanut butter and carrots!
And the old Trek came back out of the basement to have its new, more appropriate clothing tailored to fit:
Now would be a good time to check stand over height; see if I can even straddle the dang thing.
It’s close but manageable so long as I never dismount anywhere other than perfectly flat, level ground! Call it “French fit”, maybe?
I’ve not cabled it up yet, I haven’t decided on a bar other than that it must be cheap, comfortable, and not flat. Maybe some kind of a swept back bar, or better yet, some hideous but very functional butterfly bars. Or even those old Scott triathlon bars for mountain bikes that were so popular back in the late 80’s, early 90’s. That would keep this thing from getting too proud….
__________________
1987 Crest C'dale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin EL, 1990 Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Isoard, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 C'dale M500, 1984 Mercian Pro, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi ?, 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh Internat'l, 1998 Corratec U+D, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone, 1987 Bianchi Volpe, 1995 Trek 750
1987 Crest C'dale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin EL, 1990 Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Isoard, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 C'dale M500, 1984 Mercian Pro, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi ?, 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh Internat'l, 1998 Corratec U+D, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone, 1987 Bianchi Volpe, 1995 Trek 750
05-19-25 | 08:58 AM
#36
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 3,633
From: Dallas / Ft Worth
Looking good!
That's my type of build which I've done on a number of 80's and 90's rigid frame 26" er's.
They make such great urban cruisers, kid / grandkid haulers, grocery getters and multiple other uses.
I had 3 in my garage , a Trek, a Gary Fisher, a CyclePro and just added a 4th, a Nishiki Back Roads that I'm hopefully finishing up today or tomorrow after removing all parts and cleaning everything before the rebuild.
Fortunately it didn't need new paint.
Similar to the deal you got on your Trek I have this problem of low resistance or is it 'no' resistance to passing up a deal on a bike in my size at a super low price.
The Trek and Fisher I have are terrific but the CyclePro and now the Nishiki recently popped up in my size for $20 and $25 respectively and what's a bike nut to do?
Each were neglected and needed work but I enjoy the rehab process.
Heck, one part on eBay cost as much or more as those complete bikes. At least that's part of my justification.
Oh well, I guess there are worse afflictions.
It helps keep you busy and hopefully out of trouble and when finished you can ride the project with a big smile on your face.
I look forward to a ride report soon on your Trek.
That's my type of build which I've done on a number of 80's and 90's rigid frame 26" er's.
They make such great urban cruisers, kid / grandkid haulers, grocery getters and multiple other uses.
I had 3 in my garage , a Trek, a Gary Fisher, a CyclePro and just added a 4th, a Nishiki Back Roads that I'm hopefully finishing up today or tomorrow after removing all parts and cleaning everything before the rebuild.
Fortunately it didn't need new paint.
Similar to the deal you got on your Trek I have this problem of low resistance or is it 'no' resistance to passing up a deal on a bike in my size at a super low price.
The Trek and Fisher I have are terrific but the CyclePro and now the Nishiki recently popped up in my size for $20 and $25 respectively and what's a bike nut to do?
Each were neglected and needed work but I enjoy the rehab process.
Heck, one part on eBay cost as much or more as those complete bikes. At least that's part of my justification.
Oh well, I guess there are worse afflictions.
It helps keep you busy and hopefully out of trouble and when finished you can ride the project with a big smile on your face.
I look forward to a ride report soon on your Trek.
05-19-25 | 11:27 AM
#37
Happy banana slug
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 4,563
Likes: 2,511
From: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 26L, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
Looking good, and what an innovative use of Allen wrenches!
05-21-25 | 03:16 AM
#38
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 1,185
From: North Ogden, Utah
05-21-25 | 08:57 AM
#39
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,288
Likes: 4,243
From: The Le Grande HQ
Bikes: Gängl, Trek 938, Raleigh Professional, Paramount, Allez, Guerciotti, Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek 750, Miyata 1000 < Huffy
05-21-25 | 04:42 PM
#40
Happy banana slug
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 4,563
Likes: 2,511
From: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 26L, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
As for a handlebar, I do like my V-O Tourist Bar. Good luck finding your right one.
05-22-25 | 10:12 AM
#41
BIKE RIDE
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,217
Likes: 1,004
From: Michigan
Bikes: GUNNAR CrossHairs / Riv RoadUno / TrekBike 950
Best wishes to your mom; I hope she recovers quickly.
As for a handlebar, I do like my V-O Tourist Bar. Good luck finding your right one.
As for a handlebar, I do like my V-O Tourist Bar. Good luck finding your right one.
I think they achieve their extreme not coolness from being too motorcycle like.
05-22-25 | 05:08 PM
#42
Happy banana slug
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 4,563
Likes: 2,511
From: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 26L, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
I've been a nerd all my life and am not in the least concerned about looking cool, so I'm happy with mine. Sweet bike, BTW.
06-08-25 | 07:24 PM
#43
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 1,185
From: North Ogden, Utah
Very pretty bike! Love me some horizontal top tube, lugged mountain turned city bikes!
I have a 1989 Panasonic MC-4500 that I’ve posted elsewhere that will probably remain in my stable for the rest of my life. Everything about it is just so… right.
Meanwhile, the lobotomy bike has been waiting on a handlebar transplant that jamesdak so generously donated to the project. Thanks again Jim, just need to scrounge up some time!
Stay tuned!
