Finally got my High Sierra...!
 

After almost ten years of waiting for one to come my way, it finally happened. Picked it up this evening for $180. More than some of you would pay I imagine, but after such a long wait, I wasn't taking any chances. Built the 45th day of 1987. Original except for tires and saddle. It's not in "pristine" condition, but I can deal with it. These are pre cleaning pics of course. Getting he alloy and paint shiny should make a world of difference. Now I am going out for a few beers to celebrate. Enjoy!:D,,,,BD

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...psa5d94ae9.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps333cd8e2.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps5e9cca7e.jpg

Congrats, nice bike!

It's already pretty shiny. Nice lugged fork crown.

Pretty clean... is this as bought? Ha, sounds like you're going to try that rack out.

There is one on Nashville CL for $185. Small pics but it doesn't look as nice as yours. Black or dark blue with aqua decals.

Drop bars!!!!!!!!!!

I love smoked chrome.

Sweet! Congratulations.

The only way, and I mean the ONLY way it could be a better smoked chrome two wheeler, is if it had an AD on the head badge, hehe. Yep, those are as found pics. The drop bars would be better if it was a 24/25 inch, but yeah I seriously considered it for a while. I've wanted one of these soooo long, that I think I will leave it as is, and rebuild it with everything in place. 6 speed indexed thumbies with Biopace cranks and XT, oh yeah! I've bounced all around the smoked chrome High Sierra, but never had one until now. I even had an 88 smoked chrome Impact, a yellow 88 HS, and even a beige/brown 88 HS.,,,,BD

I am pretty thrifty, but I would have paid that price, given the XT components, roller cam brakes, and smoke chrome finish. Good deal in my book!!

What a beast!

Not pristine. But pretty darn close. Very nice. I have the 86 version (I think) also with roller cams, from a local garage sale. Its the mailbox bike right now, but I'm collecting ideas. Youve seen the last couple pages of the vintage mtb thread, right?

Congrats! She looks to be in really fine condition.

Bikedued, Great snag ! 10 years is a long time to hunt, glad it came around finally ! Got my dose of smoky chromw with a Univega Alpina Prohttp://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=321645 Now living a good life as a SS. Got the Schwinn fix when I nailed this 21" High plains.http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=321646 Now sporting a dropbar arrangement and alloy fenders. I can't help but change mine around, glad to hear that it is already the way you want it to be. That makes it perfect from the get-go !

BikeD, Beautiful bike as is! I would never pass up a great bike just because it had a few paint blemishes, oxidation, scuff marks, etc! A great bike will always be a geat bike, pristine or not! As long as the frame and fork are straight with no dents or damage of any kind, it is coming with me! :-) Your Sierra's color and frame are just lovely! Great score, congratulations! :-)

Flash

Nice snag! I had that exact same model. I did a drop bar conversion but thought the bike handled better with the original bar set up, FWIW. I ended up selling mine but do wish I still had it around. It was a great utility bike. Putting a good, lighter weight set of tires on it was a big improvement over the stock ones mine came with. Enjoy!

sweet... smoked chrome, XT, fillet brazed.. yup i'd pay 180 no problem

Nice catch BD!

Very nice! Looks like good shape for 26 years old.

Sweeeeeeeeet. I almost picked one of those up a few years back, but it was a size or two big on me, for which I was quite bummed. I've got my Crosscut now, but something about those old mtbs such as the Sierra that still make me consider tempting the wife's wrath by adding one more to the collection.

Good thing I clicked on this link. I didn't even know I wanted a High Sierra! Congrats on a nice find.

Dang, I got NONE of the email notifications for this thread. Thanks for the kind words!:D The biggest thing that is bugging me is not really having time to work on it right now, aside from little things. The tires have been swapped out for a set of Tioga Psycho's (matched front/rear set) and a B.15 that has all the black worn off from age.

They're not really visible in the pics, but a previous owner covered every single alloy part with reflective stick on film. Little pieces all around the rims, sides of the brakes, crank arms, etc etc. It came from the Lafayette area from what I have heard, and funny thing is I have a set of tubular rims from the same area, with the same sticker treatment but in red. Makes me wonder if it was the same owner.

I am glad it fits me though. On older mountain bikes like this, I find the next size or two down from my road bike size fits perfect, and allows me to ride it more comfortably. I have the BIG size in beige/brown, and I can barely get two inches of seatpost showing. Gonna try to take some pics tomorrow, wqith the new tires and saddle. Also debating removing the rear rack. If I don't, I will be looking for a front rack to match. It's already loaded, but I want it outfitted for full touring duty if possible.,,,,BD

I'd also be very interested in tips and experience you have while cleaning up the smoke chrome finish. Last week I picked up what I think is an '89 High Sierra in the same styling and will be rebuilding it in the upcoming weeks. No sweet roller cams (cantis/u brake), no XT (Suntour XCD), and had some rusty bolts -- but it was only $50 bucks and it fits. I am seriously impressed with quality of these frames. When stripped to the frame, mine has a very distinct and resonant ring when you strike the downtube, something I've never noticed before.

Can't wait to see you finished ride for inspiration.

Here it is with some more fitting tires, a wash, and a Brooks. Looking better. When I get back to Houston, complete rebuild from the frame on up. I'll even get some new wheel bearing cartridges.,,,,BD

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps45e08222.jpg

I was on my way to Nashville yesterday to see some family, oh, and pick up the 84 High Sierra that's on CL there.:D Kinda a twofer trip.

Unfortunately, one of my front tires decided to explode while going down the interstate. :notamused: Got a little exciting for a second or two there. Ended up not making the trip, so missed out on the bike. And dinner. And racked up a several hundred $$$ repair bill on top of it all.:cry:

Not a great day overall. Bummer.