Matt Gaunt

You guys probably don't hear much of me round the MTB parts as I initially joined the forums to get advice about my custom build roadie.

However, seeing all your cool bikes, I thought it was about time I shared my recent project with you.

The frame is one I have had from new since 1996. It is just a basic, steel Raleigh Max. However, I decided to tart it up a bit this year, so I built new wheels for it, switched to 8s with SRAM Attack shifters, added XT brakes, cranks and mechs, swapped the seat, grips, computer and tape to be blue instead of the stock grey, and what I have now is a superbly handling bike that serves as both a winter training bike (I have the larger 48-36-26 rings on the cranks for this reason) and as an XC bike for the summer.

It means so much to me and I think it looks pretty cool too now. What do you guys think?

LowCel 

Very nice! However, to be a true OCP bike you definately need some blue aluminum bolts here and there.

Matt Gaunt

That's the next step I feel!

Before that, though, the cassette and chain could do with being replaced. Blue Alu bolts, eh, why didn't I think of it?!

mx_599

nice ride! i have a thing for not giving up on older bikes too. i think you should consider cutting your nice yeti grips and grip shifters a little to move your levers further out on the bars

free_pizza

i just saw that too! the levers are almost touching each other

Matt Gaunt

They are, but if you consider that they're one-finger levers, it's actually the perfect place for them to be. I find it really comfy to have them so close.

Plus I already trimmed the Yeti grips down! I wanted to be able to have a full hand on the grip that wouldn't shift the gears for climbing too, so yes, it looks a little odd, but it's functional! Also, the photo makes it look more weird than it really is due to the angle downwards that it fails to capture properly. I promise you you'd like it if you rode it!

Cheers fellas, I appreciate the feedback.

mx_599

no need to justify your freaky set-up to us!!

just so you know, i think you can trim just the shifters if you want. your style is kind of long. i love grip shifts though...i'll never use anything else. if yours are like mine, then i think the clamping surface is opposite the grip area. you could easily chop off part of it if you want to. just do it nice and straight and put the shim plastic washer back in place between the grip. then your grip and hand area will still be the same.

just a though for the future.

Matt Gaunt

Yeah, they are the same as that design. I do actually like the way it is, but if I ever went to riser bars (probably a job for the next project - an Alu Max I have my eye on!) I would probably trim the shifters rather than the grips - good idea.

Thanks for the input.

cs1

That is a nice looking bike. That reminds me, I have to restore my old Specialized Rock Hopper Comp someday. Keep up the good work.

Tim

Matt Gaunt

Thanks, man, glad you like it. I love the retro look mated with modern transmission and generally wacky blue all over the place!

I really would urge you to give the Rock Hopper the same treatment. It will make you feel better for giving an old bike a new lease of life.

The next project, as mentioned above, is a mint Max Alu that my friend at the LBS has had since I bought mine new. He never uses it so I'm gonna get the frame and forks off him and build it up with XT again. Maybe I'll try 9s!