Smokey

[Dizzle Problems]

In the process of gathering bits for a build, thought I’d try to take some pictures and share along the way.
Lately I’ve been building more ‘utilitarian/ city’ style bikes out of vintage mountain bikes.

The first thing I was hunting for and found was a fork-

It’s an ‘89 Diamondback fork.

I’m pretty picky, and tend to only like straight forks. These straight tapered forks that seemed to be around from ‘89 - ‘91 are rad to me. And the last few builds I’ve done like this have had similar.

As luck would have it, about two days after receiving that fork in the mail, I stumbled upon this frame-

It’s a Yakota Yosemite. I believe also an ‘89.
Love the ‘smoke’ paint on both and figured they’d work well together.

I have a clear idea how I’d like this to turn out. And with luck I shouldn’t have to buy much.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Lugged Tange frame and a straight fork with rim brakes? Sign me up!

 

[Dizzle Problems]

First pile of bits-

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Those are some funky brake arms! Nice looking parts

 

[Dizzle Problems]

Those are some funky brake arms! Nice looking parts

Thanks Matti. I thought they were cool. Have never heard of the brand, but found them NOS at a reasonable price. Figure they’ll match the mostly early/ mid 90s bits. Will be swapping the pads to Kool stops.

 

[Dizzle Problems]

Had to get the wheels sorted. As much as I’d love perfectly matching set, I’m trying to go with what I have.

I have a good front wheel, Mavic 517 with a Deore xt hub

And another front wheel, Rhyno Lite with a Coda hub. Relaced it with a deore LX rear hub

Lucked out with spoke length. I had the right length for the drive side already, and the same length from the front hub worked for the non drive side. Stoked
If the bike ends up being a go to, I’ll eventually search out another rhyno lite and do up another front wheel, as I do have the matching front LX hub.

 

[Dizzle Problems]

Got the headset installed and the fork mounted. Lucked out and had the correct 26.8 seatpost on hand. Was a mistaken purchase a few builds back that needed 26.6. Swapped the quick release seatpost clamp to a bolt on, bb in, and test fitting a front rack.

Sorting out the drivetrain. Big fan of 1x, and 9 speed has been great for me for these types of builds. Had to order a narrow wide chainring. I suspect that’ll kinda hold the build up a little bit.

I may use a different rear derailleur with a shorter cage and use this one on a bike running a double chainring. We’ll see.

 

[Dizzle Problems]

Here’s some examples of a few builds of mine from the last year or so in this ‘category’ —

‘91 Nishiki Ariel. Cunningham design, made in the USA.

‘94 Scott (Kona P2 fork)

‘89 Nishiki Colorado. Also a Cunningham design. Wearing rain gear, aka fenders in this pic.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Nice lineup, Dizz! I really like those Cunningham Nishikis, especially like the tapered fork of the Colorado

 

[Dizzle Problems]

Little bit of progress on this one.
Got the tires mounted, derailleur and cassette on, crank, and pedals secured.

Test fitting bars and stem. So far not liking this stem on there.

Ran into an issue with the long cage xtr derailleur. So, swapped it to a short cage one. Which will be fine with the 1x set up.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Test fitting bars and stem. So far not liking this stem on there.

Those bars are killer! Nice and wiiiiiide

 

[Dizzle Problems]

Those bars are killer! Nice and wiiiiiide

Thanks man. Yea, I’ve come to really like/ only ride wide bars. I think these are about 34”.
I scored the stem I prefer for this build from a friend, and the chainring needed arrived today in the mail. So, hoping to get this wrapped up this weekend.

 

[Dizzle Problems]

Was able to swap the stem to the one I prefer, get the chainring and chain on, brakes on, levers, shifter, and run the derailleur cable/ housing this afternoon.

After this pic I put the grips on too.
Next will be swapping the saddle, cables/ housing for the brakes, and refitting the front rack.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I think you're gonna need a teal Grafton hanger to go with those cool cantis.

Or if that's not to your taste, Ringlé

 

[Dizzle Problems]

@MattiThundrrr man I wish I had one of those Grafton ones!

I did consider a knock off Ringle -

I decided to stick with the original yokes though. Was able to wrap the build up this afternoon—

Didn’t get a great pic of the saddle, but it has blue stitching to match the brakes.

Front rack is for this vintage bag I picked up a little bit back. Should be able to hold 6 or so preferred beverages..

Stoked on how this one came out. Will be great for round town rides, and capable of mellower off road.

On to the next!