So, of the bikes I've restored, some have ended up as custom projects, fitted with more modern parts. This approach is often referred to as 'neo-retro'..
This is down to the fact that classic bike parts are rapidly becoming as bad as classic car parts, with speculators getting into the scene and driving prices up, heaping on the dreaded ''scene tax''...
A 1984 Raleigh Burner that was written off as a lost cause, simply because of the scale of work needed to save it! Frame was blasted, etch primed, then giving copious amounts of filler primer, then some Audi TT Mauritius Blue metallic rattle-cans and finished with clear from a proper spray gun. Decals were a custom colour from a nice man on Ebay. Parts are a mix of old and new from a pal who is into old BMXs.
Before
After
Kirk Revolution MTB, revolutionary for their time, as the frame was cast magnesium; unfortunately, they were prone to stress cracks. Found this one intact but in a sorry state, so, not being able to let things alone, it got a few coats of Montana graffiti paint, with Montana clear lacquer. Converted it to drop bars and added modern components and it's a very fun bike to cycle, even if it flexes like its made of rubber!
Before
After
Last one for now, a Muddy Fox Sorcerer Pro (back when Muddy Fox made fantastic bikes in the late 80s/early 90s), mono stay steel frame, made from prestigious Tange Infinity lightweight but very strong tubing; none of yer modern cheap Chinese pig iron! this just got a light makeover with a modern wheel-set and was kitted out for a mate who wanted to do a bit of cycle touring. Old comfortable geometry MTBs are great projects for converting into gravel bikes or long-haul tourers.
Before
After
