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Well, new to me! My bike budget is currently operated on ‘out - in‘ basis and biking in general is (due to recurring injury) more of the ‘therapeutic messing about’ type.
Decided to sell the turbo as it was causing re-injury. Got £35 for it. So cashmoney burning a hole in the pocket - I turned to FB marketplace! A quick trip to neighbouring shire last night (and £30 lighter later) I present to the bored/board:
199? Diamondback Sorrento
17.5”
Chromo main tubes. Hi ten rear.
Altus throughout. Shifters don’t work properly.
Brakes work/squeal surprisingly well! Braking surfaces are very good. Wheels very nearly true. Hubs fairly smooth. Headset not the best, may just need service. BB OK, no play, maybe slightly stiff in use.
Saddle on backwards.
So, the question is, what to do with it? Thought about cleaning it up, singlespeeding it, replacing tyres before deciding next move?
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Question: is this style dropout enough adjustment for SS without a tensioner?
Waste £30
My first bike was a sorento, memories of the 90’s and thatchers britain
But look the paintjob, mmmm arhhhhh
That'll singlespeed.
It will probably be fine but you might have to go up down a tooth.
Retro bikes are great fun around easier xc rides.i wouldn't dont change too much component wise as I like original bikes.i would however change the brakes for v brakes
Work so much better.good buy and have fun. Maybe also join the retrobike site and show it off there too
You'll need a tensioner with those dropouts. They're the same as vertical ones but on a slant - unless you seat the axle properly it could come out. Not like the old style slotted horizontal drop outs.
Turn those handlebars slightly too as they look a bit droopy.
Nice bike tho, simple and no fuss 🙂
single speed monstercross would be fun to try, depending how the sizing works for you
I managed to fit discs to a 1995 DB Apex using the A2Z adaptor (which needed adapting to fit the drop out flush) so discs may be an option. It rode really well for 5/6 years then cracked where it had rusted inside by the downtube/BB - it may be worth checking yours in that area as I guess that's where water accumulates. Good bikes though, was gutted when mine went.
If your worried about rust or it has some internally strip it spray some wax oil in the tubes .you can buy spray cans.
single speed monstercross would be fun to try, depending how the sizing works for you
The thought did cross my mind, but would require bars, tape and stem that would send the project rocketing into triple figures. I can only really think of a Velo Orange Cigne stem that would do the job? The front end is low as is. Hunchback territory 🤣
It might be just a deep clean, bearings, grease, rummage the parts bin for grips etc, source a tensioner and see what to do about bars. I have some North Road style and that would bring the front up. Also have a single-speed kit that should fit.
Agree on the paint. It’s like an exotic beetle. And tough.
You’ll need a tensioner with those dropouts.
You won't*.
*Based on my own experience on more than one bike including a polo bike that took more abuse than mist bikes do.
^Thnks everyone for (even conflicting) input, appreciated. I will give it a go without tensioner first.
I know it may seem like a ‘waste of money’ but the way I see it is it’s a few weekends/evenings for me enjoying doing up an old bike (which is good ‘off-screen’ downtime and therapeutic while I’m off my bikes for the winter/foreseeable.
Bonus is someone gets something usable when I’ve finished it. I’ll also get to clear some space in the spares box!
You never know, it might turn out OK! Or a complete fail 🤣
Will be a goodun