The 'new' 2007 857s are here!

[kondilemma]

Ok--not really.  This is a one-off, retro build not available in any LBS near you.  
This was a new frame I found on ebay years ago, and finally completed the project.  Here's some shots:














take care,
-Brad

[GinSonic]

Noooo! You trick's us. Bad Brad.

Nice ride dude.

Is it just the lighting that makes it look like a matte finish or was it painted that way from the factory? Mine's an 855 in a metallic gloss blue, but in '97? Same? No?
  G.

[Willie_B]

Even the tires are still clean and shiny. Looks great.

[whisperdancer]

That stem...

Ohhh!... My eyes!....

Otherwise pristine bike!
Congratulations!

[kondilemma]

Is it just the lighting that makes it look like a matte finish or was it painted that way from the factory? Mine's an 855 in a metallic gloss blue, but in '97? Same? No?
  G.

Yep, that's factory paint--the infamous GRAPE colour.  Not a scratch on it yet, except for the cable guide side where the crosslink made contact.  BTW, that clear toptube protector piece doesn't do diddly where it is--the fork makes contact with the down tube in real life.

[kondilemma]

That stem...

Ohhh!... My eyes!....

no kidding.  Never had riser bars so I didn't know what stem length and rise to try.   Did some rummaging through the bargain bin  and found this one to try.  Gaudy she is, but it kinda goes with the whole purple /yellow graphics theme.

[willem]

Dude, I love the colors!
I wish I hadn't stripped the grape paint off of my way big 856. It's truly a unique color to that make and model.

Did you get her under 27 pounds?

Will

[kondilemma]

Dude, I love the colors!
I wish I hadn't stripped the grape paint off of my way big 856. It's truly a unique color to that make and model.

Did you get her under 27 pounds?

Will

Haven't put her on the scale yet.   I became less concerned about weight as time went by and ended up just trying to finish the build with whatever parts I came across--mainly driven by budget.  That explains the component mix.  If you look closely you can see combos like LX derailleurs with a Deore crank,   avid SD-5s for brakes, SRAM 990 rear cassette, noname seat post,  Shmanno 505 wheelset...

[shovelon]

Yes, I like the yellow too.

Nice bike in size small. Lower center of gravity should make it great climber.

Some bikes just look too good to ride. Good job!

[kondilemma]

Yes, I like the yellow too.

Nice bike in size small.

yep--size small-- and that makes it pretty much impossible to get a replacement rear shock.  There's little to no clearance for an aftermarket shock--without major mods.  Risse would be my choice, but I understand they can't fit this frame size

When the rear Noleen calves out, my plan would be to have a solid aluminum rod machined that match the shock measurements.  I'd have a hardtail, but at least I could still ride.

My upcoming plans are to convert to discs front and rear--probably Avid BB7's. The Shimanno wheelset are the Centrelock type

[shovelon]

Yes, the small uses a modified nr1 shock. Basically it has a notch close to the mount.

Kiwi kindly sold me a standard nr1, and I fitted it to a small 957 by dremmeling the cutout in the frame a bit. I just dremmeled for a zero clearance fit. I think in production, too much clearance had to be depended on.

[Carbon_Angus]

G-R-A-P-E if only a W/B.......

nice looking ride.