Not sure if this is of interest, but here goes.
We bought a matching pair of Raleigh Amazon MTBs back in 1991, brand new from
Halfords. Steel frames, no suspension, but moderately good for the times. They have been round Holland on a cycling tour, and for many years we have taken them behind the car or in the caravan or in the caravan and used them for sightseeing and shopping trips in France. They are quite well-travelled, but sadly got badly neglected over the years. We've had several much 'better' bikes alongside the Amazons, but never had the heart to get rid of them. This year, I decided to give them both a bit of lurve.
I stripped the gents bike down to the frame and gave it a good clean. New bearings, everything cleaned and lubed and adjusted. The Shimano GS100 gearset was still working fine, so that stayed, The brakes were impossible to adjust properly, so I gave it some new V-brakes from Halfords (all done as cheaply as possible). It's now got some straight black bars and stubby bar-ends, and is working very well. I'm really pleased with it, and it's definitely a keeper. I'm hoping to upgrade the components over time, with proper polished alloy bars/stem/seatpost (originals were chrome or painted, and now horribly rusty). See my other thread, as I am finding that sourcing parts that would look appropriate is quite difficult. I de-rusted and painted where possible, but it's a temporary measure.
That was this spring, and I intended to do the same for the ladies bike, but other events got in the way and I didn't do it. However, my wife sold her electric bike and had some cash to play with. Rather than buying a new bike, she opted to give it to Halfords for a service. I think we struck lucky. Our local branch has a really keen mechanic and he has done a great job. The Gold service covers pretty much what I did to the gents bike, and her bike is now riding beautifully. I am willing to upgrade hers in the same way I plan for mine, but she likes it as it is. Fine by me.
I know a 90s chain-store MTB is hardly vintage or classic, but they give me a lot of pleasure and I am committed to keeping them both fit and healthy and in regular use. I've walked round the
Tredz and Giant stores today looking at bikes, but none of them made me want to trade the Amazon in (mind you, on checking
eBay, they seem to be worth about a packet of crisps each). I just don't like modern bikes much. All that grey and black, all those look-at-me logos! Plain, simple and even a little elegant, that's what I like.
No before-and-afters, sadly, but can post photos if anyone is interested.
