1989 Rebuild

😎 I know I only needed one more rim, but I recently scored two at a great cost! 😄

CJ Smith said:

😎 I know I only needed one more rim, but I recently scored two at a great cost! 😄

Can't help with any of the bits you require but can give moral support! I'm just in the final stages of rebuilding my 1981 handbuilt 531 Shorter Rochford which I raced in the early 80s. Over the years everything except the frame had disappeared or broken or decayed. I had the frame restored by Mercian in the UK, but was expecting trouble finding all th various bits and pieces. But I've managed to find absolutely everything, including some real rarities (Huret Jubilee gears, Universal 68 brakes, Dia Comp brak leevers, Gipiemme seatpost, Concor beige saddle etc) new old stock via Ebay, small ads and word of mouth. It's taken years (and lots of money - I'm scared to add it up), but all I need now is a 42 tooth Campag Super Record chainring and it'll b ready to ride.

Stick with it and good luck!

Oh, for the rims, try Mercian Cycles in the UK (google "Mercian"😉. They have a stock of new old stock rims, spokes etc as well as loads of other old parts. I managed to get a pair of early eighties 28 hole Durex Synthesis grey rims from them for £60.

Eastway82 said:

Oh, for the rims, try Mercian Cycles in the UK (google "Mercian"😉. They have a stock of new old stock rims, spokes etc as well as loads of other old parts. I managed to get a pair of early eighties 28 hole Durex Synthesis grey rims from them for £60.

I have more than the amount of rims I need now, but I will remember to check them out. I do travel to Southampton & London ever so often... Once I google it I will find out if I can stop past and visit that shop (Mercian Cycles). For the spokes I managed to use YellowJersey.org. The progression was like this:

One day it dawned on me to talk to "Guru Pete".
(New Jersey's High Gear Cyclery)

I filled him in.

We hung up.

I had my girlfriend call back a week or two later.

He had YellowJersey.org all scoped out.

Later that day, during a phone call from Guam (me) to the love of my life in Florida, she fills me in on the website.

I call them directly

I order the spokes.

They are in Florida now!

Yay for me!

CJ did not know that you were a member of this forum... I don't come to this forum too much... Can't wait to see the finished build...

Yo it's Da Booster! 🙂 Imagine that! I will be building it this year.. Stay tuned! Should I have the wheels built up by the best friend of the original builder (He co-built my bike - and keep in mind I will have to ask him and he will have to agree to get involved with the project)? ...Or should I send the wheels to California to the sister shop of the original, now closed, shop? VOTE NOW 😎

[font=Century Gothic]I’m CJ (40/Male/Oldsmar, FL.)[/font]
[font=Century Gothic]If you are a regular forum reader you may have previously read about my KESTREL 4000 rebuild and the subsequent updates (J.F.Y.I.: This is another update). If you are not familiar, well I have been enjoying a great rebuild project. It is a 1989 Kestrel 4000 with Gray Graphics. My restoration goal is to have the completed bike EXACTLY as it was when it rolled out of B&L Bike & Sport in [/font][font=Century Gothic]Kailua-Kona, [/font][font=Century Gothic]Hawaii[/font][font=Century Gothic] on [/font][font=Century Gothic]May 9, 1989[/font][font=Century Gothic].[/font]

I have learned a few things about my bike since my last forum posting… As I look through old pictures, call companies for information and find journals, receipts, etc., I inch closer to the exact bike I bought.

* If you have been a cyclist for a long while it is inevitably that bits and piece from your bicycling life will probably blur into two group. The first group is new bike stuff (The memory of being happy about something new fades the older the part gets) and the second group is one big mess of used bike parts that should have been donated to a “Salvation Army for bicycle parts” years ago.

** The excitement during a rebuild with plenty of hard to find parts comes from: 1. Getting something you need for the project and 2. Finally uncovering a mystery of which part was actually on a particular bike (which helps define questions like… “How the heck did I end up with this crazy looking part?”).

Below is the list of how the bike was built up, but first…
01. Frame: Kestrel 4000, Imron White, Gray Graphics
02. Fork: Tange Aluminum; White(I will be replacing the original with a carbon fork, mainly due to the fact the original fork [according to Kestrel “techies”] was recalled by Tange)
03. Saddle: Selle Italia Turbo White w/ Steel Rails
04. Seat Post: Dura Ace
05. Seat Binder Bolt: Kestrel (Stock)
06. [font=Verdana]Stem: Nitto or TTT [/font][font=Verdana](Previously, I thought it might have been a Specialized Stem. After an enlightening conversation with a Specialized “techie”, the finding of an old Nitto stem and my scrutinizing the rebuild list for my Specialized Allez Epic [1994 carbon tube alum. lug], I can now say that the stem was from the ALLEZ [/font][font=Verdana]EPIC[/font][font=Verdana].)[/font]
07. [font=Verdana]Handlebar: Natural Aluminum, w/ Anatomical curve [/font][font=Verdana](Brand: UNKNOWN). I no longer even have this bar. Years ago when I was a younger cycling nut, I drilled a hole through it and [I swear this is true] I made a lamp out of it... It lasted about two years and went to the local garbage dump. Recently I have been studying old photos of the bike and I am trying to decide if it was anatomic or not... it is a tough call. Anyone who would like to try and make a judgement call on it I would be glad to e-mail you the best photo of the bike... I may even have two)[/font]
08. Brake Levers: Shimano Santé
09. Brake Calipers: Shimano Santé
10. Bar Tape: Cinelli, White
11. Headset: Shimano Santé 1”
12. Hubs: Front & Rear Shimano Santé - 32 hole
13. Front Rim: Mavic Open 4CD – 32 hole
14. Rear Rim: Mavic Open 4CD – 32 hole
15. Tires: Avocet FasGrip K-20
16. Front Spokes: Hoshi: Bladed, Size - 280mm, Radially laced
17. Rear Spokes: Round, Three cross
18. Rim Strips: Specialized, Red
19. Bottom Bracket: Shimano Santé
20. Cranks: Shimano Santé, 170mm
21. Chainrings: Biopace 52; 42
22. Pedals: Look: Red/White PP-66
[font=Verdana](Previously I had thought that these were called "P-166" and also my original wish list had me desiring them in Black/White. The reality of it all was what I bought was Look "PP-66" in Red & White (I have both colors of these pedals, but had to check photos to see what was originally on the bike). Now, thanks to [/font][font=Verdana]EBAY[/font][font=Verdana] I have obtained them [New Old Stock, of course])[/font]
23. Front Derailleur: Shimano Santé
24. Rear Derailleur: Shimano Santé
25. Chain: Shimano
26. Waterbottle/Cage: Campy (The cool looking “D” Shaped bottle)
27. Computer: Avocet 30 (Blue w/ blue buttons)

NEEDS / STILL MISSING:
ALL ITEMS ALREADY OBTAINED HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THIS LIST

ITEM: Make/Model
Stem: Nitto or TTT
Handlebar: Natural Aluminum look, Anatomical 42/44
Bar Tape: Cinelli, White
Rear Spokes: Round, Three cross
Rim Strips: Specialized, Red
Chain: Shimano
Computer: Avocet 30 (Blue w/ blue buttons) (FOUND! Ordering soon)
Headset:Shimano Santé, threadless, 1" (NEED - VERY Tough to Find)
Truthfully, I the original Sante headset will probably be used, but the gray/silver plastic headset nut cover that has the SANTE logo on it is broken (although still in one piece). So, basically, I would only want to purchase the entire headset for that plastic ring. Again it has to be in MINT/NEAR MINT condition. THIS IS AN EASY WAY FOR SOMEONE TO MAKE SOME “MAD -EASY” MONEY. Like the guy who bought this headset used off Ebay last September!

ALL parts sought are only purchased if they are found to be in MINT to NEAR MINT (Defined as being in “never used” or “mounted”) condition.

[font=Century Gothic]Well, that paints a bit of the picture… [/font]
[font=Century Gothic]But why would I want to rebuild this bike?[/font]

Well, that part is simple. It was built by B&L Bike & Sport owner, Ironman Bike Director and friend, Nick Rott. In August of 1994 Nick was killed while on a training ride on the Big Island of Hawaii. Sadly, I didn't find out until November of '94 on account of having moved back to the mainland [font=Century Gothic]USA[/font][font=Century Gothic]. He & I were such friends that upon finding out about his death I immediately retired the bike. More than 10 years later I can admit that there isn't a day that goes by that somehow I don't think about him or use something that he sold me. From Bike Cases to Wheel Safes; from nearly [/font][font=Century Gothic]ALL[/font][font=Century Gothic] of my shop tools to just looking at the framed photos around my workshop… In the past 20 years I have owned two other Kestrel bikes, all because of Nick having sold me that first one. Heck, even some of my back up bikes were even purchased from his shop. I also credit Nick with my age group success. I know my medals & trophies wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for him. If this isn’t clear enough, well… just watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” a few times to better understand what I am trying to convey.[/font]
Back to the rebuild: For the past 9 years I have been rebuilding my bike. Yes, NINE YEARS. My job has me away for 6 months a year & the other half I juggle home, family, friends, training, road trips, hiking, weekend Florida theme park getaways, eating, sleep, going to the bathroom, paying taxes & my bike project... Thus explaining why this is taking so long (PS I have bike books in my bathroom! :eek:🙂😎 😄).

UPDATE: February 26, 2007
I am currently on vacation at my home in FloridaBut I had been away on a ship from October 4, 2006 to February 2, 2007. It wasn't as bad as it sounds, we were mostly tied up against the pier and we had free wireless internet in all rooms. This meant that I didn’t have to ask someone (that doesn’t have a personal connection to my project) to check EBAY for me.

This luxury yielded me the following NEW OLD STOCK items:

01. Mavic Open 4CD Rims (QTY: 2)

02. Hoshi spokes (36 count, 280mm)

03. Look P66 pedals

04. Look cleats for P66 pedals
[font=Maiandra GD]THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ MY POSTING.[/font]
[font=Maiandra GD]Take care & be safe! [/font]

[font=Maiandra GD]Sincerely,[/font]
[font=Maiandra GD]CJ - [/font][font=Maiandra GD]Oldsmar[/font][font=Maiandra GD], [/font][font=Maiandra GD]FL 😎 [/font]
[font=Maiandra GD](PS: Please forgive the typos)[/font]

UPDATE FEBRUARY - APRIL 2007

I have attained the following:

Look PP166 Pedals - February 16, 2007

Avocet 30 Bike Computer (Avocet 30) March 30, 2007

Profile 1" Threaded Carbon Fork April 07, 2007

CJ Smith said:

[font=Century Gothic]I’m CJ (39/Male/Oldsmar, FL.)[/font]

[font=Century Gothic]I'm a mariner by trade & a pro cyclist in my mind.
[/font]
[font=Century Gothic]On the serious side, I have been enjoying a great rebuild project. It is a 1989 Kestrel 4000 with Gray Graphics. My restoration goal is to have the completed bike EXACTLY as it was when it rolled out of B&L Bike & Sport in Kailua-Kona Hawaii on [/font][font=Century Gothic]May 9, 1989[/font][font=Century Gothic].[/font]

First, I will list how the bike was built up:

[font=Verdana]1. [/font]Frame: Kestrel 4000, Imron White, Gray Graphics

[font=Verdana]2. [/font]Fork: Tange Aluminum; White
(REPLACING ORIGINAL WITH CARBON FORK)

[font=Verdana]3. [/font]Saddle: Selle Italia Turbo White w/ Steel Rails

[font=Verdana]4. [/font]Seat Post: Dura Ace

[font=Verdana]5. [/font]Seat Binder Bolt: Kestrel (Stock)

[font=Verdana]6. [/font]Stem: Specialized or TTT

[font=Verdana]7. [/font]Handlebar: Natural Aluminum, w/ Anatomical curve

[font=Verdana]8. [/font]Brake Levers: Shimano Santé

[font=Verdana]9. [/font]Brake Calipers: Shimano Santé

[font=Verdana]10. [/font]Bar Tape: Cinelli, White

[font=Verdana]11. [/font]Headset: Shimano Santé 1”

[font=Verdana]12. [/font]Hubs: Front & Rear Shimano Santé - 32 hole

[font=Verdana]13. [/font]Front Rim: Mavic Open 4CD – 32 hole

[font=Verdana]14. [/font]Rear Rim: Mavic Open 4CD – 32 hole

[font=Verdana]15. [/font]Tires: Avocet FasGrip K-20

[font=Verdana]16. [/font]Front Spokes: Hoshi: Bladed, Size - 280mm, Radially laced

[font=Verdana]17. [/font]Rear Spokes: Round, Three cross

[font=Verdana]18. [/font]Rim Strips: Specialized, Red

[font=Verdana]19. [/font]Bottom Bracket: Shimano Santé

[font=Verdana]20. [/font]Cranks: Shimano Santé, 170mm

[font=Verdana]21. [/font]Chainrings: Biopace 52; 42

[font=Verdana]22. [/font]Pedals: Look: Black/White P-166 (unsure of model #)

[font=Verdana]23. [/font]Front Derailleur: Shimano Santé

[font=Verdana]24. [/font]Rear Derailleur: Shimano Santé

[font=Verdana]25. [/font]Chain: Shimano

[font=Verdana]26. [/font]Waterbottle/Cage: Campy “D” Shaped bottle

[font=Verdana]27. [/font]Computer: Avocet 30 (Blue w/ blue buttons)

NEEDS / STILL MISSING:
ALL ITEMS ALREADY OBTAINED HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THIS LIST

ITEM: Make/Model

Stem: Specialized or TTT

Handlebar: Natural Aluminum, Anatomical 42/44

Bar Tape: Cinelli, White

Front Rim: Mavic Open 4CD – 32 hole

Front Spokes: Hoshi: Bladed, Size - 280mm, Radially laced
These are not the large Hoshi that you had to slot the hubs in order to install, similar to other bladed spokes. These spokes had the hook end on them that made Hoshi stand out in the crowd. A.k.a.: They fit through the Shimano Santé Hub without having to permanently alter the hub. NOTE: Info appearing here was told to me by two bike shops. One informed me that Hoshi made two types of spokes and the other tidbit was that I needed size 280mm (after measuring an old spoke that had the hook part snapped off)

Rear Spokes: Round, Three cross

Rim Strips: Specialized, Red


Chain: Shimano


Computer: Avocet 30 (Blue w/ blue buttons)
Ordering this upon my return from Guam from an established contact


Headset:Shimano Santé 1”
NEED - Very Tough to Find
Truthfully, I can use the original Sante headset that I own, but the gray/silver plastic headset nut cover that has the SANTE logo on it is broken (still in one piece though). I would only want to purchase the entire headset only for that plastic ring... Or if you have the ring and want to offer to me for, let's say, 20-25 bucks plus shipping, I would be all over that idea. Again it has to be in MINT/NEAR MINT condition. THIS IS AN EASY WAY FOR SOMEONE TO MAKE SOME “MAD -EASY” MONEY. Like the guy who bought this headset used off Ebay last September! LOL!


Pedals:Look: RED (hinge) w/ White body
NEED – Very Tough to Find
I think they were called the P-166 model, but I am not sure.


If I had to make two categories for these sought after parts they would have top be labeled, EASY & TOUGH


EASY
Fork
Stem
Handlebar
Bar Tape
Front Rim
Rear Spokes
Rim Strips
Chain
Computer


TOUGH
Front Spokes
Headset
Pedals


ALL parts sought are only purchased if they are found to be in MINTto NEAR MINT(Defined as being in “never used” or “mounted”) condition.

[font=Century Gothic][/font]
[font=Century Gothic]Well, that paints a bit of the picture, but why would I want to rebuild this bike?

Well, that part is simple. It was built by B&L Bike & Sport owner & Ironman Bike Director, Nick Rott. In August of 1994 Nick was killed while on a training ride on the Big Island of Hawaii. Sadly, I didn't find out until November of '94 on account of having moved back to the mainland [/font][font=Century Gothic]USA[/font][font=Century Gothic]. He & I were such friends that upon finding out about his death I immediately retired the bike. More than 10 years later I can admit that there isn't a day that goes by that somehow I don't think about him or use something that he sold me. From Bike Cases to Wheel Safes; from nearly [/font][font=Century Gothic]ALL[/font][font=Century Gothic] of my shop tools to just looking at the framed photos around my workshop… In the past 20 years I have owned two other Kestrel bikes, all because of Nick having “sold” me that first one. Heck, even some of my back up bikes were even purchased from his shop. I also credit Nick with my age group success. I know my medals & trophies wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for him. If this isn’t clear enough, well… just watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” a few times to better understand what I am trying to convey.

Back to the rebuild: For the past 8 years I have been rebuilding my bike. Yes, EIGHT YEARS. My job has me overseas on ships for about 6 months a year & the other half I juggle home, family, friends, training, road trips, hiking, weekend Florida theme park getaways, sleep & my bike project... Which I call: [/font][font=Century Gothic]“PROJECT: [/font][font=Century Gothic]NICK[/font][font=Century Gothic]”[/font][font=Century Gothic] or the [/font][font=Century Gothic]“[/font][font=Century Gothic]NICK[/font][font=Century Gothic]BIKE[/font][font=Century Gothic]”.[/font]

UPDATE: NOVEMBER 9, 2006

I am currently far from my Florida in Guam. Yes Guam, I must have made a wrong turn heading to Orlando or something.

I have learned a few things since I last posted here, with help from Pete at High Gear Cyclery, in Sterling, NJ. Pete was the guy we all know from our favorite bike shop who was the “Guru”. I first met Pete back in the late 80’s. I would guess 1987… That is when I bought a $100 basement kept road bike from his HIGH END shop (What a blur it is trying to recall that tidbit, LOL!). Well, the shop he worked at closed not long after that and he moved on. Several years later I came across him at High Gear and although I live in Florida, he recently came to mind as someone that might be able to help with this project.

GUAM? WHY GUAM?: I am over here working on a ship for the government and I am without my bike (I really must beg for forgiveness or the gods will be angry!) . I have to listen day in and day out to the 1st Assistant Engineer tell me all about his nightly rides. UGH! I have to kid him here. He is my boss and he is a great guy that I hope to ride with the next time I am here. I will live to destroy that old man on Nimitz Hill :p 😎 :eek: . Ya hear that Larry? Yeah… Uh-huh! Whatever... I will probably be ordered to work on the MSD system or in the bilges now! Bring it on!

[font=Century Gothic]Sincere thanks is extended to all the Sellers on Ebay (some for parts, some for heartfelt condolences & some just the advice & well wishes), Sean & Peter from Vecchio's Bicicletteria of Boulder, CO, Pete at High Gear Cyclery of Sterling, NJ, Hutch at Chainwheel Drive in Palm Harbor, FL, John at Chainwheel Drive in Clearwater, FL, Craig Maynard at Avocet, the all people at Specialized (custom water bottles & rim strips), CylArt, & Kestrel for all their help. [font=Verdana]
[/font]Thanks is also extended to Loki the Cat for his companionship through the many, many hours of late night internet searches - He can truly work the midnight to eight shift anywhere![/font]

[font=Century Gothic]A very s[/font][font=Verdana]pecial thanks to, [font=Century Gothic]Nick’s wife Gerry Rott who I spoke to for the first time in 7 years. The plan was not to inform her of the bike, but I just had to. It has absorbed much of my time[/font]

[/font]
[font=Maiandra GD][font=Maiandra GD]THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ MY POSTING.[/font]
[/font][font=Maiandra GD]Take care & be safe! [/font][font=Verdana]

[/font][font=Maiandra GD]Sincerely,[/font][font=Verdana]
[/font][font=Maiandra GD]CJ - [/font][font=Maiandra GD]Palm Harbor[/font][font=Maiandra GD], [/font][font=Maiandra GD]FL[/font]

SCORED MY FORK ON EBAY... IT WAS DELIVERED April 17, 2007

Really looking forward to seeing a pic of this bike. Good luck.

I am in Guam once again... Where I will be working, then riding. my SRAM Force infested Kestrel Evoke. ON the rebuild side of things I managed to get the Avocet Computer.

Chain and the threaded fork are also new additions to this project... The ONLY thing I will need (that I can't simply find) is the Sante Headset.😠