MTB shop Essex/Uprate my P7?

[L100NYY]

Hi chaps and chapesses,

I am mighty tempted to get my retro Orange P7 refreshed and uprated with modern running gear etc but really don't have the time to do it myself.

I'm based in Essex and wondered if anybody knew of any mtb shops local-ish that I could entrust my baby with?

[BillyB]

Retro is all well and good but bikes have come along way since that (rather lovely looking) P7 was designed. Have you ridden a current hardtail? I wouldn't be looking to sepnd too much on that bike tbh. The main areas for improvement would be disk brakes but you would have to have a mount (and brace) welded to seat stay and newer forks but if you have a 1" steer you are going to be stuck.

If it were mine I'd sell it to a P7 fanboy on Retrorides and invest in a new bike.

I can't help with an Essex bike shop I'm afraid but anywhere with high-end bikes for sale would be a decent bet. Take a packet of Jaffa Cakes in with you and the mechanic will love you

[Jimbo.]

Where in Essex? Chelmer Cycles in Chelmsford are *very* good.

[L100NYY]

Chelmer Cycles could be worth a call in the morning

BillyB, I guess your thoughts are kind of what's been running around my head. The other option is to keep the P7 exactly as it is and buy a new bike to run alongside it. Don't really want to get rid of the P7 if I'm honest so may just go for an addition to the fleet in that case.

[shalmaneser]

Seems a shame to take off all that lovely old school kit and replace it with new stuff.

For the cost I'd certainly be looking at getting an additional bike. That P7's value is only going one way and will be even more desirable complete with vintage components.

[L100NYY]

Well I guess that's my mind made up then. Keep the P7 as it came out the factory all those years ago and enjoy it for what it is.

Meanwhile.........I need to decide what new steed to buy

[mikezs]

Jimbo. said:

Where in Essex? Chelmer Cycles in Chelmsford are *very* good.

I've lives in Chelmsford for 11 years and I've never known about this!

[Raven Flyer]

Jimbo. said:

Where in Essex? Chelmer Cycles in Chelmsford are *very* good.

+1

One of their techs comes on our club Sunday rides. Races mountain bikes and is a good bloke.

[Andy OH]

Another recomendation here for Chelmer Cycles. The owner Jon is a great guy and is very accomodating. I bought my current road bike from them and have been back a few times trying different stems etc. and as he says it's all part of the service. Their service is great by the way regardless of whether you spend just over £3K on a bike with them or a few hundred quid. My next bike will be bought from them.

[tjdixon911]

Are Chelmer Cycles based out of the City Centre in a residential area? I think I visited there while at Uni a few years ago, if it was they were pretty good.

Other Shops;

Street Life Cycles - Sudbury ( I know its not Essex but its close to some parts) Not been to this shop but the Norwich one is pretty good although small.

Thomas's Cycle Revolution - Colchester

53-12 - Colchester

Evans - Lakeside

[Raven Flyer]

tjdixon911 said:

Are Chelmer Cycles based out of the City Centre in a residential area? I think I visited there while at Uni a few years ago, if it was they were pretty good.

Yes, just along from the County Cricket ground and Virgin gym.

[itsnotarace]

BillyB said:

Retro is all well and good but bikes have come along way since that (rather lovely looking) P7 was designed.

Top tubes have got a lot shorter and more sloping, head tube angles have increased due to longer travel front forks and everyone sits far more upright (sit up and beg position - perfect for fatties) but to be honest that bike was a perfect XC bike in it's day, and still more than capable today.

I agree if you want to run in excess of 140mm of front suspension look elsewhere. My '99 P7 has rear disk mounts, my Pace 90mm travel forks don't, I have never felt the need to upgrade from V brakes personally but then I don't hurl myself down huge dropoffs either.

[BillyB]

itsnotarace said:

BillyB said:

Retro is all well and good but bikes have come along way since that (rather lovely looking) P7 was designed.

Top tubes have got a lot shorter and more sloping, head tube angles have increased due to longer travel front forks and everyone sits far more upright (sit up and beg position - perfect for fatties) but to be honest that bike was a perfect XC bike in it's day, and still more than capable today.

I agree if you want to run in excess of 140mm of front suspension look elsewhere. My '99 P7 has rear disk mounts, my Pace 90mm travel forks don't, I have never felt the need to upgrade from V brakes personally but then I don't hurl myself down huge dropoffs either.

I had a P7 with RC36 forks so I know all about. In fact my brother still has it and I rode it again last year. It was a great bike but I don't want to ride it any more. Things have moved on. If you like it still, great. But I'll take a slacker, longer-travel, better-braked modern bike any day of the week.