80s Mondia vs 80s Giant - which one to fix up?
I have two bikes that both could use a bit of work. If you had to pick just one to focus on, I'm curious which one you would pick for a refresh/fix-up/resto-mod project.
My riding encompasses commuting, errand-running to other towns, and lots of rambling on gravel field and forest paths. Both bike ride well on these surfaces and seem to fit somewhere on the all-road/gravel/dirt-randonneur spectrum. Bike 1: Early 80s Mondia "Halbrenner," Reynolds 531 tubing? (no stickers, but was apparently Mondia's standard tubing), 6-speed freewheel with Tourney derailleur (RD TY10 SS?), 700 x 35c tires - Light and quick but still comfy. Lugged! A fair bit of paint chipping. Potentially stuck quill stem bolt? Shifts great from large to small cogs but grumbles about going back (especially from third to second--likely due to wear, but there's no skipping once shifted); drive train otherwise in good shape. Weinmann brakes--let's just say I need to plan braking a bit further in advance than ideal (perhaps different pads would help). https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...73bcd7e7cd.jpg Bike 2: 1989 Giant Sierra ATB, 4130 CrMo, 3x7 cassette hub with Mountain LX groupset, 26 x 1.95 tires - Solid and comfy, but not lively. Lots of paint chipping. Shifts well: new cassette and chain, but the Biopace HP chain rings (esp. the middle) are somewhat worn and may need replacing, and I'd be happy with just a 1x7 or 2x7setup (with the existing cranks). The rear wheel has a bit of a hop that can't be fixed; noticeable at downhill road speeds. Chain stay-mounted U-brake is outdated but works fine. The fenders are a bit narrow for the 1.95" tires, but the best/most tire 26" options seem to be around 2.1". https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...12f8e808fb.jpg So, they're both fun to ride but both have their quirks and potential for improvements. Which one would you focus on fixing up? |
Both, but start with the Giant. I think the Mondia will more likely be restoration?
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They are two different styles of bikes but the Giant is definitely a better quality bike. I'm NOT familar with the Mondia brand but I be cautious of assuming that just because it's a Mondia it's Reynolds 531. I'm sure they made bikes at many levels and this looks like the lowerend of the spectrum judging by the stamped dropouts.
Edit 4/28 0846 EST, I somehow omitted the word "Not". I am not familar with Mondia bikes |
Originally Posted by Bianchigirll
(Post 23225303)
They are two different styles of bikes but the Giant is definitely a better quality bike. I'm familar with the Mondia brand but I be cautious of assuming that just because it's a Mondia it's Reynolds 531. I'm sure they made bikes at many levels and this looks like the lowerend of the spectrum judging by the stamped dropouts.
Very cool bike, but I think the Giant will yield more in shorter time. |
Rigid 26" mtn bikes (even mine, :innocent:) sure look less than elegant, almost apologetically awkward - but they can be very practical and ugly at the same time.
Agree w/ [MENTION=159681]Bianchigirll[/MENTION] that this Mondia is a modest model. These two bikes are so different that certainly one must 'suit your fancy' more than the other. Pick that one to improve first. (tho' I hate stuck stems or seat posts) |
I would fix the Giant but this is just my opinion
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Both with the Giant first. I'm all about the practicality of early MTBs
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Another vote for the Giant.
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Originally Posted by Wildwood
(Post 23225397)
Rigid 26" mtn bikes (even mine, :innocent:) sure look less than elegant, almost apologetically awkward - but they can be very practical and ugly at the same time. ...
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...58c8c51c88.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b9d22f841e.jpg |
Originally Posted by Wildwood
(Post 23225397)
Rigid 26" mtn bikes (even mine, :innocent:) sure look less than elegant, almost apologetically awkward - but they can be very practical and ugly at the same time.
Agree w/ [MENTION=159681]Bianchigirll[/MENTION] that this Mondia is a modest model. These two bikes are so different that certainly one must 'suit your fancy' more than the other. Pick that one to improve first. (tho' I hate stuck stems or seat posts) https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2cc1a2f051.jpg |
Originally Posted by Bianchigirll
(Post 23225493)
I almost had my '88 Grizzly looking svelte and fast but those 26x1.25 tires were a big mistake.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2cc1a2f051.jpg |
That Bianchi is about as svelte as a mtn bike gets - leave it to the Italians... and the girll
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Well, if your goal is to have a “lively” rider, the Giant ain’t ever gonna get there. The Mondia has much more of a chance with lightweight components, particularly wheels, but a good deal of that feeling comes from the right geometry for your size and riding style, good tires, some luck.
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I would choose the Giant. The Mondia could be a counterfeit, with no Reynolds sticker. Plus, those out-of-round crank sprockets look really cool. Also, the Giant has cantilever brakes, which is a plus.
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If this was a Mondia from earlier period and some road model with certain full 531 DB tubing it would be hands-down the favorite, but this Mondia is from the last days of that Marque (based on the logo style) and more a "basic bike" and low in their line-up based on the details and components. The one thing to reco that over a "better grade" Mondia or Juvela is it might have more conventional ISO threading rather than the Swiss or French standard...but then again maybe not.
So unfortunately you're left with the Giant MTB...it could be worse! |
Allow me to throw a spanner in the works here, please. :)
The Mondia. No contest. Whatever the tubing, those demi-course / Halbrenner bikes generally make great light touring bikes. Excellent machines for long days in the saddle. Size and geometry are much more important for that application than the tubing decal, IME. Build it with your favorite parts and gearing that suits your area. Gaspipe? Check. Stamped dropouts? Check. Nice bike for a week's worth of day trips with the missus in the Ardennes? Check. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1137dba634.jpg |
Thanks for all the great insights and comments. The people have spoken…and the OP has not listened!
Indeed, as many pointed out, the Giant is the higher quality bike. But reason does not prevail in matters of the heart (leg?).
Originally Posted by Wildwood
(Post 23225397)
These two bikes are so different that certainly one must 'suit your fancy' more than the other.
And with just six gears (plus that stubborn downshift that dissuades just shifting ‘cause one can), it fits my “shift with the legs first” singlespeed approach—but with a few more gears on tap.
Originally Posted by non-fixie
(Post 23226516)
Allow me to throw a spanner in the works here, please. :)
Originally Posted by non-fixie
(Post 23226516)
The Mondia. No contest. Whatever the tubing, those demi-course / Halbrenner bikes generally make great light touring bikes. Excellent machines for long days in the saddle. Size and geometry are much more important for that application than the tubing decal, IME. Build it with your favorite parts and gearing that suits your area.
Gaspipe? Check. Stamped dropouts? Check. Nice bike for a week's worth of day trips with the missus in the Ardennes? Check. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1137dba634.jpg |
Eternal cycling truth:
It is far, far better to have a modest frame with excellent tires/wheels, than an excellent frame with modest wheels + tires. |
Originally Posted by swissycle
(Post 23227658)
......And with just six gears (plus that stubborn downshift that dissuades just shifting ‘cause one can), it fits my “shift with the legs first” singlespeed approach—but with a few more gears on tap.
That’s just the inspiration I need! oh, ... it is an established fact that [MENTION=173992]non-fixie[/MENTION] regularly inspires us with uniquely appropriate cycles and bits. But those bells on every one, must he ride so courteously? Or recklessly? |
Originally Posted by Wildwood
(Post 23227962)
But those bells on every one, must he ride so courteously? Or recklessly?
In practice this means I put bells on all my bikes I plan to ride in traffic, generally the ones with fenders. On a racing machine a bell looks a bit dorky, so with those I'll usually risk the €45 fine. And a bell needn't look too bad. This little aluminum French Pďng is a bit of a jewel, IMO: https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...99175fba1e.jpg |
I understand the mishmash of parts on this bike might get me kicked out of C&V and sent over to r/xbiking, but here is the Modest Mondia, now updated with:
Fresh cables and housing Trued wheels Cleaned up rust spots clear-coated (I know, I know…yes, I failed to get every last rust molecule and a bit of rust reformed under the clear) An old MTB handlebar with new ESI grips ’89 Shimano Deore DX MTB brake levers A Fizik saddle from a second-hand shop (already mounted) A nice-sounding old road bike bell A vintage SunTour Power Shifter And replacement key for the cleaned frame lock. My favorite bits are the bell—which matches the red in the head badge—and the shifter, which is equal parts cool to look at and fun to use. It works perfectly, no trimming needed—just a push/pull, and bam! it’s in gear (barring the grumpiness from 3 to 2 that still requires finesse). The ’new’ handlebar has just enough backsweep, and the Chunky grips feel good, too. With the new levers (and cables), braking is seriously improved; I appreciate not having to plan when to brake in advance of going for a ride. ;) I’m considering the bike done(ish, at least for now; terms and conditions subject to change). Of course, a bag or a basket could be nice... https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...91ead80ee6.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...185ca4925e.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...167d62f15d.jpg |
swissycle If it works for you ignore what anyone says. I have a couple of bikes that would make many here cringe but I like ‘em.
Pedal on! |
Nice! :thumb:
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