katsup

I couldn't resist picking up this frame when I saw it for sale locally a few weeks ago. I haven't been able to find anything about this bike online so hoping that someone has seen this bike before that can tell me more. I can narrow down the year by the crankset, which I think is original, but the frame is interesting.





Plans are to polish and build it up for my father. I'm also open to suggestions for the best chemical to use for polishing.

Dylansbob 

I'm guessing '92?

Looks good, Prestige is pretty high end stuff in those days.

I can't tell for sure if that's a smoked chrome finish. I wouldn't use a polish on it, you might wear the smoke off. I'd do a good soap/water on it, maybe a bit of Cleanstreak if there's any heavy oil/dirt spots.

edit: I look closer and see the rust speckling. This would be a perfect canidate for an OA or Evaporust bath.

T-Mar

The serial number is consistent with Pacific Cycles of Taiwan. The year indicator is lightly struck but appears to be a '9", indicating a 1989 or 1990 model. However, it is a 1989 model, as it is shown in Nashbar's 1989 catalogues and was replaced by an 8000X in the 1990 catalogues. It was sold as a frameset for $299 or as complete bicycle for $879.00. The latter was equipped with a full Shimano Deore XT-II group, Araya RM-20 rims, Avocet R20 saddle, Tioga T-bone stem and Tioga Farmer John's Cousin tyres. The only finish was smoked chrome.

katsup

Dylansbob Thanks, I was guessing 1988 or 89 by the biopace chainrings. T-Mar confirmed it to be 1989.

T-Mar Thank you very much! I have a beat up 88 XT bike that will soon lose all it's parts for this.

katsup

This frame also has a name on it in case anyone recognizes it. Note sure if was added after the fact or by the manufacture.

T-Mar

I believe that's the Arnie Nashbar signature.

katsup

Here is how this one ended up. I was going to clean the frame, but decided to just leave the patina in the end.

Thanks again T-Mar for the information about the frame.

madpogue 

Excellent build, providential that you had an appropriate donor bike. I had the same thought about keeping the patinated finish, but I would still think it wise to neutralize/stabilize the rust and perhaps add a clear coat. Others on the forum have done it.

bOsscO

Agree the build looks excellent and the patina is the cherry on top. True beausage!