22) 1990-93 Kuwahara Cascade

SPECS

Status:  Sold
Size: ​​18"/46cm
Frame & Fork: Tange Infinity MTB Tapered Double Butted CR-MO Tubing
Groupset & Brakeset:  Shimano Deore DX
Wheelset:  Ritchey Vantage Sport rims on Shimano Deore DX hubs with Kenda Small Block Eight 26x1.95 Tires

BEFORE

When I find an early 90s bike with full Shimano Deore DX, I just can't resist.  DX is becoming my favourite vintage MTB groupset.  It's solid, works well and looks great.  The paint on this one was still in pretty good shape and the bike had been maintained pretty well so I new this would make a nice rebuild.

AFTER

This Cascade had lost its DX brake levers and shifters at some point and came with XT brakes and shifters.  Luckily, I needed those for another build and had an extra DX brake/shifter combo for the right (rear).  I just needed to find one for the left (front) and luckily I found someone in Edmonton who shipped one to me.   The original long stem and flat bars made for a terribly uncomfortable ride.  I added a threadless adapter, a new stem and new bars.  What a difference that made!  I was so happy with this build!  I took it for a couple long rides and had trouble wiping the grin off my face.  The Infinity tubing felt great and gave a smooth ride.  The new bars and stem created a comfortable position.  The shifting was crisp and it stopped extremely well, especially for cantilever brakes.  It's hard to believe that the bike and its components are 30 years old!    I better sell this one quickly because I'm tempted to keep it.  It's a perfect errand, coffee, grocery, rail-trail or greenway bike.  Someone is going to love it!