I've got a Pioneer giving me the baleful eye of a spurned lover ATM. After 20 years of largely faithful service, its place has been usurped by a Saracen (bought on the cycle to work scheme). I felt pangs of remorse as I cannibalised the caggage off it. In fact it looked pretty sexy stripped down to its essentials, so much so, I was obliged to take the old gal on a final tour de farm (for old times sake). I had it made for me after reading a glowing review in a Mountainbike mag back in '88 (I bet that article did their sales a bit of good). In fact, I remember having to wait months for them to finish it! I paid £750 for it (but I had the insurance money from a stolen Muddy Fox burning a hole in my pocket). After reading all your fond memories I am feeling even more guilty. In fact, it would be nice to get 'er running sweet again... but I know me, it would be one of those rainy day projects that would never get done. So, if any of youse would be interested in giving a loving home to a 19" Pioneer in yellow and purple then that would assuage my guilt somewhat. The frame is part Columbus, part Reynolds 531, Mavic rims, rear hub brake, Deore running gear. Had the front wheel rebuilt 15 years ago and a new 7 speed cassette 10 years ago. The middle biopace ring is worn to nubs and slips like billy-o and the paint is banged up some, but she still has a ragged beauty.
Hiya Paul. I'm Makster from Retrobike who messaged you about your Overburys. There are some pics of my Pioneer earlier in this thread!
I love the way the frame rides. I took mine on an 18 mile ride last week with a local cycling club. They all arrived on their modern full sus bikes, and I pitched up on my Pioneer. Was nice to show a few of them that you dont need to have a modern bike to still be quick ;¬) |
Well, I'm another who had just joined after reading this post! I recently bought a 1990 Pioneer from a chap in Gilingham. Couldn't believe my luck when I went to collect it. I dont think it had seen 30 miles use in its life! Here is a pic of it the night I got it home..
I took it for a 27 mile ride across the Isle of Wight on Sunday with the good people of retrobike.co.uk (free plug for a great site!) and it rode a treat. Amazing to think that its 19 years old and I'm the first person to ride it in anger! Here's a pic at the top of one of the killer chalk climbs...
Would love to see some more of these cracking bikes if anyone has more! |
Mark Eaton 4
