Gary Fisher Aquelia build... The Rotten Orange

Today's $200 Craigslist score. This is a Gary Fisher Aquila MTB. This will be the bike that I'll be installing Ghost0's jackshaft kit on. It is a 27 speed from the start, so this thing is going to have just a wicked range of gearing available. It'll be running a 48cc boygofast slanthead engine, which will be painted flat black with some orange tribal flames to match the rest of the bike.

Ghost0s kit will also be color matched to the bike. I can't wait to start getting this bike together!!!! So, Ghost0, if you are reading this, lemme know when orders need to be in and I'd like to have one of the first ones out the door for this puppy.

Here are the pics:

Overview of the stance of the bike:
http://www.piratepathy.com/misc/garyfisher_01.jpg
http://www.piratepathy.com/misc/garyfisher_13.jpg

Kenda Kinetic Kevlar tires (Had to ditch one due to damage, but wil be looking for a replacement kevlar equivalent):
http://www.piratepathy.com/misc/garyfisher_02.jpg

Iron cross pedals.. pretty pimp:
http://www.piratepathy.com/misc/garyfisher_03.jpg

The headset lock says it all:
http://www.piratepathy.com/misc/garyfisher_05.jpg

This sticker will totally fit the bike once the engine is installed:
http://www.piratepathy.com/misc/garyfisher_06.jpg

Deore LX derailleurs:
http://www.piratepathy.com/misc/garyfisher_07.jpg
http://www.piratepathy.com/misc/garyfisher_08.jpg

Count them.. NINE gears out back.. yeah baby!
http://www.piratepathy.com/misc/garyfisher_09.jpg
http://www.piratepathy.com/misc/garyfisher_10.jpg

Mavic wheels.. These run nice and true.
http://www.piratepathy.com/misc/garyfisher_11.jpg

linear pull brakes front and rear. Stop this puppy on a dime!
http://www.piratepathy.com/misc/garyfisher_12.jpg

 

[datz510]

My sleep schedule is still all whacked out. back hurts, so no sleepy. Gonna take some pain meds soon.

Yeah, I'm really debating on whether to even put the baskets on the side of this one. THe rack itself is very tactical looking, I think. On the website, they said the weight rating on the rack was over 100lb!!! Very solid rack.

 

[lennyharp]

You might invest in a good pannier set for a lighter more versatile carry option. The fold out baskets are not so cool but are convenient. For our off road adventures to come the panniers would be superior.

 

[datz510]

Good call. I think that's what I'll do. This rack has all the clips and tiedown points for the panniers. It'd be nice to be able to run around without all the cargo equipment when I just want to get out and ride.

ANOTHER possibility would be to weld up brackets to adapt the steel baskets to a pannier mount, allowing them to be removed just like a pannier bag and switched out for other cargo schemes.. kinda like a modular design.

I can't wait to get all the parts for the gas tanks. THAT is going to be a fun addition to the bikes. I calculated out the volume I can get based on the scrap steel I have available. We'll have our choice of between 0.43 gal minimum up to 0.54 gal maximum.

The .43 gal tank would be 8" wide x 4" diameter.

The .54 gal tank would be 10" wide x 4" diameter.

These tanks would have mounting brackets welded as needed, wherever needed. Then coated with motorcycle tank sealer internally and painted.

I was also thinking.. If I wanted to go with a real "tactical" style on this bike, I could build a custom triangular tank fit exactly to the underside of the top tube and run partway down the down tube . Th fill cap would be a steel elbow coming out one side of it at the highest point. I have enough steel to do either style (and then some). Probably enough for 4-5 custom tanks at least. Might be fun to brainstorm some custom designs for your bike, since your carb has a reed valve lift pump built into it.

Either way, the cylindrical tanks will be built. If I dont use mine, I'll put it up for sale here.

 

[lennyharp]

You bet, those will be great tanks. The tubular tanks are good but I also like custom doing them to fit available space. That is part of the beauty of custom work. One of a kind pieces all over the place.

 

[azbill]

you could try an adjustable stem
it might give you all the rise you need
just a thought

 

[datz510]

I found a 135mm 125 degree stem on Bikeparts.com today and got that ordered. That will let me use my RockShox Judy DH '96 fork that I scored off craigslist since the steer tube on that one is a little shorter... The Judy DH should be MUCH much superior to the SL fork that is on the Gary Fisher right now. Built much stronger too.

With the new stem, even with the shorter steer tube, It'll raise my bars another 1" or so.. I;ll be able to put the handlebars exactly at the right level I need for my back. Lookin forward to riding regularly again.. especially with some gears..

I want to get out and do some offroading!

 

[ozzyu812]

Squishy Gel seat will have to do until I can save up for a nice Brooks saddle:
http://www.piratepathy.com/misc/garyfisher29.jpg

I got one of those for my wife. It feels like I'm sitting on 2 rocks!