swissycle

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).




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 Chain stay-mounted U-brake is outdated but works fine.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".




So, they're both fun to ride but both have their quirks and potential for improvements. Which one would you focus on fixing up?

jdawginsc 

Both, but start with the Giant. I think the Mondia will more likely be restoration?

Bianchigirll 

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

jdawginsc 

Yeah, I agree it might be lower end. There would likely by a residue of a Reynolds sticker. If it was original paint which it seems to be.

Very cool bike, but I think the Giant will yield more in shorter time.

Wildwood 

Rigid 26" mtn bikes (even mine, ) sure look less than elegant, almost apologetically awkward - but they can be very practical and ugly at the same time.

Agree w/ @Bianchigirll 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)

georges1

I would fix the Giant but this is just my opinion

Trav1s

Both with the Giant first. I'm all about the practicality of early MTBs

bboy314

Another vote for the Giant.

John E

I resemble that remark. I agree with the "practical" part, because this is the most practical and versatile bicycle I have ever owned and has become my daily driver. I actually am "apologetically awkward" (moderate dyspraxia since infancy), but I don't think my ride is.

Bianchigirll 

I almost had my '88 Grizzly looking svelte and fast but those 26x1.25 tires were a big mistake.

jdawginsc 

Probably rattles the fillings a bit!! I think the best you can do is 26x1.5” with MTB wheels. For a commuter town bike.

Wildwood 

That Bianchi is about as svelte as a mtn bike gets - leave it to the Italians... and the girll

nlerner

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.

Lamont Cobb

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.

unworthy1

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!

non-fixie 

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.

swissycle

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?).

Since opening this thread, I’ve been A/B riding the two bikes on the same multi-surface routes. And the Modest Mondia (not to be confused with the more celebrated Super Mondia model) is more fun—and still comfy. Perhaps it planes? I’m not going to go all Bicycle Quarterly here with my stamped dropouts and Kenda tires, but any rate, the Mondia strikes a satisfying balance between smooth and responsive.

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.

Yes, please.

That’s just the inspiration I need!

Wildwood 

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.

Wildwood 

I find this to be true. Vintage cycling gears & downtube shifts work leg muscles differently - as those brifter folks just sit 'n click to maintain a cadence, instead of 'legging it out' at different cadences and with more out-of-saddle efforts.

oh, ... it is an established fact that @non-fixie regularly inspires us with uniquely appropriate cycles and bits. But those bells on every one, must he ride so courteously? Or recklessly?

non-fixie 

Since 1906 Dutch law stipulates that every bicycle must have a working bell. More importantly, I vastly prefer a discreet musical 'pingggggg' over yelling at people.

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 Pīng is a bit of a jewel, IMO: