The bike that started it all for full suspension also started it all for Morano’s Garage. Project 001 tackled one of the most complicated designs ever produced including a pioneering suspension system, designed by legendary motocross champ Mert Lawwill, a very early (some would say too early) mechanical disc brake, and an extremely rare and temperamental custom Campagnolo drive train.
The bike was stripped to the frame and every single nut, bolt and spring was soaked in either apple cider vinegar for rust, biodegradable degreaser for grime, or the hard stuff (CLR) for oxidization. Everything was wiped down and reassembled with brand new suspension elastomers, cables, housing, tubes, grease, and dry lube. All other original parts were saved except the grips, which were replaced with the period correct Fisher grips that came with the 1992 model year.
Following a full pro tune up, the final touch was a comprehensive frame polish and pumping up the vintage RockShox fork, which remarkably still held air and functioned like it was brand new! The bike was eventually sold to a collector and the idea for Morano’s Garage was born.
MG’s first customer was also an old friend who had been riding a fully rigid Bridgestone MB-2 since 1992! He wanted to experience something a little newer, but not too new.
We found a generously upgraded 1998 Gary Fisher Paragon with a Shimano XTR 960 rear derailleur and shift/brake lever combo, XT cranks from the same era, and a brand new set of Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires. The bike just needed a good tuneup and a little more beef.
After everything got the full soak and scrub treatment, and the rear hub bearings were serviced, a mint condition 2003 RockShox Duke SL was fed into the already upgraded FSA headset and Thomson stem. From there, we fitted the front brake lever with a brand new Avid BB7 mechanical disc brake with the rotor mounted to a Mavic 517/Shimano XT disc wheel. New Shimano SPD pedals, a Selle Italia saddle, and Lizard Skins grips completed the build. With a pro tune up and a thorough frame polish, Morano’s Garage had its first satisfied customer!
This was a very special build. My oldest friend on earth wanted a first mountain bike for his son, who happens to be my Godson. We managed to find a size 16.5 1999 Gary Fisher Ziggaraut not too far from a concert venue where we had plans to see a show. What was supposed to be a pretty simple restoration and tune up - the bike already had a Thomson stem and seat post - turned into MG’s first Level III Upgrade.
Stripped down to the frame, and then stripped of its paint after Dad decided he wanted a more clean and modern look, the bike ended up getting a slick yellow paint job with new GF decals, and a full SRAM GX 1x12 drivetrain with a Sunrace MZ90 cassette, along with an Avid BB7 front brake, new Avid brake levers, Lizard Skins Moab grips, WTB Wolverine tires, and some beefy Sun Rhyno rims laced into Shimano XT hubs. A brand new seat and some new nylon platform pedals finished the build.
It was a true honor to help bring the joy of mountain biking to my young Godson.
