90’s Reimagined: Customising Classic MTB Frames for Today’s Trails
There’s no denying the iconic appeal of vintage mountain bikes from the 1980s and 1990s. Clean lines, iconic geometry, and unmatched ride quality, these bikes define a golden era in MTB design. But what if you could take a high-end vintage frame and transform it into a bespoke masterpiece — one that fuses classic aesthetics with cutting-edge performance? At Bells Bespoke, that’s exactly what we do.
Bringing Vintage MTB Frames into the Modern Era
We offer a bespoke service, reimagining legendary MTB frames into unique, high-performance machines. Every detail is curated to align with our client's riding style and vision, ensuring a result that is both refined and striking.
High-end vintage MTB frames are coming into their own, with enthusiasts recognising their craftsmanship and enduring design. Brands like GT, Saracen, and Klein produced some of the most celebrated models of their time, and we elevate them further by seamlessly integrating contemporary technology while iconic appeal.
Featured Build: 1993 Saracen Kili Pro
One of our standout projects perfectly embodies this philosophy: a 1993 Saracen Kili Pro. As a top-tier model from Saracen’s lineup, this bike was already an icon in the hearts of the MTB community. The bike was brought to us as seen in the 1993 Saracen catalogue. Our goal was to elevate it into an exceptional, high-performance machine while remaining faithful to its heritage.
Saracen Catalogue 1993
Customisation Highlights:
Frame: Maintained the sleek, all-black aesthetic but applied a premium powder coat to match the original 1993 finish, ensuring durability and authenticity.
Fork: Upgraded to Pace RC35 forks, a legendary component featured in Saracen’s 1994 catalogue, performance and style.
Drivetrain: Sourced pristine Shimano XTR M900 derailleurs (front and rear), delivering unparalleled precision and efficiency.
Wheels: Crafted using Shimano XTR M900 hubs, guaranteeing a ride that is smooth, responsive, and built to perform.
Saddle: Brooks Cambium in black for a sleek elevated look
Finishing Touches: Introduced carefully selected purple anodised accents and bolts, creating a striking contrast against the deep black frame for a bold yet refined aesthetic.
Saracen Catalogue 1994
Precision, Performance, and Individuality
This approach to modernisation takes an (already) exceptional frame and refines it into a high-performance, truly individual bike. Every upgrade is intentional—enhancing capability, improving ride quality, and elevating aesthetics without compromising the bike’s heritage.
At Bells Bespoke, we specialise in building vintage MTBs that are as unique as their riders. Whether you’re looking to modernise an iconic frame for technical trails or fine-tune a classic for all-day comfort, we work to your exact specifications. If you have a vision for the ultimate build, we’re here to bring it to life.
90’s Saracen Kili Pro - Bells Bespoke
90’s Saracen Kili Pro - Bells Bespoke