Psycle Werks Wildhare - VRC (yet)?

[neo_pop_71]

Hello all-

I am the proud new owner of a Psycle Werks Wildhare! I am the second owner, the original owner only used this bike as a backup, so it is in great shape. Thus far, I can see what all the hype was 10 years ago, I love this bike!!!

I'm curious if any of you former Psycle Werks riders have any deceased frames? I've been on the phone a few times with Chuck at Rainbow and he has been very helpful in dating my frame and getting me some new decals. I've combed over this site collecting info, thanks to Jake21 for the bushing info, I can order the bushings from Rhode Island for a few bucks each or a complete set from Chuck for $40.00. Chuck wants $250.00 for a set of chainstays that have disc mounts, that's simply not going to fly with me for now. So, between now and whenever, I'd like to take Pisgah's advice (thanks for the detailed reply to my questions) and try to collect some spare parts. Do any of you have a dead frame that you'd be willing to part with at a decent price? I'm really enjoying the ride of this Wildhare, I can see myself down the line investing some time and money into keeping this gem on the trail. Any help from former Psycle Werks riders would be appreciated!

I just rebuilt the bike with many new parts and a full overhaul.
The new parts include:
Avid v-brake levers
REAL cnc brake barrel adjusters
Race Face stem
Bontrager handlebar
Race Face cnc large chainring
SRAM race chain
gear and brake housing/cables
I have new tires too, they are not pictured

The rest of the components are:
XT/LX rapid fire shifters (also overhauled in the tune up)
XT v-brakes
Chris King headset
Marzocchi Z-1 Bomber fork (100mm travel)
Fox Vanilla R rear shock (3.75" & 4.75" adjustable travel)
ControlTech Easton seatpost
Salsa Flip-Lock seatpost collar
XT crankset
XTR front deraileur
XTR rear derailleur
XTR hubs custom laced to WTB Laser rims
SDG Grand Prix seat
ODI Ruffian Lock-On grips
Time ATAC pedals (not pictured)

Thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing from any current or former owners!

Best regards,

-DON-

[83stumpjumper]

You might want to try a different forum for that, this one is for vintage bikes.

[Feldybikes]

That bike is from last millennium. It's not any worse than hearing Nirvana on a classic rock station. If you do get the disc mount chain stays, they're specific to a 22mm Hayes brake. I might have one in my basement. I worked at PW one summer so feel free to pm me if you have any questions.

[Vlad]

Always did like those bikes.

[neo_pop_71]

83stumpjumper said, "You might want to try a different forum for that, this one is for vintage bikes."

Thanks for the reply 83... forgive me if this posting is in the wrong forum. It was suggested in the General Discussion forum that this might be the forum to inquire with regarding info or spares, especially since this is considered a brand from the past.

Feldybikes said, "That bike is from last millennium. It's not any worse than hearing Nirvana on a classic rock station. If you do get the disc mount chain stays, they're specific to a 22mm Hayes brake. I might have one in my basement. I worked at PW one summer so feel free to pm me if you have any questions."

Right on Feldybikes, nice analogy for classifying Psycle Werks, I still love it when Nirvana gets airtime! I would love to come into owning one of the disc brake chainstays, there are a few companies making adapters now for the 22mm Hayes mount. (PM sent, thanks!)

Vlad said, "Always did like those bikes."

Thanks Vlad, did you or do you still own a Wildhare? If so, do you have any pictures? I'd like to see them, this frame has almost a 5 out of 5 rating here on MTBR from nearly 100 reviewers but there seems to be very few pictures. I've always been a hardtail rider but this frame has really impressed me, it has little to no slop or sag as it climbs and the descending is a blast!

[Austin Dave]

There was a thread on here a few years back about good vintage FS bikes and the Wild Hare was on it.That bike has a lot of fans.

From what I remember from poking around about the PW Hare was folks' only hesitation about them was the scarcity of new bushings and other bits needed for a rebuild. If you have a line on the replaceable parts, you are in business. Have a great time with it.

[neo_pop_71]

Hey Austin Dave,

Thanks for that link to the full suspension thread you started, great idea to bring back those older designs. That was 7 pages of cool pictures and enjoyable reading... no clear answers as far as what people like, good to know that people will still argue over what "worked" or failed to thrill.

As far as the hesitation, you're on point... the bushings can be found cheaply online and there are links available in other Psycle Werks threads but the replacement parts are a legitimate concern. Pisgah suggested I start collecting anything I can find if I plan to keep the bike on the trail. That was my main motivation for starting this thread, it's been my experience that VRC members hang onto their stuff, so I was hoping to find parts or at least some direction.

Thanks again!

-D-

[Feldybikes]

You're right about the adapters existing, but the ones that work with a chain stay mount are hudge and sorta ridiculous looking IMO. In any case, enjoy the bike!

[neo_pop_71]

You're so right about those hideous adapters but I would take performance over ugliness. Unfortunately, it's not happening easily, so I've already accepted the fact that the Wildhare will have v-brakes for now and that'll have to be good enough.

Thanks again for the input, I appreciate the help!

Peace,

-D-

p.s. Any luck on that one in the basement? I did PM you too, thanks!

[gmats]

Neo, I think we've already been in contact.

My original (1998 Blue Anodized version) is still being ridden in Southern CA. It's got the CK wheel set and Hayes disk brakes.

My 1999 (or so) Black PC version is still in use (pretty much as a spare/loaner) bike. It's got most of the "original" parts even down to the CK wheel set and 8 speed XTR/XT with thumb shifters. It is using the XT V-brakes at the moment but I have a set of Hayes brakes that I need to "rebuild" for the rear.

I always thought the bike was so far ahead of its time. Almost 5" of travel, cross country light low 5lb frame weight.

[neo_pop_71]

Sorry gmats... I was beginning to figure it out. I had replied to a number of threads and a number of PM's to former Wildhare riders, I sort of lost track as to which people I'd already contacted. My apologies for doubling up, thanks for the help!