My second MTB - GT Timberline FS that I got in early 1998. CrMo frame, RapidFire 21-speed Shimano STX-RC and LX components, RockShock fork - it was a revelation and I started enjoying cycling much more from then on :-).

In the beginning of 1999 I bought this utterly fascinating Mountain Cycle MOHO STS. I often refer to it as "the best thing I've ever bought in my life" - and I'm sure it will stay that way for quite a while.

A beautiful hand-made 6061-T6 alloy frame with a patented "Softail Traction System" rear fork, Chris King A-head headset, 24-speed Shimano XT groupset (with an exception of XTR front derailleur), RockShox Judy XC fork...

...and a very strong Bontrager wheelset with IRC Mythos XC tyres - all the proper stuff back in the day, plus some very rare bits such as Modolo Pilot stem and handlebar, Selcof CNC seatpost and Gipiemme Pluma Titanium saddle.

I simply loved riding it and even done some MTB/Cyclocross races on it but have then discovered road cycling, got into racing etc, so the MOHO became a "secondary bike".

A photo taken after a 1999 Cyclocross National Championship race - I scored a silver medal in Juniors category.

At the summit of Mt. Biokovo - a 30 km hillclimb from Makarska (CRO) at sea-level to 1762 m of alt.

I love this pic. It features the desintegrating ProGrip bar grips.

When I stopped road racing and dismantled my road bike to build a new one (Kovjanic Custom), I equipped the MOHO with slick tyres and started using it more again, mostly on the road though.

In 2007 I came across a Spinergy carbon wheelset for sale locally, something I've been after for my road bike as it happens. I couldn't miss such an opportunity, so I've had to buy them. I then started thinking about rebuilding the bike.

2009 - By now, the bike had developed yet more creeks, squeels and groans and I've been daydreaming about rebuilding it, as it really deserved it!

My 26" and 28" Spinergy carbon wheels together - a really rare sight :-).

Mmmm... retrotastic! However, I decided that this will be a "hot rod" type of restoration - combining old with new, to create a retro product with modern appearance and improved performance.

I decided to stay with the V-brakes, as going for discs would mean changing the wheels, buying a new fork and making a custom caliper mount for the frame.

I decided to stay with my Judy XC fork and the original retro looks. The same goes for stickers on the frame - they've had to stay exactly as they are.

My intention was to keep the frame looking polished, though I've had a few colour choices in the back of my mind, as a backup solution, should polishing fail.