1991 Dyna Tech Encounter Retro MTB. To modernise or not...

Saw one of these advertised locally and couldn't resist. I believe it is a 1991 Dyna Tech Encounter. It has Dyna Tech 6020 tubes (Reynolds 653 bonded to aluminium lugs)

It is in fantastic condition looks like it's barely been used since being ridden home from the shop 26 years ago!

It is Deore LX throughout (including pedals) except for the shifters which are Deore DX. The wheelset is LX hubs laced to Rigida Laser 400 grey heat treated rims. Everything on it works beautifully as the owner was a bikeshop mechanic.

It seems amazingly original, even has the Dyna Tech seatpin. I think the tyres, saddle and grips are the only non original parts.

I love some of the features on this frame like the wishbone stays and how over engineered the head tube looks. First thing I've done is put some knobblies on it, hoping to take it out on the trails soon!

My original plan was to whack some wider modern tyres on it (Halo H-Blocks), put some riser bars on and to make it 1X8. But now I'm not sure I can bring myself to ruin it seeing as it is so timewarpy....

My new thinking is to put on a nicer saddle (Turbo maybe) and some more period grips +- the Halo H blocks.

What do folks reckon?

New saddle n knobblies ( smoke and dart if they're still available), and nowt else. Lovely.

Definitely new saddle. Thinking Flite, Turbo, Rolls in that order. or maybe some nuts 90s one off ebay. Ooh yeah smoke and dart are a good shout

Totally agree but maybe use it for a while before you make your decision.

Needs garish Elite Macan bottle cages. I have them on everything.

I like the look of these bad boys