At Last The Swap Is Underway

So the plan is as follows:

- Purchase secondhand Mutt with the smaller 17.5" frame
- Strip both Mutts
- Fit the best components to the smaller frame
- Fit the VFM components to the larger frame
- Sell the larger framed bike
- Ride the smaller framed bike

This is because I've always felt very "stretched" along the top tube of the Mutt.  Its taken me a few years to eventually decide its not right, then about 9 months to actually find a smaller framed Mutt at the right price in the right condition.

So work is underway now, starting with stripping down the components off the "new" smaller frame.

"Older" 19.5" Mutt - Desert Bronze

"Newer" 17.5" Mutt - 120 Anniversary special edition colours

 

Smaller frame stripped ready for full cleaning and build-up using the better components from the larger frame (apologies for mobile phone picture quality). You can just about make out the Via Nirone 7 and Desert Bronze Mutt in the background

The smaller frame is in great condition - just a few chips on the chain stay caused by chain slap and 3 small chips on the right rear seat stay.  I think the colour scheme will take some getting used to - I like the touches of Bianchi Celeste, but not so keen on the older font "Bianchi" branding on the down tube.  I really like the older frame's Desert Bronze colour too - its a bit different to most MTBs which seem to be white, black or red in the main.

Will try and find time to post up other pics as the build progresses - after cleaning the small frame down I'll get to stripping the components off the larger frame.