Vintage MTB To Upright Bar / Urban Bike Conversions
08-15-20, 07:56 AM
#576
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1988 HK II with VO bar: Just shipped to Cantonment Florida (near Pensacola) storage during new home construction. Don
1988 Fisher HK II
1988 Fisher HK II
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08-15-20, 09:12 AM
#577
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I haven't flatted yet but I only have 275 miles of mostly road, sidewalks, paths, with a little gravel. On my rims, they were a bear to mount. Now that they have stretched some, I hope that I don't have to pump them up to 100 psi to get them to seat properly. (not tubeless). It is a fun bike. Thanks.
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I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
08-15-20, 01:20 PM
#578
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Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
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Noice!
@RALEIGH_COMP
I've been working on piecing this build together for a while, and here's the first iteration.
Still have some details and bits to change/refine, but it rides great as is.
I'm not sold on the Velo-Orange Porteur rack yet. I have the bag that goes with it, and it holds a ton of stuff which is great, but It throws the weight pretty far forward and makes the handling a little headstrong when I have it loaded with a camera and other bits.
I'm also not sold on the Paul Neo retro/touring canti's (I think I have a half set of each) a buddy gave them to me and I thought it'd be fun for this build to have a component that's a little fancier than what I normally go for, but they don't feel quite as good as some of the other setups I've put on my bikes in the past, but I'll see how they do after the pads and rims break in a little. The VO 60mm fenders work really well with the maxxis DTH 2.15's, despite the fact that the tire is 2mm larger than the largest recommended compatible size. This is my first time using the DTH tires and so far I'm really diggin them.
I've been working on piecing this build together for a while, and here's the first iteration.
Still have some details and bits to change/refine, but it rides great as is.
I'm not sold on the Velo-Orange Porteur rack yet. I have the bag that goes with it, and it holds a ton of stuff which is great, but It throws the weight pretty far forward and makes the handling a little headstrong when I have it loaded with a camera and other bits.
I'm also not sold on the Paul Neo retro/touring canti's (I think I have a half set of each) a buddy gave them to me and I thought it'd be fun for this build to have a component that's a little fancier than what I normally go for, but they don't feel quite as good as some of the other setups I've put on my bikes in the past, but I'll see how they do after the pads and rims break in a little. The VO 60mm fenders work really well with the maxxis DTH 2.15's, despite the fact that the tire is 2mm larger than the largest recommended compatible size. This is my first time using the DTH tires and so far I'm really diggin them.
That is one gorgeous bike! Everything works really well together.
Nice photography too.
08-18-20, 02:24 PM
#579
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1987 Bianchi MTB (model unknown). If anyone can identify the model, I’d love to know.
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08-18-20, 03:10 PM
#580
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Done prepping and priming the frame. Next will be wet sand before colour.
So clean
So clean
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08-19-20, 02:46 PM
#583
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08-19-20, 03:05 PM
#584
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Benotto!
Just finished putting together this sweet Benotto for my partner! Nothing special about it other than it's cool to see a Benotto MTB. Parts bin special: Bullmooses from my High Sierra, Peugot Stronglight cranks (38t), NOS ProCompe 6spd freewheel, Suntour XC Sport derailleur, and awesome San Marco Lady Anotomica saddle = excellence! Rolling on some 2.3 K-Rads.
Last edited by FujiSam; 08-19-20 at 05:11 PM.
08-19-20, 04:30 PM
#585
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Here's my 89 Diamondback Axis XT. I've been overhauling and converting. The rims and hubs are mismatched and non-orig.
08-19-20, 04:52 PM
#586
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Just finished putting together this sweet Benotto for my partner! Nothing special about it other than it's cool to see a Benotto MTB. Parts bin special: Bullmooses from my High Sierra, Peugot Stronglight cranks (38t), NOS ProCompe 6spd freewheel, Suntour XC Sport derailleur, and awesome Selle Royale Lady Anotomica saddle = excellence! Rolling on some 2.3 K-Rads.
08-19-20, 05:09 PM
#587
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They're awesome! I've used them on a couple other bikes. Very smooth rolling, no vibration at all, and great grip. I like them because I can ride them both on the street and trails with no issues-- truly a good all-around tire, especially for the price!
08-19-20, 05:31 PM
#588
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I’m spending more time on my Alpina Comp these days. It’s perfect for chasing my kids as they feel out their training wheels. When time comes to return to the office, this will be my main commuter, likely with a front basket.
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08-19-20, 07:23 PM
#589
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08-19-20, 08:11 PM
#590
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Good on hard pack, too. Not so good in loose stuff, but of course.
I think it originated as a BMX tread pattern.
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Still stupid and seriously neglected..
Still stupid and seriously neglected..
08-20-20, 10:01 AM
#591
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Are you also running K-Rads? I'm thinking about getting either the Maxxis DTH's or Schwalbe 'Billy Bonkers' but would consider the K-Rads.
08-20-20, 10:56 AM
#592
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No, these are Small Block 8's (SB8). I was looking for a cheap matching set and these popped up on Craigslist, so I have them for now. In my limited experience with them, they're fine for my needs. I have only used them on pavement so far, and they roll fine, but I am trying to get up to the Nimitz trail one of these weekends and go past the paved part.
08-20-20, 11:55 AM
#593
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Last edited by Korina; 08-23-20 at 01:58 PM.
08-30-20, 03:35 PM
#594
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I picked up an 87 Diamond Back Arrival recently. I'm almost finished sprucing up. Hopefully I'll hit my post threshold soon so I can post pictures.
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09-13-20, 06:04 AM
#595
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Bikes: 1996 Trek 970 ZX Single Track 2x11
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Putting a mid-90s vintage Trek 970 into shape as an upright "town" bike. Correcting some old issues, replacing some old/damaged parts.
Looking forward to it, when complete. Still awaiting some parts and having a wheelset built up, so it's not done yet. Will hopefully post pics, after completion. Not exactly a "weight weenie" build, but it should work well for my purposes.
Components:
Last built-up a bike back in the early 1970s. So, it has been awhile, beyond a few parts swaps since then. Just going slow, on the repair stand, a couple parts at a time. Awaiting the wheelset to be finished from the custom shop. And, awaiting the derailleurs from MicroShift, but the shipment's not due to arrive on-shore (USA) until mid-September. So, several more weeks yet.
Looking forward to it, when complete. Still awaiting some parts and having a wheelset built up, so it's not done yet. Will hopefully post pics, after completion. Not exactly a "weight weenie" build, but it should work well for my purposes.
Components:
- Frame -- Trek 970 ZX, OCX III triple-butted steel, 1996 vintage; original paint, still in moderately decent condition
- Fork -- Surly Troll, chromoly steel, 420mm axle-to-crown, uncut (for now) 310mm steerer
- Headset -- FSA Orbit MX 1-1/8"
- Bottom Bracket -- Chris King ThreadFit 24 (shop installing)
- Crank set -- Shimano Deore XT FC-M8000-2 2x11spd, 34/24T, 165mm arms (shop installing)
- Derailleur, front -- MicroShift XLE 11 FD-M622-B, 2x11spd
- Derailleur, rear -- MicroShift XLE 11 RD-M665L, 11spd
- Cassette -- MicroShift XLE 11 CS-H113 11spd, 11-46T, 11-13-15-18-21-24-28-32-36-40-46T
- Shifters -- MicroShift SL-M11 11spd "thumbies"
- Cables/housing -- JagWire Mountain Pro brake, JagWire Pro shift
- Brakes -- Shimano Deore LX M565 (vintage) cantilever; debating ultimately going to Paul Touring cantis, though these existing brakes still work well
- Brake pads -- Kool Stop, all-weather (salmon)
- Wheels -- Velocity Cliffhanger 26 36H, White Ind. MI-5 hubs, DT Swiss, 4-cross lacing, ReneHerse RTP 26x2.3"; a heavier set, but with lighter tires
- Stem -- (for now) Trek's System2 MTB stem
- Handlebars -- (for now) unbranded riser/swept bars, 5" rise, 9" pull-back, 600mm width
- Seat post -- Cirrus Kinekt (formerly "BodyFloat") suspended post
- Saddle -- Brooks B67 Aged
- > Low gearing @ 80rpm, 13.8 gear-inches low (~3mph), 80 gear-inches high (~19mph). Fine, for my intended use, handling of hilly routes.
Last built-up a bike back in the early 1970s. So, it has been awhile, beyond a few parts swaps since then. Just going slow, on the repair stand, a couple parts at a time. Awaiting the wheelset to be finished from the custom shop. And, awaiting the derailleurs from MicroShift, but the shipment's not due to arrive on-shore (USA) until mid-September. So, several more weeks yet.
I can say, though, that the frame/crank/BB/headset is darned light. Can lift it easily with the pinkie finger sticking straight out. Noticeably heavier with the Troll fork. I'll have to think about weighing each part, though (with the exception of the custom wheelset) I've got the factory-spec weights for everything. Hopefully it'll end up under 29lbs, though I'm skeptical (given the weight of the fork, wheelset, saddle).
The repair stand's been eye-ballin' me for the past few weeks. I know just what it's thinking, looking at me like that.
Finally got a digital camera, as well, so I'll be taking a few photos.
Done soon ... just in time for the autumn rainy season. Figures. Wouldn't be 2020 otherwise.
Last edited by Clyde1820; 09-14-20 at 10:59 AM. Reason: spelling
09-18-20, 03:55 PM
#596
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Primer, paint, modified vinyl decals, and clearcoat are finished. Now it's off to my LBS for a new Cane Creek 40 headset.
The flying purple people eater
The flying purple people eater
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09-20-20, 08:34 PM
#598
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Bikes: Miyata 610(66cm), GT Vantara Hybrid (64cm), Nishiki International (64cm), Peugeot rat rod (62 cm), Trek 800 Burning Man helicopter bike, Bob Jackson frame (to be restored?) plus a never ending stream of neglected waifs from the Bike exchange.
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A personal best for me. Built it up from a frame and fork donated to the Bike Exchange. I have been dying to get a hold of some Fat Franks for a build and the other day , lo and behold, there were 2 pair in the rack at the shop. The pedals had been in a drawer for a while. I think they are perfect here.
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09-25-20, 03:50 PM
#599
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Bikes: 1996 Trek 970 ZX Single Track 2x11
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Photos: Trek 970 build as upright city bike
Putting a mid-90s vintage Trek 970 into shape as an upright "town" bike. Correcting some old issues, replacing some old/damaged parts.
Looking forward to it, when complete. Still awaiting some parts and having a wheelset built up, so it's not done yet. Will hopefully post pics, after completion. Not exactly a "weight weenie" build, but it should work well for my purposes.
Components:
Last built-up a bike back in the early 1970s. So, it has been awhile, beyond a few parts swaps since then. Just going slow, on the repair stand, a couple parts at a time. Awaiting the wheelset to be finished from the custom shop. And, awaiting the derailleurs from MicroShift, but the shipment's not due to arrive on-shore (USA) until mid-September. So, several more weeks yet.
Looking forward to it, when complete. Still awaiting some parts and having a wheelset built up, so it's not done yet. Will hopefully post pics, after completion. Not exactly a "weight weenie" build, but it should work well for my purposes.
Components:
- Frame -- Trek 970 ZX, OCX III triple-butted steel, 1996 vintage; original paint, still in moderately decent condition
- Fork -- Surly Troll, chromoly steel, 420mm axle-to-crown, uncut (for now) 310mm steerer
- Headset -- FSA Orbit MX 1-1/8"
- Bottom Bracket -- Chris King ThreadFit 24 (shop installing)
- Crank set -- Shimano Deore XT FC-M8000-2 2x11spd, 34/24T, 165mm arms (shop installing)
- Derailleur, front -- MicroShift XLE 11 FD-M622-B, 2x11spd
- Derailleur, rear -- MicroShift XLE 11 RD-M665L, 11spd
- Cassette -- MicroShift XLE 11 CS-H113 11spd, 11-46T, 11-13-15-18-21-24-28-32-36-40-46T
- Shifters -- MicroShift SL-M11 11spd "thumbies"
- Cables/housing -- JagWire Mountain Pro brake, JagWire Pro shift
- Brakes -- Shimano Deore LX M565 (vintage) cantilever; debating ultimately going to Paul Touring cantis, though these existing brakes still work well
- Brake pads -- Kool Stop, all-weather (salmon)
- Wheels -- Velocity Cliffhanger 26 36H, White Ind. MI-5 hubs, DT Swiss, 4-cross lacing, ReneHerse RTP 26x2.3"; a heavier set, but with lighter tires
- Stem -- (for now) Trek's System2 MTB stem
- Handlebars -- (for now) unbranded riser/swept bars, 5" rise, 9" pull-back, 600mm width
- Seat post -- Cirrus Kinekt (formerly "BodyFloat") suspended post
- Saddle -- Brooks B67 Aged
- > Low gearing @ 80rpm, 13.8 gear-inches low (~3mph), 80 gear-inches high (~19mph). Fine, for my intended use, handling of hilly routes.
Last built-up a bike back in the early 1970s. So, it has been awhile, beyond a few parts swaps since then. Just going slow, on the repair stand, a couple parts at a time. Awaiting the wheelset to be finished from the custom shop. And, awaiting the derailleurs from MicroShift, but the shipment's not due to arrive on-shore (USA) until mid-September. So, several more weeks yet.
Here are a few photos of the bike, so far.
Will likely need to lop off an inch of the seatpost, as it's currently bottomed-out yet is too tall for me. Will need to order a PitLock seatpost collar to fit this seat tube (which I'd incorrectly measured; my bad). Will be ordering cable hangers front and rear (would like the Paul Funkey Monkey, but we'll see). And, still waiting for QBP to report to the shops that they've got the MicroShift front and rear derailleurs available for ordering. Possibly, to eventually have rain fenders; haven't decided yet.
Intended as my daily rider, around town and for longer (for me, <30mi) rides.
Photos of the bike, as of today. Wish the cranks, seatpost, saddle's frame, and fork could have been available in silver, but that was not to be. Otherwise, I like how it's turning out so far.
^ 1996 Trek 970 ZX frame, OXIII triple-butted steel. Will ultimately have MicroShift FD-M622-B 2x11spd front derailleur, MicroShift RD-M665L rear derailleur, MicroShift CS-H113 11-46T cassette, and MicroShift SL-M11 2x11 "thumbies" shifters. Brakes are the original Shimano Deore LX front and rear, with LX levers. Frame completely taken down, degreased, scrubbed and waxed.
^ Uncut steerer tube and unbranded riser bars, FSA Orbit MX headset, Shimano Deore brake levers, and (currently) the old 3x8spd "thumbies" shifters. Currently retaining the original System2 stem, but that might change depending on riding position adjustments.
^ Chris King "ThreadFit" bottom bracket, with Shimano Deore XT M8000 2x11spd crank in 34/24T and 165mm arms.
^ Kinekt seat post with Brooks B67 Aged saddle.
^ Surly Troll fork, with uncut steerer. (Likely to remain uncut, given the riding position and my tall torso.)
^ Custom wheelset -- Built up by John at R&E Cycles in Seattle, WA. Velocity CliffHanger 26 rims, polished, with DT Swiss Champion 14g spokes, DT Swiss brass nipples, White Industries MI5 hubs, and ReneHerse Rat Trap Pass 26x2.3in tires. Engraved, inside the rims, by the R&E builder. Dang, but these are beautiful in person.
^ White Industries MI5 9x100mm front hub, with PitLock security skewer.
^ White Industries MI5 10x135mm rear hub, with PitLock security skewer. Shimano 11sp carrier.
Last edited by Clyde1820; 09-25-20 at 04:53 PM. Reason: photo details
09-25-20, 04:03 PM
#600
bOsscO
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Great work Clyde! Other than the giant steerer (strictly my opinion and I understand why you want/need it) she's a beaut.
