Synack42

So I got into cycling earlier last year as a way to lose weight and keep calories in check. Started off with a cheap Magna from Craigslist, was fixing it constantly (but actually enjoying the whole aspect of wrenching on something for cheap). Led to picking up a dumpster dive Diamondback Outlook (built it back up from the frame and fork). Then I acquired an old Ross road bike, converted that to an upright flat bar hybrid for giggles. I suddenly really wanted a mix of the two -- I love the frame geometry of the Diamondback, but since most of my riding is on pavement I liked the idea of a rigid fork... So this happened...

• 300HT frame from bikeisland/bikesdirect
• Sunlite rigid 26 MTB fork (hi-ten)
• VP-A42E headset
• Sunlite seatpost
• Sunlite 68x122 cartridge BB
• Sunrace friction shifters (hey, simple stupid to setup and I learned to ride in the 80's...)
• New brake levers and Origin8 lock on grips
• Recycled 3x chainring and no name FD
• Recycled SRAM 3.0 RD
• Recycled no name V brakes
• Recycled aluminum stem and flat handlebars
• Recycled and somewhat mismatched doublewall wheelset with cheap cruiser tires. (Definitely want to buy a new wheelset and skinnier tires next, probably 26x1.75)

*For the record, even with all the recycled parts it's still more economical buying something complete. I knew this going in, but I wanted the experience of a frame up build.

Loving it so far, only has a couple miles on it, but it feels quick and fits me well.

Kapusta

Good work

JonathanGennick 

Nice build! Looks good. How does that mountain bike frame feel without a suspension corrected fork. Any issues around that? Rides well?

I also have a 26er rigid bike. Took it out just yesterday on the Marquette South Trails.

Synack42

Thanks! I took it out on an 18 mile ride yesterday, pretty much my normal exercise route. Almost all pavement, a brief sidewalk stretch that can double as a pump track (avoids a five lane traffic nightmare) and a decent section of gravel road. It handled it well -- and feels very retro combined with friction shifters. The temporary cruiser wheels that are on it actually soak up quite a bit, definitely felt smoother than the old 27" road bike. Still feels much more responsive than the cheap coil fork on the DB Outlook.

Very happy with it so far, it'll make a great daily exercise bike.

bikemig 

I love old MTBs as well; they're fun to tool around town with.

qclabrat

love them Thumbmies....

Daspydyr 

I recently pulled an old Chrome Rigid from a trash heap and rebuilt it. It didn't turn out as nice as yours. Gave it to a kid. Good job on your build.