Vintage MTB To Upright Bar / Urban Bike Conversions
#429
Old Boy
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Minnesota
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Bikes: Mostly 1st-generation, top-of-the-line, non-unicrown MTBs/ATBs: All 1984 models: Dawes Ranger, Peugeot Canyon Express, Ross Mt. Whitney (chrome), Schwinn High Sierra, and a 1983 Trek 850.
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@cooperyder. Thanks, I might leave it alone for a bit now. The bars are Soma oxfords. Pretty much albatross knockoffs. I would have gotten the real albatross, but these were half the price. I run the albastache’s on my commute and these feel similar, just not as aggressive.
Nice Bike, BTW.
.
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Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
#430
Senior Member
#431
Old Boy
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,127
Bikes: Mostly 1st-generation, top-of-the-line, non-unicrown MTBs/ATBs: All 1984 models: Dawes Ranger, Peugeot Canyon Express, Ross Mt. Whitney (chrome), Schwinn High Sierra, and a 1983 Trek 850.
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1984 Dawes Ranger Resto-Mod
Finally finished this one; I think it turned out pretty well. "Finished" isn't the right word... I've still got some touch-up paint and polishing to do, and those cables are a bit unruly, but the shakedown ride was a success.
That long wheelbase, Reynolds 531 frame rides smooth as buttah, especially with these tires. This is one comfy ride.
.
That long wheelbase, Reynolds 531 frame rides smooth as buttah, especially with these tires. This is one comfy ride.
.
__________________
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
#432
Junior Member
That Dawes looks great. I’m not normally a fan of the wooden fenders, but I really like the ones you’ve got there. They don’t look like bent planks. Any chance of a closer pic? As for those sunlite north road bars, I’ve got a set of them on another bike an I don’t like the forward curve. It’s too sharp to comfortably ride, and that’s one of my favorite grips on the somas & albastaches.
#433
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Sweet looking setup! Those wooden fenders play nice with the tanwall tires, and even details like the gold ano pedals (Wellgo?) echo the Reynolds decals.It's hard to tell from the photos, but are the rims silver or color anodized?
Interesting shifting configuration. Manual front derailleur, or is the big ring mainly to act as chain retention for a 1X setup? What's the thumbshifter you're using?
Interesting shifting configuration. Manual front derailleur, or is the big ring mainly to act as chain retention for a 1X setup? What's the thumbshifter you're using?
#434
Old Boy
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,127
Bikes: Mostly 1st-generation, top-of-the-line, non-unicrown MTBs/ATBs: All 1984 models: Dawes Ranger, Peugeot Canyon Express, Ross Mt. Whitney (chrome), Schwinn High Sierra, and a 1983 Trek 850.
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That Dawes looks great. I’m not normally a fan of the wooden fenders, but I really like the ones you’ve got there. They don’t look like bent planks. Any chance of a closer pic? As for those sunlite north road bars, I’ve got a set of them on another bike an I don’t like the forward curve. It’s too sharp to comfortably ride, and that’s one of my favorite grips on the somas & albastaches.
Sweet looking setup! Those wooden fenders play nice with the tanwall tires, and even details like the gold ano pedals (Wellgo?) echo the Reynolds decals.It's hard to tell from the photos, but are the rims silver or color anodized?
Interesting shifting configuration. Manual front derailleur, or is the big ring mainly to act as chain retention for a 1X setup? What's the thumbshifter you're using?
Interesting shifting configuration. Manual front derailleur, or is the big ring mainly to act as chain retention for a 1X setup? What's the thumbshifter you're using?
Pedals are unknown brand, bought used at a swap meet. The wheelset is very special; gold-anodized rims laced to Deore XT hubs. The big ring on the crankset will get its teeth ground down so it acts as a chainguard. I'm using a Microshift 10-speed shifter. The bike rides super-smooth and comfy, exactly what you want in a city bike. Out of all the bikes I have right now, this one makes me feel most like a kid again. I can ride this thing all day long, poking around and shooting photos, stopping here and there for refreshment. This is a true adventure bike.
.
__________________
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
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#435
Senior Member
My 1987 Specialized Streetstomper. Have added a lot of different parts.
#436
Happy banana slug
Join Date: Sep 2015
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Damn this thread has some beautiful bikes.
DQRider dumb question; how does one go about grinding down that big ring that I never ever use?
DQRider dumb question; how does one go about grinding down that big ring that I never ever use?
#437
Old Boy
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,127
Bikes: Mostly 1st-generation, top-of-the-line, non-unicrown MTBs/ATBs: All 1984 models: Dawes Ranger, Peugeot Canyon Express, Ross Mt. Whitney (chrome), Schwinn High Sierra, and a 1983 Trek 850.
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Damn this thread has some beautiful bikes.
DQRider dumb question; how does one go about grinding down that big ring that I never ever use?
DQRider dumb question; how does one go about grinding down that big ring that I never ever use?
.
__________________
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
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#438
Senior Member
Maybe try some sort of cutter on a compass like contraption. Put one leg in the middle of the crank bolt cover (drill a pilot hole in a sacrificial steel one) then set the compass and repeatedly score the ring at the desired cut-off point. If nothing else, it would make a groove that could be used for some other cutter but I imagine if you used something sharp that it would make quick work of the ring.
#439
Old Boy
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,127
Bikes: Mostly 1st-generation, top-of-the-line, non-unicrown MTBs/ATBs: All 1984 models: Dawes Ranger, Peugeot Canyon Express, Ross Mt. Whitney (chrome), Schwinn High Sierra, and a 1983 Trek 850.
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Maybe try some sort of cutter on a compass like contraption. Put one leg in the middle of the crank bolt cover (drill a pilot hole in a sacrificial steel one) then set the compass and repeatedly score the ring at the desired cut-off point. If nothing else, it would make a groove that could be used for some other cutter but I imagine if you used something sharp that it would make quick work of the ring.
.
__________________
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
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#441
Full Member
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My new favorite thread! Some really cool builds here and looking forward to sharing mine as soon as it's ready.
#442
Safari Master
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Earth
Posts: 55
Bikes: 84 Ross Mt.Whitney - 84 Specialized Stump Jumper - 84 Nishiki Kodiak - 86 Specialized Rockhopper - 86 Cannondal SM-600 with 24" wheels - + more project frames than I'd care to admit to
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Chain ring turned chain guard
That's a timely question; I was just asking our resident machinist (I work at an aerospace test equipment manufacturer) the same thing. I was planning to use a grinding wheel, which would work with steel, but this is aluminum. Aluminum loads up the stone and needs a lot of cleanup afterwards. He talked about chucking it up on a lathe and trimming the teeth that way - about a 5 minute job - and really that's the best approach for a detachable chainring. Unfortunately, I found out that this Sugino crankset is special - the chainring is an integral part of the crank - maybe press-fit? I'll have to look at it when I get home. I may end up going at it with a sawzall and a file. I'd better load up on patience before I tackle that.
.
.
Having the crank and the ring as a combined unit does add another level of complication
#443
Safari Master
Join Date: Feb 2018
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Bikes: 84 Ross Mt.Whitney - 84 Specialized Stump Jumper - 84 Nishiki Kodiak - 86 Specialized Rockhopper - 86 Cannondal SM-600 with 24" wheels - + more project frames than I'd care to admit to
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Finally finished this one; I think it turned out pretty well. "Finished" isn't the right word... I've still got some touch-up paint and polishing to do, and those cables are a bit unruly, but the shakedown ride was a success.
That long wheelbase, Reynolds 531 frame rides smooth as buttah, especially with these tires. This is one comfy ride.
.
That long wheelbase, Reynolds 531 frame rides smooth as buttah, especially with these tires. This is one comfy ride.
.
#444
Old Boy
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,127
Bikes: Mostly 1st-generation, top-of-the-line, non-unicrown MTBs/ATBs: All 1984 models: Dawes Ranger, Peugeot Canyon Express, Ross Mt. Whitney (chrome), Schwinn High Sierra, and a 1983 Trek 850.
Mentioned: 134 Post(s)
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.
__________________
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
#445
Newbie
V/O Postino
Opinions on this bar or similar options. 25.4/22.2
I bought a mid 90's Rockhopper, thought of doing drop bar but that would cost more than I paid for bike.
I'm finding that I feel too stretched out (long top tube and stem) combined 3" more than my road bike.
A bar that is pulled back some would be closer and the angle should feel better than the stock broom stick bar?
https://velo-orange.com/collections/...ndlebar-22-2mm
I bought a mid 90's Rockhopper, thought of doing drop bar but that would cost more than I paid for bike.
I'm finding that I feel too stretched out (long top tube and stem) combined 3" more than my road bike.
A bar that is pulled back some would be closer and the angle should feel better than the stock broom stick bar?
https://velo-orange.com/collections/...ndlebar-22-2mm
Last edited by danders; 02-29-20 at 06:23 AM.
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#446
Old Boy
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,127
Bikes: Mostly 1st-generation, top-of-the-line, non-unicrown MTBs/ATBs: All 1984 models: Dawes Ranger, Peugeot Canyon Express, Ross Mt. Whitney (chrome), Schwinn High Sierra, and a 1983 Trek 850.
Mentioned: 134 Post(s)
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Opinions on this bar or similar options. 25.4/22.2
I bought a mid 90's Rockhopper, thought of doing drop bar but that would cost more than I paid for bike.
I'm finding that I feel too stretched out (long top tube and stem) combined 3" more than my road bike.
A bar that is pulled back some would be closer and the angle should feel better than the stock broom stick bar?
https://velo-orange.com/collections/...ndlebar-22-2mm
I bought a mid 90's Rockhopper, thought of doing drop bar but that would cost more than I paid for bike.
I'm finding that I feel too stretched out (long top tube and stem) combined 3" more than my road bike.
A bar that is pulled back some would be closer and the angle should feel better than the stock broom stick bar?
https://velo-orange.com/collections/...ndlebar-22-2mm
Here's one:
... and here's another, from a cockpit view:
Hope this helps.
.
__________________
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
#447
Total Scrounge
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This is my Soulcraft Option 3. Made in 1999 by the guy who was head frame builder at Salsa when they sold to QBP in 1998. This is #018. Bought the frame from the contractor who helped them set up shop in Ross Shafers’ barn in Petaluma, Ca.
Let’s just say this has been one of my great bike loves. It started to fade a little over the years as it was eclipsed by a dual suspension, and then a 29er. It started to bum me out when I rode it, and that REALLY bummed me out. Last summer, riding it in Olympic National Park, I figured I’d ditch the suspension fork, add a basket and some swept back bars, and see what happened. It was one of those setups that came out perfectly right out of the gate. The bar position is just amazing. I commute on it, explore on it, go to the store on it.
I thought it would be good to post, not because it’s super-vintage, but because it was a good way to ditch a suspension fork that was sort of a turd. I see lots of hardtails on here that still have forks that were no fun when they were new; now they’re toast! I had an lbs order me this Carver for $70. I made sure the axle-to-crown measurement was in the ballpark, and it turned out great. And with all that uncut steer tube, I could get very upright, indeed!
Let’s just say this has been one of my great bike loves. It started to fade a little over the years as it was eclipsed by a dual suspension, and then a 29er. It started to bum me out when I rode it, and that REALLY bummed me out. Last summer, riding it in Olympic National Park, I figured I’d ditch the suspension fork, add a basket and some swept back bars, and see what happened. It was one of those setups that came out perfectly right out of the gate. The bar position is just amazing. I commute on it, explore on it, go to the store on it.
I thought it would be good to post, not because it’s super-vintage, but because it was a good way to ditch a suspension fork that was sort of a turd. I see lots of hardtails on here that still have forks that were no fun when they were new; now they’re toast! I had an lbs order me this Carver for $70. I made sure the axle-to-crown measurement was in the ballpark, and it turned out great. And with all that uncut steer tube, I could get very upright, indeed!
#448
Newbie
I ended up with a VO Milan, I went to a bike shop I have never been to and they had a Milan on sale for $19
I still need to adjust position of controls a little but it is exactly what I hoped. Bars are now closer and lower.
Very pleased!
#449
Happy banana slug
Join Date: Sep 2015
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Pretty Purple Princess Penelope, never quite finished.
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#450
Safari Master
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Earth
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16 Posts
FrankenBike
Rack is a Wald I think. It works and it’s sturdy.
Today’s ride. Leather case is camera bag from a sale for 2 dollars.
As a drop bar. Had high hopes for this.
My drop bar mtb wasn’t getting it done in the fit dept so after finding this thread the other day I went to work. BicycleSafari’s bike was the inspiration. Finished up this morning. Took it out for a shakedown loop and it felt great! Great thread Cheers, Kevin
Now the tables have turned, and I have put together a bike like yours! Blue with chrome fork! (yours is much nicer though)
I had a coworker bring this bike to me. He had gotten it from an old college buddy who went by "Fish Bone". My coworker wanted something he could bar hop with and this 88 Raleigh Technium Chill was in salvageable shape, and the frame fits him just fine. I'm bringing it to work for him tomorrow so we'll see how he likes it. It was a budget build, and there was plenty wrong with it, and there are lots of details that are a bit goofy for my liking, but I think it should give him a few years of good riding (provided that the adhesive keeping the aluminum main tubes fused to the steel lugs holds out). Seems like a foolish design choice to me personally, but I did a few hap hazard bunny hops just to test it, and it's held up so far.
It's a slick, smooth ride. Feels really responsive, and is easy to toss around. Definitely a fun masher.
I did a little write up about it on my website www.thebicyclesafaris.com/logbook
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