Vintage bike to cyclocross
#26
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Bikes: '72 Fuji Newest, '79 Fuji Royale Gravel Grinder; '84 Schwinn High Sierra BMX Cruiser; '97 Huffy Tremor BMX
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I just finished converting my '79 Fuji Royale to a gravel cruncher and I'm loving it! It was not my initial plan for the bike, but it feels so right!
I got a smaller frame size than I normally ride b/c I wanted to have more control/standover capability over the bike if I got into anything dicey. I typically ride 60-62cm, but the Royale is a 58cm.
I replaced the road brake levers with cross tops because I feel better able to handle braking in terrain descents/technical situations from a more upright position without all my weight on the front wheel, more like a mountain bike.
Kept the 27in, but got a set of new CR18s, threw on some Kenda K161s that folks have mentioned. Upgraded the suntour drivetrain group to a Shimano 600 friction for better response (except for the front derailleur due to fit). Tektro r539 mid-reach calipers. Then I just modernized the headset (Origin8 sealed) and bottom bracket (Velo Orange) and BAM, an awesomely new old bike that rides like a beast I'll post some pics when I'm allowed!
I got a smaller frame size than I normally ride b/c I wanted to have more control/standover capability over the bike if I got into anything dicey. I typically ride 60-62cm, but the Royale is a 58cm.
I replaced the road brake levers with cross tops because I feel better able to handle braking in terrain descents/technical situations from a more upright position without all my weight on the front wheel, more like a mountain bike.
Kept the 27in, but got a set of new CR18s, threw on some Kenda K161s that folks have mentioned. Upgraded the suntour drivetrain group to a Shimano 600 friction for better response (except for the front derailleur due to fit). Tektro r539 mid-reach calipers. Then I just modernized the headset (Origin8 sealed) and bottom bracket (Velo Orange) and BAM, an awesomely new old bike that rides like a beast I'll post some pics when I'm allowed!
Last edited by FujiSam; 07-20-19 at 06:06 PM. Reason: Adding photos
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#28
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Is it possible to take a 80s steel bike and swap the fork with a modern cyclocross fork to make it bigger room for cyclocross tires? Or would the back end still be an issue?
#29
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depends on the bike and the brake clearance. But, finding a quill stem cyclocross fork may take some work (and $$$)
#30
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I just finished converting my '79 Fuji Royale to a gravel cruncher and I'm loving it! It was not my initial plan for the bike, but it feels so right!
I got a smaller frame size than I normally ride b/c I wanted to have more control/standover capability over the bike if I got into anything dicey. I typically ride 60-62cm, but the Royale is a 58cm.
I replaced the road brake levers with cross tops because I feel better able to handle braking in terrain descents/technical situations from a more upright position without all my weight on the front wheel, more like a mountain bike.
Kept the 27in, but got a set of new CR18s, threw on some Kenda K161s that folks have mentioned. Upgraded the suntour drivetrain group to a Shimano 600 friction for better response (except for the front derailleur due to fit). Tektro r539 mid-reach calipers. Then I just modernized the headset (Origin8 sealed) and bottom bracket (Velo Orange) and BAM, an awesomely new old bike that rides like a beast I'll post some pics when I'm allowed!
I got a smaller frame size than I normally ride b/c I wanted to have more control/standover capability over the bike if I got into anything dicey. I typically ride 60-62cm, but the Royale is a 58cm.
I replaced the road brake levers with cross tops because I feel better able to handle braking in terrain descents/technical situations from a more upright position without all my weight on the front wheel, more like a mountain bike.
Kept the 27in, but got a set of new CR18s, threw on some Kenda K161s that folks have mentioned. Upgraded the suntour drivetrain group to a Shimano 600 friction for better response (except for the front derailleur due to fit). Tektro r539 mid-reach calipers. Then I just modernized the headset (Origin8 sealed) and bottom bracket (Velo Orange) and BAM, an awesomely new old bike that rides like a beast I'll post some pics when I'm allowed!
#31
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@FujiSam I'd definitely put the road levers back on and install interruptor brake levers additionally if you want. The problem with the brakes as you have them now is that your hands will have to be very narrow relative to each other to use the brakes, which makes handling dangerous off-road. There's a reason why no stock gravel or mountain bikes come with your brake lever set up.
#32
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My girlfriend has a 90s Klein sports touring bike with room for 32mm tires in the back. She swapped the stock fork for a Soma fork with room for 45mm tires and put a semi-knobby 40mm tire (Knard) on for a big gravel ride we did, and kept the 32mm GravelKing on the back. It worked pretty well.
#33
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Bikes: '72 Fuji Newest, '79 Fuji Royale Gravel Grinder; '84 Schwinn High Sierra BMX Cruiser; '97 Huffy Tremor BMX
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@FujiSam I'd definitely put the road levers back on and install interruptor brake levers additionally if you want. The problem with the brakes as you have them now is that your hands will have to be very narrow relative to each other to use the brakes, which makes handling dangerous off-road. There's a reason why no stock gravel or mountain bikes come with your brake lever set up.
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