Vintage MTB To Upright Bar / Urban Bike Conversions
#376
Senior Member
My conversion. A 1979 Schwinn Sidewinder. Found this bike in the dumpster with only the frame, forks, handlebars, crank, seatpost and what was left of the rear rim. All cables, brakes, derailer and shifter were gone. Found some aluminum rims, laced in a Shimano 3 speed with a 24 tooth cog, added a seat, handgrips, front rack and some small stuff to make it comfey, and took off. This bike weighs a ton, thus the low gearing, but it rides really nice as it sets. The paint was treated to some gentle polishing to bring out the luster (I love this color), and a wax job to protect what was left. I believe this bike has the longest kickstand I have ever seen! It reaches just shy of the rear axle!
#377
Junior Member
Thanks! The rack is a Velo Orange large porteur. Cost about $165. Ordered from one of the relatively local bike shops. I had to cut off a bit of the tabs on the bottom of the rack, and drill out the holes on the front forks to get it to fit height wise, and bent the top tab to match where the front brakes used to be. The only bad things about this rack are, one, it's steel, and two, it's chrome surface reflect my headlight in its current location, and three, steering gets a little..... Interesting when I ride fast downhill on some of our bricked streets (does fine on concrete). Otherwise it's been a great rack. The sides come off if you are just looking for a flatbed.
#380
The last time I posted here, it was with photos of my old Rockhopper cargo bike. Before that, however, I posted a few of my mid-`80s Peugeot Orient Express.
Well, since then, I found the top-of-the-line Canyon Express to replace it, and did a complete frame-up build. I left the full Deore drivetrain on there, because it was a nice, indexed upgrade from the original Sundour Mountech group. I also left the original Bullmoose handlebar on there, but only for the moment. This bike will get a Velo Orange Milan for a more upright position as soon as I get time to put it on there.
Time - always in such short supply during the Summer.
Well, since then, I found the top-of-the-line Canyon Express to replace it, and did a complete frame-up build. I left the full Deore drivetrain on there, because it was a nice, indexed upgrade from the original Sundour Mountech group. I also left the original Bullmoose handlebar on there, but only for the moment. This bike will get a Velo Orange Milan for a more upright position as soon as I get time to put it on there.
Time - always in such short supply during the Summer.
#381
Senior Member
Thread Starter
What a beautiful, functional bike. And I love that you are repurposing a bike rather than using the resources to make a new one. I have been unsure about the right tires for a bike that will be used for a bit of everything. With the Pilot Sport tires discontinued, what would you use now? Your thoughts on tire types would be very welcome.
I'm always on the lookout for decent 26" 'street'
oriented tires as I so rarely get off road I don't need the knobby variety.
I'm not sure what tire I would go with at this point to replace my 26x2.35 Michelin Pilot Sports.
Possibly Schwalbe Big Apples which are close in size and weight.
For a 26x2.0 tire I am considering these Continental Contact Speed tires.
I have two sets of them in a 700cx42 and I like the looks, reasonable price, decent weight and they roll well and so far have not had but one flat.
Anyone else have 26" tires they have been pleased with?
Last edited by cooperryder; 09-16-19 at 08:08 AM.
#382
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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613 Posts
__________________
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!
#383
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.
Liked 1,721 Times
in
613 Posts
Thank you Graboid1.
I'm always on the lookout for decent 26" 'street'
oriented tires as I so rarely get off road I don't need the knobby variety.
I'm not sure what tire I would go with at this point to replace my 26x2.35 Michelin Pilot Sports.
Possibly Schwalbe Big Apples which are close in size and weight.
For a 26x2.0 tire I am considering these Continental Contact Speed tires.
I have two sets of them in a 700cx42 and I like the looks, reasonable price, decent weight and they roll well and so far have not had but one flat.
Anyone else have 26" tires they gave been pleased with?
I'm always on the lookout for decent 26" 'street'
oriented tires as I so rarely get off road I don't need the knobby variety.
I'm not sure what tire I would go with at this point to replace my 26x2.35 Michelin Pilot Sports.
Possibly Schwalbe Big Apples which are close in size and weight.
For a 26x2.0 tire I am considering these Continental Contact Speed tires.
I have two sets of them in a 700cx42 and I like the looks, reasonable price, decent weight and they roll well and so far have not had but one flat.
Anyone else have 26" tires they gave been pleased with?
.
__________________
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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#385
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.
Liked 1,721 Times
in
613 Posts
Here's my next project, a 1985 Dawes Ranger:
Look at that wheelbase!
I believe the Dawes Ranger was the first British MTB. Or at least one of the first. I know it is the first MTB I have heard of built with Reynolds 531 tubing.
This bike just begs to have panniers hung over the rear rack. But I have a different plan in mind. I just have to work out the details. Stay tuned...
.
__________________
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!
#386
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the kind words. It's kind of an obsession of mine to build each bicycle into the best it can be. That gets to be expensive, and I have difficulty selling them for that reason. But my collection is still growing nonetheless.
Here's my next project, a 1985 Dawes Ranger:
[FONT="Century Gothic"]Look at that wheelbase!
I believe the Dawes Ranger was the first British MTB. Or at least one of the first. I know it is the first MTB I have heard of built with Reynolds 531 tubing.
Here's my next project, a 1985 Dawes Ranger:
[FONT="Century Gothic"]Look at that wheelbase!
I believe the Dawes Ranger was the first British MTB. Or at least one of the first. I know it is the first MTB I have heard of built with Reynolds 531 tubing.
That's the first Dawes mt bike I've seen.
What a great looking machine!
Where did you find it?
Also have you already changed it up some?
I look forward to hearing more about it.
What is the wheelbase? Chainstay length?
I know Rivbike is into the really long
chainstay/wheelbase and has some 26" models.
I do like the ride of longer wheelbase bikes myself as I'm more about comfort than speed these days.
Last edited by cooperryder; 09-16-19 at 08:21 AM.
#387
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.
Liked 1,721 Times
in
613 Posts
One continues to learn on this forum.
That's the first Dawes mt bike I've seen.
What a great looking machine!
Where did you find it?
Also have you already changed it up some?
I look forward to hearing more about it.
What is the wheelbase? Chainstay length?
I know Rivbike is into the really long
chainstay/wheelbase and has some 26" models.
I do like the ride of longer wheelbase bikes myself as I'm more about comfort than speed these days.
That's the first Dawes mt bike I've seen.
What a great looking machine!
Where did you find it?
Also have you already changed it up some?
I look forward to hearing more about it.
What is the wheelbase? Chainstay length?
I know Rivbike is into the really long
chainstay/wheelbase and has some 26" models.
I do like the ride of longer wheelbase bikes myself as I'm more about comfort than speed these days.
I share a lot of Grant Petersen's philosophy on bikes. I keep telling myself that one day I am going to buy a Rivendell frameset, but that hasn't happened yet.
This bike reminds me a lot of the 26-inch version of the Surly Long-Haul Trucker. I haven't started on it yet, but I do know it's getting some very special fenders, upside-down porteur handlebar, shellacked cork grips, and Brooks B17 Copper Special saddle.
I have not yet decided whether I am going modern 1 x 10 Deore on the drivetrain, or keeping the Deore XT 3 x 7 it came with. Those long chainstays would be a breeze to cold-set, but the modern 1 x 10 setup might just look wrong on this frame. I'll try to mock it up before I decide whether to modify the rear triangle or not.
.
__________________
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!
#388
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,626
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
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646 Posts
Thanks for the kind words. It's kind of an obsession of mine to build each bicycle into the best it can be. That gets to be expensive, and I have difficulty selling them for that reason. But my collection is still growing nonetheless.
Here's my next project, a 1985 Dawes Ranger:
Look at that wheelbase!
I believe the Dawes Ranger was the first British MTB. Or at least one of the first. I know it is the first MTB I have heard of built with Reynolds 531 tubing.
This bike just begs to have panniers hung over the rear rack. But I have a different plan in mind. I just have to work out the details. Stay tuned...
.
Here's my next project, a 1985 Dawes Ranger:
Look at that wheelbase!
I believe the Dawes Ranger was the first British MTB. Or at least one of the first. I know it is the first MTB I have heard of built with Reynolds 531 tubing.
This bike just begs to have panniers hung over the rear rack. But I have a different plan in mind. I just have to work out the details. Stay tuned...
.
The image is poor because it's a scan of a 3"x5" photo.
Cheers
#389
Thank you Graboid1.
I'm always on the lookout for decent 26" 'street'
oriented tires as I so rarely get off road I don't need the knobby variety.
I'm not sure what tire I would go with at this point to replace my 26x2.35 Michelin Pilot Sports.
Possibly Schwalbe Big Apples which are close in size and weight.
For a 26x2.0 tire I am considering these Continental Contact Speed tires.
I have two sets of them in a 700cx42 and I like the looks, reasonable price, decent weight and they roll well and so far have not had but one flat.
Anyone else have 26" tires they have been pleased with?
I'm always on the lookout for decent 26" 'street'
oriented tires as I so rarely get off road I don't need the knobby variety.
I'm not sure what tire I would go with at this point to replace my 26x2.35 Michelin Pilot Sports.
Possibly Schwalbe Big Apples which are close in size and weight.
For a 26x2.0 tire I am considering these Continental Contact Speed tires.
I have two sets of them in a 700cx42 and I like the looks, reasonable price, decent weight and they roll well and so far have not had but one flat.
Anyone else have 26" tires they have been pleased with?
I have used Big Apples and like them for urban knock-around use, but they are pretty heavy, something like 900 grams iirc.
I currently have Schwalbe Kojak slicks on my Stumpjumper. They get a bad rap for rolling resistance but I can't tell. They seem fine and are reasonably light.
I have never used the Rat Trap Pass tires or Maxxis DTH, but would be interested in trying both at some point based on what I've heard. I have been pretty happy with Paselas, but they only come in 1.75 max width. Too bad they don't make a 2" version.
#390
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Chicago, the leafy NW side
Posts: 2,518
Bikes: 1974 Motobecane Grand Record, 1987 Miyata Pro, 1988 Bob Jackson Lady Mixte (wife's), others in the family
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Just contemplating doing this for gravel path riding with my wife. In fact she's the one who suggested we needed a pair of mountain bikes. What a helpful and inspirational thread!
__________________
I never think I have hit hard, unless it rebounds.
- Dr Samuel Johnson
I never think I have hit hard, unless it rebounds.
- Dr Samuel Johnson
#391
Senior Member
Thread Starter
on this helpful thread.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...sions-262.html
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#392
Can't Wait to See More
That's not ignorant at all. Those are Continental Retro-Ride tires. They look great, but are just average for grip and rolling resistance. I had a pair of Kenda Kiniptions on there that I think I liked better for ride quality. This bike is queued-up for more mods this winter.
#393
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Chicago, the leafy NW side
Posts: 2,518
Bikes: 1974 Motobecane Grand Record, 1987 Miyata Pro, 1988 Bob Jackson Lady Mixte (wife's), others in the family
Liked 181 Times
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93 Posts
Also if road bars are preferred there are many great conversions
on this helpful thread.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...sions-262.html
on this helpful thread.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...sions-262.html
Think rails-to-trails paths, unpaved, looking at scenery and trees...that kind of riding.
A friend (on CR, not BF) has a Bridgestone MB-3 that might do for me; there's a 'ladies' Schwinn High Sierra available locally for my wife.
I'd love to find a nice Miyata Elevation or '-Cross' and see what could be made of it.
Chicago CL also has a couple of interesting looking early 90s Paramount MTBs I may go check out. I fixed up a Paramount PDG 20 for my son to take to college several years ago. Daughter has it now, converted to SS, for occasional urban errands. It was quite nice once it was cleaned up, it was 'entry level' but still a Paramount so a cut above.
Heck, I haven't had a bike project in years, now look what I'm thinking about!
__________________
I never think I have hit hard, unless it rebounds.
- Dr Samuel Johnson
I never think I have hit hard, unless it rebounds.
- Dr Samuel Johnson
#394
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#395
Mr. Anachronism
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Somewhere west of Tobie's
Posts: 2,087
Bikes: fillet-brazed Chicago Schwinns, and some other stuff
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[SIZE="3"]That's not ignorant at all. Those are Continental Retro-Ride tires. They look great, but are just average for grip and rolling resistance. I had a pair of Kenda Kiniptions on there that I think I liked better for ride quality. This bike is queued-up for more mods this winter.[/SIZE]
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"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
#396
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 92
Bikes: 1980 Peugeot PFN-10, 1989 Bridgestone MB-3, 1988 Univega Alpina Uno, 1974 Velosolex Saint Tropez, 1995 Trek 830, 1986 Lotus Odyssey, 1987 Schwinn Mirada, 1987 Raleigh Elkhorn
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Recently converted my '95 Trek 830 from mustache bars to fully upright bars. These are the Left Bank bars from Velo Orange in road diameter to fit bar end shifters. Used Rustines grips with the ends cut off. This bike is my daily commuter and these bars make navigating Philly traffic that much easier.
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#398
Recently converted my '95 Trek 830 from mustache bars to fully upright bars. These are the Left Bank bars from Velo Orange in road diameter to fit bar end shifters. Used Rustines grips with the ends cut off. This bike is my daily commuter and these bars make navigating Philly traffic that much easier.
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#399
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 92
Bikes: 1980 Peugeot PFN-10, 1989 Bridgestone MB-3, 1988 Univega Alpina Uno, 1974 Velosolex Saint Tropez, 1995 Trek 830, 1986 Lotus Odyssey, 1987 Schwinn Mirada, 1987 Raleigh Elkhorn
Liked 99 Times
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32 Posts
Thanks! The fenders are SKS commuters, the basket is a wald 137 ordered from Rivendell along with their "captain hook" net. The bars are Velo Orange Left Bank bars in road diameter to fit the Suntour bar ends. Interested to see how you build yours up. These mid-level mid-90s Treks are awesome commuters and beaters.
#400
I was just in Philly and noticed several mid 90’s mountain bikes converted into commuters downtown. I’m working on a ‘93 Marin for one son (I think I’m gonna try your basket) and a ‘00 Specialized for my other son currently. The Trek 830 is in good working condition, and it may be a bit before I tinker with it. I have a 91 Trek 8000 that my son and I are going to tackle together...it needs a lot of work. I guess this my newest addiction.
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