Vintage MTB To Upright Bar / Urban Bike Conversions
05-25-20, 06:45 PM
#526
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Location: Saratoga calif.
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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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another hipster bike
Here is another upright mtn bike I just finished. Black on black . Perfect for the Sillycone Valley hipster techie to ride to work at Google then cruise downtown Mountain View. I stole the tires from a Huffy cruiser . They look much better on the Trek. Note the skull design on the grips. It looks much better than the pictures show. I have got to get better at exposure settings.
Last edited by capnjonny; 05-25-20 at 06:49 PM.
05-25-20, 07:32 PM
#527
Member
Here’s mine: A $75.00 1997 Trek 820 done up with just the basics:
Bike was very clean and in great condition, I only needed to do a basic tune up. So just over $400 all in for a decent bike that does all I need. I could have saved some money by using a cheap saddle and mounting the basket with the hardware Wald provides. I feel the value is pretty good for what this bike does.
- Big Ben Plusses ($70)
- Some gaudy but functional KKT pedals from my parts bin ($0.00)
- B17 saddle under the rain cover ($115)
- Kool Stop pads ($20.00)
- Cheap frame bag ($11.00)
- Cheap mini pump ($9.00)
- Crane bell ($15.00)
- VO steering stabilizer ($10.00)
- Sunlite front rack with Wald 139 basket ($40.00)
- Topeak babyseat rear rack ($42.00)
Bike was very clean and in great condition, I only needed to do a basic tune up. So just over $400 all in for a decent bike that does all I need. I could have saved some money by using a cheap saddle and mounting the basket with the hardware Wald provides. I feel the value is pretty good for what this bike does.
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06-02-20, 03:25 PM
#528
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A few more mods on my 95 Trek 930.
Rear rack and bag
Swapped out STX crank for Sugino Impel compact triple 94/58 with Vuelta chainrings, 48,38,28.
Rear rack and bag
Swapped out STX crank for Sugino Impel compact triple 94/58 with Vuelta chainrings, 48,38,28.
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06-03-20, 08:40 AM
#529
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More great bikes have been posted here recently.
Nicely done everyone!
In my area of the greater Dallas/ Ft Worth area I've been seeing so many more people out riding, especially families with the whole crew in tow.
I love it!
From what I read and see bikes are in great demand and these vintage conversions are just the ticket in my view for a comfortable, practical and modestly priced way to go.
For myself I've been out riding a bit more than typical tallying up about 600 miles the last 2 months which is not too bad for an old dude I think.
I'm trying to do many of my errands via bike these days.
Here's a pic of a typical grocery run.
Please keep the pics coming.
I'm contemplating my next build.
Nicely done everyone!
In my area of the greater Dallas/ Ft Worth area I've been seeing so many more people out riding, especially families with the whole crew in tow.
I love it!
From what I read and see bikes are in great demand and these vintage conversions are just the ticket in my view for a comfortable, practical and modestly priced way to go.
For myself I've been out riding a bit more than typical tallying up about 600 miles the last 2 months which is not too bad for an old dude I think.
I'm trying to do many of my errands via bike these days.
Here's a pic of a typical grocery run.
Please keep the pics coming.
I'm contemplating my next build.
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06-03-20, 07:11 PM
#530
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I’m not allowed to post a pic until I have 10 posts 
Would love to share what I just picked up this week. Pics coming soon!
Would love to share what I just picked up this week. Pics coming soon!
06-03-20, 08:17 PM
#531
Happy banana slug
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Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
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06-04-20, 05:21 AM
#532
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Here’s mine: A $75.00 1997 Trek 820 done up with just the basics:
Bike was very clean and in great condition, I only needed to do a basic tune up. So just over $400 all in for a decent bike that does all I need. I could have saved some money by using a cheap saddle and mounting the basket with the hardware Wald provides. I feel the value is pretty good for what this bike does.
- Big Ben Plusses ($70)
- Some gaudy but functional KKT pedals from my parts bin ($0.00)
- B17 saddle under the rain cover ($115)
- Kool Stop pads ($20.00)
- Cheap frame bag ($11.00)
- Cheap mini pump ($9.00)
- Crane bell ($15.00)
- VO steering stabilizer ($10.00)
- Sunlite front rack with Wald 139 basket ($40.00)
- Topeak babyseat rear rack ($42.00)
Bike was very clean and in great condition, I only needed to do a basic tune up. So just over $400 all in for a decent bike that does all I need. I could have saved some money by using a cheap saddle and mounting the basket with the hardware Wald provides. I feel the value is pretty good for what this bike does.
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06-04-20, 05:42 AM
#533
Member
So yeah, the stabilizer will definitely keep the bike stable when parked - provided the basket is empty or near empty. As far as how it handles when riding, when tensioned just enough to be able to keep the front end straight, it is not noticeable. If I crank the tension way up, it slows things down, which may or may not be beneficial, depending on what issues you're having. For $10, it's certainly worth a try, although get the correct one for your down tube diameter. I just received one of the (if not the) last RBW Clem Smith Jr. H frames. I'll be building up an all new bike to replace the Trek from that (using the new bits from the Trek such as seat, tires, etc). I don't think I want to put the stabilizer on the Riv. I think I might spring for a two legged upright stand for this build. I use a baby seat on the back often, so that would be great to have regardless.
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06-04-20, 08:22 AM
#534
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06-04-20, 12:23 PM
#535
bOsscO
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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!
I've also been posting in the drop bar thread but this thread has me second guessing my approach.
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06-19-20, 05:05 PM
#536
bOsscO
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Ok so I have a terrible habit of getting ahead of myself. This time it entails buying parts for my MTB build before finishing the frame (remove old rattle-can paint, patch scratches/dings in aluminum with JB Weld, re-paint with primer/paint/clear-coat). Looks like I'll be putting a swept-back cruiser style handlebar on this one.
06-20-20, 07:21 AM
#537
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I got this RockHopper frame from a LBS owner in our town. Probably late 80s based on the U-brake. He had it listed cheap on CL.
I’ve picked up an extra wheel set, this is for wet trails and has Race King Protection tires. The other wheels have well used RTPs.
I’m running an old SR road crank with a single 42 and six cassette cogs (14-28) in back.
It’s a 22” frame but I need a seat height over 32” so it needs a tall stem. I actually rode it with low drop bars until the pandemic, but with my 11yo home from school and wanting to ride, I needed a bike that I could also ride slow, so I got the tallest strong stem I could manage, using the long Nittto quill adapter and a 135mm riser stem. The bars are Sunlite’s knockoff of the Albatross.
i use Sunrace friction stem shifters to keep the bars clear so I can use all parts of the bar during a ride.
The saddle is a Volt and the pedals are Odyssey Grandstand.
I have this bike and a Schwinn road frame from the late 80s and they both see a lot of use.
Otto
I’ve picked up an extra wheel set, this is for wet trails and has Race King Protection tires. The other wheels have well used RTPs.
I’m running an old SR road crank with a single 42 and six cassette cogs (14-28) in back.
It’s a 22” frame but I need a seat height over 32” so it needs a tall stem. I actually rode it with low drop bars until the pandemic, but with my 11yo home from school and wanting to ride, I needed a bike that I could also ride slow, so I got the tallest strong stem I could manage, using the long Nittto quill adapter and a 135mm riser stem. The bars are Sunlite’s knockoff of the Albatross.
i use Sunrace friction stem shifters to keep the bars clear so I can use all parts of the bar during a ride.
The saddle is a Volt and the pedals are Odyssey Grandstand.
I have this bike and a Schwinn road frame from the late 80s and they both see a lot of use.
Otto
Last edited by ofajen; 06-20-20 at 07:36 AM.
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06-21-20, 01:14 AM
#538
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This is awesome!
I got this RockHopper frame from a LBS owner in our town. Probably late 80s based on the U-brake. He had it listed cheap on CL.
I’ve picked up an extra wheel set, this is for wet trails and has Race King Protection tires. The other wheels have well used RTPs.
I’m running an old SR road crank with a single 42 and six cassette cogs (14-28) in back.
It’s a 22” frame but I need a seat height over 32” so it needs a tall stem. I actually rode it with low drop bars until the pandemic, but with my 11yo home from school and wanting to ride, I needed a bike that I could also ride slow, so I got the tallest strong stem I could manage, using the long Nittto quill adapter and a 135mm riser stem. The bars are Sunlite’s knockoff of the Albatross.
i use Sunrace friction stem shifters to keep the bars clear so I can use all parts of the bar during a ride.
The saddle is a Volt and the pedals are Odyssey Grandstand.
I have this bike and a Schwinn road frame from the late 80s and they both see a lot of use.
Otto
I’ve picked up an extra wheel set, this is for wet trails and has Race King Protection tires. The other wheels have well used RTPs.
I’m running an old SR road crank with a single 42 and six cassette cogs (14-28) in back.
It’s a 22” frame but I need a seat height over 32” so it needs a tall stem. I actually rode it with low drop bars until the pandemic, but with my 11yo home from school and wanting to ride, I needed a bike that I could also ride slow, so I got the tallest strong stem I could manage, using the long Nittto quill adapter and a 135mm riser stem. The bars are Sunlite’s knockoff of the Albatross.
i use Sunrace friction stem shifters to keep the bars clear so I can use all parts of the bar during a ride.
The saddle is a Volt and the pedals are Odyssey Grandstand.
I have this bike and a Schwinn road frame from the late 80s and they both see a lot of use.
Otto
06-21-20, 05:04 AM
#539
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Really digging your trick with the reversed Oury grips here! going to copy that...
I got this RockHopper frame from a LBS owner in our town. Probably late 80s based on the U-brake. He had it listed cheap on CL.
... long Nittto quill adapter and a 135mm riser stem. The bars are Sunlite’s knockoff of the Albatross.
i use Sunrace friction stem shifters to keep the bars clear so I can use all parts of the bar during a ride. ...
Otto
... long Nittto quill adapter and a 135mm riser stem. The bars are Sunlite’s knockoff of the Albatross.
i use Sunrace friction stem shifters to keep the bars clear so I can use all parts of the bar during a ride. ...
Otto
06-21-20, 09:05 AM
#540
Cheerfully low end
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Otto
06-21-20, 02:27 PM
#542
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exactly, and that silly (for porteur bars) squishy bumper end finally gets to be useful!
06-24-20, 11:39 AM
#544
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Ross Mt Hood Chrome
I also have a schwinn high sierra that i want to make a single speed front rack beach town cruiser. Anyone have good ideas for a chrome road front fork with no brake mounts to replace the one I have?
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06-24-20, 03:53 PM
#545
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Quick update: I dropped the bars about an inch, which gives a nice mix of comfort, power and speed.
Also, I’ve switched over to the wheels with road tires. Had to put the worn out RTP on the rear wheel out to pasture, so now that wheel has a Continental Contact Speed 50-559. That tire seems to be just about as fast as the RTP which is great news. Had a great ride on it today! Does look odd with different tire styles.
Otto
Also, I’ve switched over to the wheels with road tires. Had to put the worn out RTP on the rear wheel out to pasture, so now that wheel has a Continental Contact Speed 50-559. That tire seems to be just about as fast as the RTP which is great news. Had a great ride on it today! Does look odd with different tire styles.
Otto
Last edited by ofajen; 06-24-20 at 09:09 PM.
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06-25-20, 12:47 PM
#546
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Great Looking bike! I want a chrome rig pretty bad right now...
As far as forks, you'll probably want to stay 26" for the proper fork trail. These should be available through most bike retailers: Chrome 26" Caliper forks
-LG
As far as forks, you'll probably want to stay 26" for the proper fork trail. These should be available through most bike retailers: Chrome 26" Caliper forks
-LG
07-01-20, 01:36 AM
#547
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Collina liberta unknown year. Great bike.
In towing mode
In towing mode
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