WGB 

Not sure if this is right location but not so much mountain bike questions as bike conversion questions.

I have noted several solid frame (no shocks) mountain bikes locally that are quite inexpensive. I'm 6'2 and half so need a taller bike.

This one is a Steven Bauer Caurus, XL 23 inch frame with 26 inch tires. To my mind it just looks like a heavier road bike. I asked over on the mountain bike forum about it and only real info given was to test ride it.

I want to switch out the tires (though I might keep these for the time being), add fenders for slush, add lights and change the stem and bars as I'd prefer to have a road bike style ride.

1) I assumed that my 27 inch rims and snows aren't going to fit so, can I put on wide 700c tires on it instead or do
I have to stay with 26 inch rims?
2) If I can go with the 700 rims do I have to change the brakes or can I stay with the ones it has?
3) Are there any issues with replacing the stem and bars?

jpaschall

You’ll have to stick with 26” due to the cantilever boss placement. Looks lower end with the derailleur hanger claw, probably pretty heavy. There are plenty of slick 26” tire options. You’ll need a brake cable stop for the front brake if you lose the stem (don’t do it, the stem rules!).

WGB 

jpaschall

thanks for the quick reply! I didn't even notice the claw (probably wouldn't have known enough to even see it). I guess it would take a ride to even hazard a guess at it. So, depending on info received here I may or may not look at it.

I should have said I was considering a lower stem and wondered if these bikes would have special size for stem or if is a large enough selection of choices out there.

I should also have said it is quite cheap so would allow room for improvements

WGB 

Just wondering if the forks are bent back?

I just found another one on line and the forks on that one don't look they have as steep an angle.

The one I just found on line is on the left and the sale bike is on the right. Is it me???

T-Mar

Slick tyres are something you don't want to put on a bicycle that you will be riding in the Niagara region during winter.

WGB 

T-Mar

I wouldn't go for slick's - not in winter and would probably just use what's on it for now.

jpaschall you said "You’ll need a brake cable stop for the front brake if you lose the stem (don’t do it, the stem rules!)."

Can't I use the same brakes with another bar? After your comment I looked back and stared at the stem and now wonder if it has an internally routed brake cable??? I was looking at the forks and thought that the forks were drilled for a potential set of standard brakes. Am I wrong?

jpaschall

The cable is just running through the stem. You can buy a cable hanger that fits as as spacer in the headset to use instead of having the stem itself as the stop. They are inexpsensive. The fork is likely drilled for a side pull caliper, but you would have the cantilever bosses not being used still brazed onto the bike. You can just use the cantilevers and replace the handlebars no problem.

Clang

This thread will have lots of examples of rigid mountain bikes sporting road handlebars.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...nversions.html

Dsprok

It's a straight gauge Cro-Moly mainframe. The sticker was on the seat tube. I had one years ago, not a bad winter bike at all.
Steve Bauer was a Canadian cycling champion.

WGB 

Can anyone tell from the photos if the forks are bent??? If you look up to the two photo set, bike on left photo appears to have more of a curve than the ones in the photo on right - which is bike for sale. I can't see someone having a $100 bike and changing the forks and repainting them so I'd assume they were the original forks.

Sorry that was a $100 bike - not 4100!!!

jpaschall

They don't look bent to me. Those photos are taken at different angles and with very different sized bikes.