MTB build for touring
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
MTB build for touring
What are some good vintage rigid frames to build from? I know nothing about building so all new to me. I have an mid 80's Schwinn Mesa Runner I got for free but have read that it was bottom line. Scrap components and look for same period but better components? Or look for a particular frame on local CL? I am 6'2" so a frame to fit is gonna be hard...I ride a 25" road bike. I see A LOT of seats sitting way up on these MTB builds...I guess that is compensating for a smaller frame?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 3,916
Bikes: Trek Domane SL6 Gen 3, Soma Fog Cutter, Focus Mares AL, Detroit Bikes Sparrow FG, Volae Team, Nimbus MUni
Liked 2,129 Times
in
1,123 Posts
There are plenty; quite happy with my Specialized Hardrock, around MY2000.
#3
Senior Member
I think some of the Trek 9XX series might work. 930, 950, 970 & 990. My 1990 Trek 930 is lugged True Temper tubing. If you're interested check out vintage-trek.com for specs & how to date any specific model by color.
I've noticed that a lot of these bikes have a long top tube in relation to seat tube. I end up getting smaller ones to accommodate for desirable top tube length, thus lots of seat post showing. I just sold my 1985 Sekai Bigfoot which had 18.5" chain stays and eyelets for fenders & racks. Very stable and cushy ride.
I've noticed that a lot of these bikes have a long top tube in relation to seat tube. I end up getting smaller ones to accommodate for desirable top tube length, thus lots of seat post showing. I just sold my 1985 Sekai Bigfoot which had 18.5" chain stays and eyelets for fenders & racks. Very stable and cushy ride.
#4
Hoards Thumbshifters
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Signal Mountain, TN
Posts: 1,158
Bikes: '23 Black Mtn MC, '87 Bruce Gordon Chinook, '08 Jamis Aurora, '86 Trek 560, '97 Mongoose Rockadile, & '91 Trek 750
Liked 342 Times
in
194 Posts
In addition to 9XX Trek's, look for early 90's Mongooses. Alta's and Rockadile's had relatively light frames and great geometry. Most had three water bottle cages too. Aluminum and steel varieties out there and cheap, parts are crap but frames are way better than they appear. And at 6'2" you will find plenty of options. Just be looking for 20"+ frames, 20"-23" frames should fit you. Schwinn Moab's and High Sierras are good options too.
I'm not a fan of late 80's, early 90's specialized frames due to poor tire clearance at the lower stays.
I'm not a fan of late 80's, early 90's specialized frames due to poor tire clearance at the lower stays.
#5
Get off my lawn!
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: The Garden State
Posts: 6,031
Bikes: 1917 Loomis, 1923 Rudge, 1930 Hercules Renown, 1947 Mclean, 1948 JA Holland, 1955 Hetchins, 1957 Carlton Flyer, 1962 Raleigh Sport, 1978&81 Raleigh Gomp GS', 2010 Raliegh Clubman
Likes: 0
Liked 99 Times
in
49 Posts
I've been eyeing the GT's with the triple triangle ( Hellenic stays) for added rigidity, particularly if your going with a 23" frame.
#6
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,852
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Liked 1,369 Times
in
862 Posts
I would not hesitate to use my non-suspension steel framed mountain bike for loaded touring -- I currently use it for loaded shopping trips. For longer trips I might want to replace the knobby offroad tires with some with less rolling resistance.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Fredericksburg, Va
Posts: 9,628
Bikes: '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, '94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster, Tern Link D8
Liked 2,257 Times
in
1,127 Posts
I don't tour but if I did, I think I have a candidate for use. I would likely put smaller tires on it:
[IMG]
Commuter RockHopper by superissimo_83, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]
![](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/11466302745_08807c56fe_b.jpg)
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
How does the seat being so high work? Do you use a longer stem are they available like that or what?
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 2,977
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Rival; 2014 Cannondale Trail 7 29; 1972 Schwinn Suburban, 1996 Proflex 756, 1987(?) Peugeot, Dahon Speed P8; 1979 Raleigh Competition GS; 1995 Stumpjumper M2 FS, 1978 Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Prologue
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
THere's probably nothing wrong with your mesa runner for a touring bike. Maybe find some better components for it, but schwinn has been known for making some pretty darn durable bikes. Other potential options I would seek out are mtbs from teh early 80s (not sure what year yours is) - but there were a fair number that had more road bike sized frames then (Ross for sure had some larger geometries). But if your Schwinn fits, I would go with that. You likely won't get any better quality from buying an old Hardrock, at least component wise, except you would be getting Shimano instead of what I am assuming is Suntour.
How about some pictures? We can't really help you decide without seeing what you are working with.
How about some pictures? We can't really help you decide without seeing what you are working with.
#11
Still learning
Stay away from suspension forks
MIYATA - Ridge Runner, Terra Runner
TREK - 850, 930, 950, 970, 990
SPECIALIZED - Rockhopper, Stumpjumper
CANNONDALE - M300 and up
UNIVEGA - Alpina
SCHWINN - Paramount Series, Cimarron
Marin Bobcat - Tange frame, cheap components, low price $95
Marin Bobcat Trail Mountain Bicycle
Barracuda, not your size, but great frame in my size![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Barracuda team dos Equis
MIYATA - Ridge Runner, Terra Runner
TREK - 850, 930, 950, 970, 990
SPECIALIZED - Rockhopper, Stumpjumper
CANNONDALE - M300 and up
UNIVEGA - Alpina
SCHWINN - Paramount Series, Cimarron
Marin Bobcat - Tange frame, cheap components, low price $95
Marin Bobcat Trail Mountain Bicycle
Barracuda, not your size, but great frame in my size
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Barracuda team dos Equis
#12
Ellensburg, WA
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Lewiston, ID
Posts: 3,768
Bikes: See my signature
Liked 497 Times
in
168 Posts
My Trek 800 Antelope was initially converted for this use - had the mid-fork braze on's for a low rider rack. But I decided it was just too heavy and haven't really used it for that - instead it's my garage sale bike. I did convert an old Peugeot flat bar hybrid which worked well - with the 700C tires I was able to get knobby or smooth tires if I wanted it. It still weighted alot but not as much as the Trek.
__________________
1984 Gitane Tour de France; 1982 Nishiki Marina 12; 1984 Peugeot PSV; 1993 Trek 950 mtb; 1991 GT Karakoram, 1983 Vitus 979; Colnago Super, 1989 Spectrum Titanium,
1984 Gitane Tour de France; 1982 Nishiki Marina 12; 1984 Peugeot PSV; 1993 Trek 950 mtb; 1991 GT Karakoram, 1983 Vitus 979; Colnago Super, 1989 Spectrum Titanium,
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Fredericksburg, Va
Posts: 9,628
Bikes: '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, '94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster, Tern Link D8
Liked 2,257 Times
in
1,127 Posts
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 3,783
Bikes: Bianchi San Mateo and a few others
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
9 Posts
Mountain bikes tend to have longer top tubes than road bikes of comparable size. To get the right top tube length for a drop bar build, you may wind up with a frame whose seat tube is shorter, hence more exposed seatpost.
#15
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,788
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Liked 7,718 Times
in
4,294 Posts
Did GT make a 23" triple triangle frame? I have only ever seen 22" as the largest. If they made a 23", I would be all over one as I loved my low end 22" All Terra for errands/towing/grocery runs, but it was too small.
#16
I would wager that while you're a bit taller (I'm just over 6' and ALL legs), we probably ride about the same size bikes. For reference, I'm throwing in a couple of pics of my 23" Schwinn High Plains set up to to tour/commute. It took me awhile to find the "right bike" in the right size to build a drop-bar touring MTB, but the HP has worked pretty darn well.
There is a fair bit of seat post showing, even with the XXL 23" frame, but the high rise stem (atcually a stock stem) makes up for it. The top tube is a bit longer at around 24". I think I would have preferred to find a Trek or Diamondback as they seem to generally have more braze-ons and eyelets, but the HP has done fine for me on mixed surface long distance rides.
![](https://i.imgur.com/mZaY3nr.jpg)
There is a fair bit of seat post showing, even with the XXL 23" frame, but the high rise stem (atcually a stock stem) makes up for it. The top tube is a bit longer at around 24". I think I would have preferred to find a Trek or Diamondback as they seem to generally have more braze-ons and eyelets, but the HP has done fine for me on mixed surface long distance rides.
![](https://i.imgur.com/mZaY3nr.jpg)
![](https://i.imgur.com/Ih5JC6O.jpg)
#17
Nigel
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 2,991
Bikes: 1980s and 1990s steel: CyclePro, Nishiki, Schwinn, SR, Trek........
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
What are some good vintage rigid frames to build from? I know nothing about building so all new to me. I have an mid 80's Schwinn Mesa Runner I got for free but have read that it was bottom line. Scrap components and look for same period but better components? Or look for a particular frame on local CL? I am 6'2" so a frame to fit is gonna be hard...I ride a 25" road bike. I see A LOT of seats sitting way up on these MTB builds...I guess that is compensating for a smaller frame?
My current favorite commuter is a Schwinn PDG70 (Paramount Design Group). It is not really a touring bike, no eyelets, but I have fenders and a long Ibera seat post rack with small Avenir panniers. The Schwinn Cimarron is really an on/off road touring bike. The lugged ('93 and earlier) Trek 930/950/970/990 are great starting points. The GT's, not so much because they tend to have shorter wheelbase which if you have bigger feet leads to heel strike issues with conventional rear racks and panniers.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 2,977
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Rival; 2014 Cannondale Trail 7 29; 1972 Schwinn Suburban, 1996 Proflex 756, 1987(?) Peugeot, Dahon Speed P8; 1979 Raleigh Competition GS; 1995 Stumpjumper M2 FS, 1978 Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Prologue
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Stay away from suspension forks
MIYATA - Ridge Runner, Terra Runner
TREK - 850, 930, 950, 970, 990
SPECIALIZED - Rockhopper, Stumpjumper
CANNONDALE - M300 and up
UNIVEGA - Alpina
SCHWINN - Paramount Series, Cimarron
Marin Bobcat - Tange frame, cheap components, low price $95
Marin Bobcat Trail Mountain Bicycle
Barracuda, not your size, but great frame in my size![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Barracuda team dos Equis
MIYATA - Ridge Runner, Terra Runner
TREK - 850, 930, 950, 970, 990
SPECIALIZED - Rockhopper, Stumpjumper
CANNONDALE - M300 and up
UNIVEGA - Alpina
SCHWINN - Paramount Series, Cimarron
Marin Bobcat - Tange frame, cheap components, low price $95
Marin Bobcat Trail Mountain Bicycle
Barracuda, not your size, but great frame in my size
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Barracuda team dos Equis
#19
Passista
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,661
Bikes: 1998 Pinarello Asolo, 1992 KHS Montaña pro, 1980 Raleigh DL-1, IGH Hybrid, IGH Utility
Liked 755 Times
in
413 Posts
I did some touring with my True Temper KHS and it performed very well. I suppose any good quality MTB steel frame with rigid fork would be good for touring, esp. if it has eyelets for racks.
#20
Get off my lawn!
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: The Garden State
Posts: 6,031
Bikes: 1917 Loomis, 1923 Rudge, 1930 Hercules Renown, 1947 Mclean, 1948 JA Holland, 1955 Hetchins, 1957 Carlton Flyer, 1962 Raleigh Sport, 1978&81 Raleigh Gomp GS', 2010 Raliegh Clubman
Likes: 0
Liked 99 Times
in
49 Posts
A not so special Giant, heavy laden and rolling on Pasela 1.75"s. Very comfortable and stable, good for mixed surfaces but not particularly speedy.
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
THere's probably nothing wrong with your mesa runner for a touring bike. Maybe find some better components for it, but schwinn has been known for making some pretty darn durable bikes. Other potential options I would seek out are mtbs from teh early 80s (not sure what year yours is) - but there were a fair number that had more road bike sized frames then (Ross for sure had some larger geometries). But if your Schwinn fits, I would go with that. You likely won't get any better quality from buying an old Hardrock, at least component wise, except you would be getting Shimano instead of what I am assuming is Suntour.
How about some pictures? We can't really help you decide without seeing what you are working with.
How about some pictures? We can't really help you decide without seeing what you are working with.
#22
Derailing (ha ha) the conversation here to ask if you've got anymore shots with the Pasela 1.75's? I was thinking of trying out the Tserv 1.75 (same thing, basically) but wasn't sure it was enough tire coming from the 1.95's I've got now.Curious to see how well they fill out the fenders/frames by comparison...
#23
Senior Member
Derailing (ha ha) the conversation here to ask if you've got anymore shots with the Pasela 1.75's? I was thinking of trying out the Tserv 1.75 (same thing, basically) but wasn't sure it was enough tire coming from the 1.95's I've got now.Curious to see how well they fill out the fenders/frames by comparison...
#24
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,652
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Liked 2,618 Times
in
1,525 Posts
How are the Paselas in that size?
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 1,977
Bikes: Schwinn Paramount P15, Fisher Montare, Proteus, Rivendell Quickbeam
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts