MTB conversion

[mass_biker]

Got an old (pre Trek) Bontrager MTB...gathering dust in the basement and would like to repurpose it to something to tool around local trails/paths etc. I'd try to stick with 26" wheels for now and try for the fattest rubber I can find. Could be fun.

It has a 1" rockshox fork.

Questions for the conversion conversant:

1) are there 1" rigid 26" forks readily available? Need one with Canti bosses.
2) are there special tools I need to remove/replace a threaded headset? Mine seems pitted/"notchy". Point me in the right direction if you can
3) anyone done this from flat bar to drop bar?

Pics for inspiration would be great.

many thanks

m_b

[Davist]

I was looking to do something similar, but gave up (the conversion to drop bar cost more than the bike was worth!). Anyway, here's a source I was looking at: https://www.modernbike.com/26-inch-forks+fork-typeisrigid+threadedisyes+tube-diameteris1

[thirdgenbird]

I did this with an old M2. It came to me in near new condition. I swapped the fork for a rigid Kona fork, put a 1x chainring on the crank, and swapped to a 10spd zee rd/shifter and SLX cassette. Tons of fun. It looked pretty period and was about as simple as a geared bike can get. I often regret selling it.

[NHAero]

Most useful bike! Singletrack, dirt roads, but rolls fine on the Conti Speed Kings 26x2.2 tires on pavement. I've thought about a rigid fork, but unless it's carbon, a steel fork isn't all that much lighter than the old SID on the bike now, and it adds comfort on the single track.

SRAM Force running 42/28 with an 11-40 11 speed cassette, RS685 hydro shifters and XT calipers.


https://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697995214&stc=1&d=1585152367

[Ken Robb]

I made my Bridgestone MB-3 into a fun urban cruiser with some "Priest" pull-back bars from Rivendell. Everyone who tried that bike liked it. Riv still sells similar but not identical bars and the good news is they are the same diameter as the bars that came with your bike so you don't need to get new levers and stem. Riv also sells bars similar to the moustache bars I had on my Riv Allrounder (Albastache?) and they offer some of the plusses of drop bars like multiple hand positions. I don't know if they still sell these bars in both bar diameters so customers can keep either mtn. or road bars.

If the fork is still working I'd try keeping it before I spent $$ on a rigid fork.

[providence]

I got this old Schwinn Cimarron MTB with intention of going to a drop bar gravel bike.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2873/33447024304_34cc159f2e_c.jpg

When I was building it up, I never felt great about the position I could get into so I when to a Nitto Bullmoose set up and haven’t looked back. It’s an extremely fun bike. Couldn’t recommend these transformations enough.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4165/33792778883_f7b40a54e0_c.jpg

I ran into this MB-1 that is going to be similar but with a more boutique 80-90’s feel in terms of parts. It’s currently stripped down awaiting the arrival of everything to start the build.

https://i.ibb.co/FHSjXz4/0-E291-C32-A9-C4-42-EC-B9-F2-A37-A7-DC5-E1-A2.jpg

[texbike]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4165/33792778883_f7b40a54e0_c.jpg


This is seriously cool! Great work!

Texbike

[choke]

1) are there 1" rigid 26" forks readily available? Need one with Canti bosses.Sure, you just need to find one that is the proper length. A good place to start would be here - https://www.somafabshop.com/shop/category/components-forks-975

2) are there special tools I need to remove/replace a threaded headset? Mine seems pitted/"notchy". Point me in the right direction if you can http://davesbikeblog.squarespace.com/blog/2007/6/8/headset-removal-and-replacement.html I prefer to use PVC instead of steel to set the crown race.

3) anyone done this from flat bar to drop bar?

Pics for inspiration would be great.Early 90s Scapin XP with full Campy Euclid.

http://scapin.ciocctoo.com/scap1.jpg

http://scapin.ciocctoo.com/scap2.jpg

[mass_biker]

Thanks all for the inspiration...gonna get to work next week!

[mhespenheide]

Bikeman sells Carver 1" forks: http://www.bikeman.com/CARV-FK410S-O1009-RK.html.

[NHAero]

2-1/2 pounds though!

Bikeman sells Carver 1" forks: http://www.bikeman.com/CARV-FK410S-O1009-RK.html.

[Davist]

2-1/2 pounds though!

Isn't that the same as the new $1500 lefty for the topstone?! :banana: great $/weight ratio :)

[NHAero]

Now that you put it that way...but I'm holding out for an older DT Swiss carbon version of the Bikeman


Isn't that the same as the new $1500 lefty for the topstone?! :banana: great $/weight ratio :)

[Hindmost]

Another requirement for the conversion is the right stem. Notice that some of the examples have stems and/or headtubes with a lot of vertical rise. The Bontrager's had super short head tubes.

[NHAero]

Yes - I used a Delta Cycles stem extension, because I wanted to use a short stem in terms of reach, and the riser stems solved the stack but not the reach issue.

Another requirement for the conversion is the right stem. Notice that some of the examples have stems and/or headtubes with a lot of vertical rise. The Bontrager's had super short head tubes.

[charliedid]

That bike needs one of these. For real.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200606/20178d9a17c1e196d38c7dbc5139953e.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NHAero]

what is that fork?
That bike needs one of these. For real.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200606/20178d9a17c1e196d38c7dbc5139953e.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[choke]

what is that fork?
Bontrager

[mhespenheide]

2-1/2 pounds though!

Well, they've got this one in carbon: http://www.bikeman.com/CARV-FK410S-O1009.html, but it's not that much lighter, and then you'd still have to buy add-on canti mounts.

[mhespenheide]

1) are there 1" rigid 26" forks readily available? Need one with Canti bosses.



I can keep my eyes out at local co-ops for a 1" fork. How long a steerer do you need?

Are you okay with either threaded or threadless?

[mass_biker]

Ok w either I guess...right now threaded (that is pitted). I lost the the too-long Bonty stem (or was it Salsa?) but I have other quill/threaded stems. Please point me in any direction.

[Hindmost]

Got an old (pre Trek)
It has a 1" rockshox fork.

m_b

Mag 21? Probably a collector's item. I believe Bontrager made his own crown for those forks to fit that bike. If it's still functional I'd be tempted to run it first.

[pinkshogun]

my 1990 Trek. No regrets. Retroshift/gevenalle brifters with v brakes, no problem

[mass_biker]

Rock Shox Judy = 1" steerer.
And although I no longer have the Bonty quill stem, I do see a few on the 'Bay.
This could be interesting.
Old Shimano Deore XT shifters.
I wonder how fat a 26" tire I can squeeze back there!

[Hindmost]

A Judy, cool. Elastomers, no oil and seals. So it should still be functional, in a retro kind of way. I would focus on stem, bars, brake levers, etc.

[pdonk]

Another requirement for the conversion is the right stem. Notice that some of the examples have stems and/or headtubes with a lot of vertical rise. The Bontrager's had super short head tubes.

I'd look for a ritchey force comp stem. They had a pretty good rise. Or get on Paul Brodie's list for stems for next time he does a batch. He typically offers a high rise version.

[mass_biker]

All - I got it good to go and rode it to the grocery store today. Thank you for all your help and suggestions.

Observations: Low, long, and rac-y.

Despite a slightly notchy headset, it rides pretty nicely!

Wish list:

1) a 1" quill stem with zero degree rise - say 90 - 110 mm max, to fit 25.4 bars
2) fatter 26" tires - right now 2.1"
3) would love a brown suede turbo saddle - got a no-name one on there now, but need something with longer rails

thanks

m_b

[pasadena]

amazing how that looks like a future, high end gravel bike. 90s XC is the new Groad...

Most useful bike! Singletrack, dirt roads, but rolls fine on the Conti Speed Kings 26x2.2 tires on pavement. I've thought about a rigid fork, but unless it's carbon, a steel fork isn't all that much lighter than the old SID on the bike now, and it adds comfort on the single track.

SRAM Force running 42/28 with an 11-40 11 speed cassette, RS685 hydro shifters and XT calipers.


https://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697995214&stc=1&d=1585152367