Vintage MTB To Upright Bar / Urban Bike Conversions
04-03-20, 05:36 PM
#476
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: NPR, Florida
Posts: 83
Bikes: 1984~85 Raleigh Competition, 1985 Raleigh Super Course, 2013 Raleigh Revenio 2.0
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My market seems to be cornered by a guy named Robert who lists these old school MTBs at crazy markups (example). (I have a pretend feud with Robert as he seems to have every large MTB frame in Dallas)
With that being said, my parts bin is pretty light, so the seller offered to raid his. He's found a bottom bracket, cranks, pedals, stem, bars, brakes and levers, seat post,shifters , and rear Shimano dx derailleur he said he'd throw in for 75. At that point, I think I'm in business. Thoughts?
I'm wondering if this wheelset would be alright as a starting point. I know nothing about wheel building :/
With that being said, my parts bin is pretty light, so the seller offered to raid his. He's found a bottom bracket, cranks, pedals, stem, bars, brakes and levers, seat post,shifters , and rear Shimano dx derailleur he said he'd throw in for 75. At that point, I think I'm in business. Thoughts?
I'm wondering if this wheelset would be alright as a starting point. I know nothing about wheel building :/
04-03-20, 05:38 PM
#477
Is that the Cimarron frame with the group on it? Looks like a nice wheelset, even the tires so long as the dropout spacing is close and the cassette is compatible. It may work for you but by the time you've got a rider I wouldn't expect you'd get your investment back out of it. Best be sure it's a keeper!
04-03-20, 05:43 PM
#478
Is that the Cimarron frame with the group on it? Looks like a nice wheelset, even the tires so long as the dropout spacing is close and the cassette is compatible. It may work for you but by the time you've got a rider I wouldn't expect you'd get your investment back out of it. Best be sure it's a keeper!
04-03-20, 06:46 PM
#480
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04-04-20, 06:33 PM
#481
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 102
Bikes: '72 Fuji Newest, '79 Fuji Royale Gravel Grinder; '84 Schwinn High Sierra BMX Cruiser; '97 Huffy Tremor BMX
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What can I say, I'm a sucker for some good seat tube graphics! Seriously though, with the components on the Cimarron, that would be a good move, and the frame looks like a better fit for a taller rider. Looks like a nice wheelset, too. One thing about the Fuji though is that it has horizontal dropouts, which could be nice down the line if you decide to go single speed (which I seem to do after a while with some of my bikes), then you don't need a chain tensioner. Plus, it's rad 
Additionally, I think I know the MTB frame hoarder you are talking about! My Dad lives in Euless and I occasionally check Dallas CL for parts he could send my way and I always see a dude who has the sweetest MTB builds. I have to admit I've screen-shotted several for inspiration.
Good luck!
04-04-20, 10:38 PM
#482
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 1,070
Bikes: 1963? Anquetil , 1973 PX10,1979 PX10,1984 PX10, VITUS 979 PX10DU,1970S ALAN,1985 PSV10,1980s PY10FC,1978 bERTIN,ALAN carbon
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Closest thing I have is this Carlton built Raleigh Rapide. Good fun on the gravel !
04-05-20, 12:29 AM
#483
Senior Member
My market seems to be cornered by a guy named Robert who lists these old school MTBs at crazy markups (example). (I have a pretend feud with Robert as he seems to have every large MTB frame in Dallas) :/
04-05-20, 07:40 AM
#484
Both options look great! The Cimarron is obviously nicer, but I'd be remiss if I didn't root for the Fuji What can I say, I'm a sucker for some good seat tube graphics! Seriously though, with the components on the Cimarron, that would be a good move, and the frame looks like a better fit for a taller rider. Looks like a nice wheelset, too. One thing about the Fuji though is that it has horizontal dropouts, which could be nice down the line if you decide to go single speed (which I seem to do after a while with some of my bikes), then you don't need a chain tensioner. Plus, it's rad
Additionally, I think I know the MTB frame hoarder you are talking about! My Dad lives in Euless and I occasionally check Dallas CL for parts he could send my way and I always see a dude who has the sweetest MTB builds. I have to admit I've screen-shotted several for inspiration.
Good luck!
What can I say, I'm a sucker for some good seat tube graphics! Seriously though, with the components on the Cimarron, that would be a good move, and the frame looks like a better fit for a taller rider. Looks like a nice wheelset, too. One thing about the Fuji though is that it has horizontal dropouts, which could be nice down the line if you decide to go single speed (which I seem to do after a while with some of my bikes), then you don't need a chain tensioner. Plus, it's rad Additionally, I think I know the MTB frame hoarder you are talking about! My Dad lives in Euless and I occasionally check Dallas CL for parts he could send my way and I always see a dude who has the sweetest MTB builds. I have to admit I've screen-shotted several for inspiration.
Good luck!
Funny on you having seen those MTB builds, too
04-05-20, 07:41 AM
#485
Its aggravating that the pipe smoking Robert has the market cornered. I would really like to find a MTB frame (> 19") before him one day. I am lucky to have found a large fat chance, but that was in MS! Robert surely would've beat me if it were dfw. Frustrating. I saw a nice Raleigh posted for $75 from someone one day, and then two days later he had bought it, put new cables on it, and wanted $200+!!
04-05-20, 01:56 PM
#486
Senior Member
Originally posted this build in the drop bar conversion thread as it was originally drop bar conversion. I did not know this thread existed and it fits much better here:
1987 Specialized "Street Stomper". The frame was a gift from my then girlfriend(now wife) back in 2013/14. First, I put trekking bars on it, then some Nitto Randonneur bars that were way too narrow. Finally, obviously inspired by the XO-1, I have a Nitto Dirt Drop stem with Moustache bars. I think I got the last pair of Compass(not Rene Herse) rat trap passes at 2020 Cycles in Seattle's Central District. Kore Kross brakes were a gift from a good friend and lastly I got the swift basket bag for christmas:
1987 Specialized "Street Stomper". The frame was a gift from my then girlfriend(now wife) back in 2013/14. First, I put trekking bars on it, then some Nitto Randonneur bars that were way too narrow. Finally, obviously inspired by the XO-1, I have a Nitto Dirt Drop stem with Moustache bars. I think I got the last pair of Compass(not Rene Herse) rat trap passes at 2020 Cycles in Seattle's Central District. Kore Kross brakes were a gift from a good friend and lastly I got the swift basket bag for christmas:
Last edited by blart; 04-10-20 at 06:14 PM.
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04-05-20, 02:04 PM
#487
Senior Member
Originally posted this build in the drop bar conversion thread as it was originally drop bar conversion. I did not know this thread existed and it fits much better here:
1987 Specialized "Street Stomper". The frame was a gift from my then girlfriend(now wife) back in 2013/14. First, I put trekking bars on it, then some Nitto Randonneur bars that were way too narrow. Finally, obviously inspired by the MB-1, I have a Nitto Dirt Drop stem with Moustache bars. I think I got the last pair of Compass(not Rene Herse) rat trap passes at 2020 Cycles in Seattle's Central District. Kore Kross brakes were a gift from a good friend and lastly I got the swift basket bag for christmas:
1987 Specialized "Street Stomper". The frame was a gift from my then girlfriend(now wife) back in 2013/14. First, I put trekking bars on it, then some Nitto Randonneur bars that were way too narrow. Finally, obviously inspired by the MB-1, I have a Nitto Dirt Drop stem with Moustache bars. I think I got the last pair of Compass(not Rene Herse) rat trap passes at 2020 Cycles in Seattle's Central District. Kore Kross brakes were a gift from a good friend and lastly I got the swift basket bag for christmas:
04-05-20, 06:01 PM
#488
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 153
Bikes: BMC TeamMachine, Surly Pacer, All City Big Block
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Originally posted this build in the drop bar conversion thread as it was originally drop bar conversion. I did not know this thread existed and it fits much better here:
1987 Specialized "Street Stomper". The frame was a gift from my then girlfriend(now wife) back in 2013/14. First, I put trekking bars on it, then some Nitto Randonneur bars that were way too narrow. Finally, obviously inspired by the MB-1, I have a Nitto Dirt Drop stem with Moustache bars. I think I got the last pair of Compass(not Rene Herse) rat trap passes at 2020 Cycles in Seattle's Central District. Kore Kross brakes were a gift from a good friend and lastly I got the swift basket bag for christmas:
1987 Specialized "Street Stomper". The frame was a gift from my then girlfriend(now wife) back in 2013/14. First, I put trekking bars on it, then some Nitto Randonneur bars that were way too narrow. Finally, obviously inspired by the MB-1, I have a Nitto Dirt Drop stem with Moustache bars. I think I got the last pair of Compass(not Rene Herse) rat trap passes at 2020 Cycles in Seattle's Central District. Kore Kross brakes were a gift from a good friend and lastly I got the swift basket bag for christmas:
04-05-20, 07:07 PM
#489
Senior Member
Thanks! I wish! I'm currently hunkered down in Michigan with a newborn baby and our family. A lot of great memories on Bainbridge, though.
04-10-20, 01:26 PM
#490
Originally posted this build in the drop bar conversion thread as it was originally drop bar conversion. I did not know this thread existed and it fits much better here:
1987 Specialized "Street Stomper". The frame was a gift from my then girlfriend(now wife) back in 2013/14. First, I put trekking bars on it, then some Nitto Randonneur bars that were way too narrow. Finally, obviously inspired by the MB-1, I have a Nitto Dirt Drop stem with Moustache bars. I think I got the last pair of Compass(not Rene Herse) rat trap passes at 2020 Cycles in Seattle's Central District. Kore Kross brakes were a gift from a good friend and lastly I got the swift basket bag for christmas:
1987 Specialized "Street Stomper". The frame was a gift from my then girlfriend(now wife) back in 2013/14. First, I put trekking bars on it, then some Nitto Randonneur bars that were way too narrow. Finally, obviously inspired by the MB-1, I have a Nitto Dirt Drop stem with Moustache bars. I think I got the last pair of Compass(not Rene Herse) rat trap passes at 2020 Cycles in Seattle's Central District. Kore Kross brakes were a gift from a good friend and lastly I got the swift basket bag for christmas:
I picked up some used Moustache bars a few months ago but have yet to try them out...
04-10-20, 06:10 PM
#491
Senior Member
I like them on a more upright build like this one. They are somewhere between an upright bar and a drop bar. To me they seem more functional than a riser/flat bar but more limited than a drop bar. You have the "drops" (the very far out widest part of the bar) but that's the standard riding position and you have an "aero"(right behind the brakes) position. Riding the hoods is possible but you can't ride the tops because they don't exist. The best parts are that the "drops" are super wide and comfy and the "aero" position is awesome for getting out of the saddle and climbing- very stable. Also, I happen to really like the look. I think they do well on a city/touring/all-around type bike.
Last edited by blart; 04-10-20 at 06:19 PM.
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04-10-20, 06:59 PM
#492
Thanks for the rundown! Do steep descents feel secure when positioned on the hoods (or is it possible to access brake levers from the "armpit" of the bar)?
04-10-20, 08:41 PM
#493
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 171
Bikes: Fuji Touring Series V 1985, Motobecane Grand Touring 1982, Specialized Stumpjumper 1993, Raleigh International 1972, Raleigh Grand Prix 1972, Kuwahara Count 1983, Trek Cirrus 1987, Shogun 2001 1983, Cannondale SM700 1990
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nice vintage gloves too there!
04-10-20, 11:48 PM
#494
My magical miyata mtb floater at the beach. 40t front, 11-34t rear, compass RTP, swept back nitto bars... 23mph at 100rpms on the flats while possible, is not easy to maintain. RiddleOfSteel can confirm 
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04-11-20, 08:28 AM
#495
Senior Member
04-11-20, 09:46 AM
#496
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Michigan USA
Posts: 1,074
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes.
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1995 Trek 930.
Switched to Kenda Komfort tires, changed grip shift to Shimano Rapidfire shift. Converted to threadless shorter stem.
Simple fenders for now.
Switched to Kenda Komfort tires, changed grip shift to Shimano Rapidfire shift. Converted to threadless shorter stem.
Simple fenders for now.
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04-11-20, 11:02 AM
#497
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Saratoga calif.
Posts: 1,095
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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Here is my latest urban assault vehicle .
Schwinn Sierra, mostly original equipment including 14- 30 Shimano freewheel, front and rear derailleurs, crank, wheels, brakes, stem and seat post.
Parts I replaced/upgraded
Chain, pedals, tires (2 x 26 Bontrager’s) , bars, brake levers, grips, cables and covers, bottle cage, saddle.
The bike was dusty , dirty and disheveled when I grabbed it from the diserted Bike Exchange last week .
Stripping it of its old rags and giving it a thorough cleaning revealed frame paint in pretty good
Condition. Some touch up with red Rustoleum from one of my spray cans matched the original solid color perfectly . With all the bright bits cleaned and polished she looks brand new. I couldn’t help gilding the lily a bit and added the red highlights to the fluted seat post.
I can’t think of a better steed for some urban techie wanting a cool vintage ride from his apartment down the street to his job at Google or Facebook.
These are the fattest tires I have put on a bike yet. We don’t usually get them this big at the Bike Exchange. I do have a set of 2.125 x 26 I stole off a huffy cruiser the other day. I am waiting for the perfect frame to put them on.
One kind of quirky bit of kit you will see are the Shimano shifters. I bought a couple sets a year ago because they were cheap . They are unique in the way they shift. Index shifting from high to low gear is by the shift lever. When you push the button the derailleur drops back down to high gear all at once. I guess they figure once you get to the top of the hill you automatically want to be in high.
They take a little getting used to but are kind of neat.
Schwinn Sierra, mostly original equipment including 14- 30 Shimano freewheel, front and rear derailleurs, crank, wheels, brakes, stem and seat post.
Parts I replaced/upgraded
Chain, pedals, tires (2 x 26 Bontrager’s) , bars, brake levers, grips, cables and covers, bottle cage, saddle.
The bike was dusty , dirty and disheveled when I grabbed it from the diserted Bike Exchange last week .
Stripping it of its old rags and giving it a thorough cleaning revealed frame paint in pretty good
Condition. Some touch up with red Rustoleum from one of my spray cans matched the original solid color perfectly . With all the bright bits cleaned and polished she looks brand new. I couldn’t help gilding the lily a bit and added the red highlights to the fluted seat post.
I can’t think of a better steed for some urban techie wanting a cool vintage ride from his apartment down the street to his job at Google or Facebook.
These are the fattest tires I have put on a bike yet. We don’t usually get them this big at the Bike Exchange. I do have a set of 2.125 x 26 I stole off a huffy cruiser the other day. I am waiting for the perfect frame to put them on.
One kind of quirky bit of kit you will see are the Shimano shifters. I bought a couple sets a year ago because they were cheap . They are unique in the way they shift. Index shifting from high to low gear is by the shift lever. When you push the button the derailleur drops back down to high gear all at once. I guess they figure once you get to the top of the hill you automatically want to be in high.
They take a little getting used to but are kind of neat.
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04-11-20, 11:11 AM
#498
Senior Member
My magical miyata mtb floater at the beach. 40t front, 11-34t rear, compass RTP, swept back nitto bars... 23mph at 100rpms on the flats while possible, is not easy to maintain. RiddleOfSteel can confirm
Gadzooks, you're tall. That looks like a really fun ride for cruising or some light trails
04-11-20, 04:21 PM
#499
Senior Member
Late 90s Raleigh tomac ti setup upright, relegated to street cruising with the kids. Would have made a fun MTB setup back in the day... Still a fun ride
04-14-20, 12:46 AM
#500
Junior Member
