Bicycle Mechanics - Changing from Mtn. to Hybrid... help

Hey Folks,
I have a 10 year old Trek 930 mtn bike. I have done so little trail riding over the past few years that it is just collecting dust. I just bought my wife a Trek 7200 and wanted to get into casual riding with her and our daughter. My question:
Can I easily convert my current configuration to a Hybrid or comfort bike or is the frame geometry just all wrong? What is involved, my assumption is a new set of rims and tires, new seat, new handle bars... what am I missing and is this just a dumb idea??
Thanks...
Rob

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Hey Folks,
I have a 10 year old Trek 930 mtn bike. I have done so little trail riding over the past few years that it is just collecting dust. I just bought my wife a Trek 7200 and wanted to get into casual riding with her and our daughter. My question:
Can I easily convert my current configuration to a Hybrid or comfort bike or is the frame geometry just all wrong? What is involved, my assumption is a new set of rims and tires, new seat, new handle bars... what am I missing and is this just a dumb idea??
Thanks...
RobI duno where you are going with the rims or what that has to do with it,but most poeple just stick a set of narrower slick tires on a mtb and go ride it. You could also stick a riser stem/bars on it if you dig the upright look.

Right. In effect, I've converted most of our police-bike "fleet" into what would pass for comfort bikes. They come with street tires, (usually 1.75X26), and I end up installing cushier seats and high-rise stems, and in some cases a short "riser" bar with a bit of pull-back.
These are quite pleasant to cruise around on.

Well with regards to the rims... I was looking at the hybrid bikes out there, and most seem to have larger diameter, thinner tires/rims. Kinda in the middle of street bike and mtn. bike size... I have street tires on my stock 26" rims, but they are very wide and don't feel particularly quick...

Well with regards to the rims... I was looking at the hybrid bikes out there, and most seem to have larger diameter, thinner tires/rims. Kinda in the middle of street bike and mtn. bike size... I have street tires on my stock 26" rims, but they are very wide and don't feel particularly quick...You can get real narrow 26" slicks.How fast is your wife and how fast do you need to be on a comfort bike?....hybrids typically use a 700c road size wheel.

Well with regards to the rims... I was looking at the hybrid bikes out there, and most seem to have larger diameter, thinner tires/rims. Kinda in the middle of street bike and mtn. bike size... I have street tires on my stock 26" rims, but they are very wide and don't feel particularly quick...

Try the Specialized Fat Boys. 1.25" slicks. High pressure. Low profile. Look really funny on the 930 but they are quite fast. You would notice a difference going to the 700c's that most hybrids use, but the 930 will not accept them. There are quite a few high pressure, skinny 26" tires out there though, I just happen to be familiar with the above.

I am attempting to do the same with my '96ish Specialized Rockhopper. I replaced the stem with a shorter, steeper rise, Specialized Fatboy tires and new wheels. Your correct, the Fatboys do make you roll faster. As a result of this decreased rolling resistance, I find I am out of gears.

Here is my question: How do I change the drive train to allow for "taller" gearing? If I change to a more hybrid-like crank/ front gears, are there any other compatability issues I need to be aware of? It is a 7 speed cassette bike.

Great forum, thanks in advance for any help.

Here is my question: How do I change the drive train to allow for "taller" gearing? If I change to a more hybrid-like crank/ front gears, are there any other compatability issues I need to be aware of? It is a 7 speed cassette bike.

Great forum, thanks in advance for any help.You need bigger rings on the front. The FD has to be able to clear them.What you have may or may not depending on how much bigger you go. Current mtb FD have a max tooth capacity of around 44 to 48 teeth depending on model,and might handle a few more. Old mtb FD that were used with the 46 and 48 big rings would handle a 52 or 53.

Rob, I have a Trek 930 as well and at some point I wanted to do exactly the same, put 700c weels etc. After I bought a road bike I discovered that the 930 is a great "in between frame" comfortable in the road and not to bad for the trails! I just put skinny tires with lots of air pressure, changed the stock cantiliver breaks for some V-brake type and a new casssete that has an 11-t and I was able keep up with some of the mid pack roadies! If you want (or you are ready for) more speed you might be able to put a 46-t chain ring in the front! My 930 is my favorite commuter!

But wait! You mustn't forget the bouncy-bouncy-cushy-cushy suspension seat post!!! No, no, no, you can't forget that!

Have fun and post before/after pictures, okay?