Fifty Plus (50+) - Winter Project

I was at a friend's store Friday. He has always sold and maintained bikes but they are not his bread and butter business. He knows that I will by two cross country ski packages from him this fall. We were looking through what he calls his museum. He has several N.O.S. (New Old Stock, meaning never sold) bikes dating back almost 30 years. I am going to buy one from him and he knows it. I always wanted a top quality bike with down tube shifters.

Anyway he pulls out this mid 90's Raleigh MT500 28cm frame. Hard tail mt. bike frame with fixed forks. Has every attachment point need for racks and fenders already built in. Pretty light compared to something with suspension and Very light compared to my Giant Yukon mt bike frame. He gave it to me. 0$.

I have a 2000 Fiji Mt Bike with a compact frame, 7 speed cassett, triple crank, all shimano that my son has outgrown. I am going to strip the Fuji and turn the Raleigh frame into a commuter/light tourer with 26X1.25 slicks.

Is this a dumb idea? I am going to do it any way, I just wanted to know.

not dumb it you find it enjoyable...! Sounds like fun really.

Is this a dumb idea? I am going to do it any way, I just wanted to know.

Maybe. Is this really a 28 cm frame? That's only about 12 inches. Is it reasonably the right size for you to fit onto?

Not that I rate the current Marque, but the MT 500 was a good frame. Not certain if it was chromoly but it was light. Suggest going for a Suspension fork if taking it offroad but a Small movement version of around 80mm should suffice.

Retro,

Sorry for the typo. It is a 58 cm frame, not 28 cm.

Stapfam,

This will be a road bike only. That is why I was excited about the fixed fork. I will put 1.25" slicks on it to replace the knobbies. I put fenders on my Giant to ride in wet weather. I had to use zip-ties on the front fenders to attach to the forks. With this MT 500 frame there are all the proper screw holes, so it will get the fenders when I am done.

That will give me the Giant for the little off-road I do and the MT 500 for on -road.

If it fits how could this be a dumb project?

Imagine if you chose to join a bowling league for the winter. A new set of cables and housings, the "right" handlebars and grips, new tires and tubes, fenders, maybe a set of lights - how much could all of that stuff cost by comparison? You'll have just as much fun so what's the difference?

You will have a blast putting this thing together. Allow some time for "longer" than you might thing it will take but definitely sounds like a project to undertake.

Sounds like a great idea to me. It could turn out something like "Sasquatch" or "Snidely". Have fun!
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/th_DSCF0668Medium.jpg (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/DSCF0668Medium.jpg)
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/th_Sasquatchrtside.jpg (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/Sasquatchrtside.jpg)

Or you could do what I did when I found a similar type frame this summer, turn it into a "Snow Cycle" with studded tires for winter riding. If you want to read more and see more of my bike check this link. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=237130

I think you have a great idea. I used Planet Bike Fenders. They were quite easy to install. Good luck!

Retro,

Sorry for the typo. It is a 58 cm frame, not 28 cm.

Stapfam,

This will be a road bike only. That is why I was excited about the fixed fork. I will put 1.25" slicks on it to replace the knobbies. I put fenders on my Giant to ride in wet weather. I had to use zip-ties on the front fenders to attach to the forks. With this MT 500 frame there are all the proper screw holes, so it will get the fenders when I am done.

That will give me the Giant for the little off-road I do and the MT 500 for on -road.

Now if you are solely road then the tyre to get is a Continental Grand prix. About a .22 in road bike sizing and roll beautifully. High pressure tyre so good rims required to take the 100psi- or 120 if you really want to roll, but by far the least drag resistant tyre for a 26" wheel. Now on the fenders- Why use them? As you will be able to keep up with the road riders on this lightweight bike that you will be building up- You might aswell go Naked and lose as much weight as possible to show them how it can be done.

When my back could take the shocks- I built up a custom MTB and it had rigid forks. In road trim it weighed 18lbs and used to fly. Only mistake I made was that I used an MTB Crankset on it with 22/32/44 gearing- Now if you could get a Road triple with 30/42/52 on it- You will have a low enough gear for the Steepest hills and on the Downhills you will be taking the roadies. Especially with V. brakes on it to be able to stop for the hairpins on the mountain descents.

Now if you are solely road then the tyre to get is a Continental Grand prix. About a .22 in road bike sizing and roll beautifully. High pressure tyre so good rims required to take the 100psi- or 120 if you really want to roll, but by far the least drag resistant tyre for a 26" wheel. Now on the fenders- Why use them? As you will be able to keep up with the road riders on this lightweight bike that you will be building up- You might aswell go Naked and lose as much weight as possible to show them how it can be done.

When my back could take the shocks- I built up a custom MTB and it had rigid forks. In road trim it weighed 18lbs and used to fly. Only mistake I made was that I used an MTB Crankset on it with 22/32/44 gearing- Now if you could get a Road triple with 30/42/52 on it- You will have a low enough gear for the Steepest hills and on the Downhills you will be taking the roadies. Especially with V. brakes on it to be able to stop for the hairpins on the mountain descents.

This sounds like a lot of trouble to try and make a competitive road racer out of a MTB. Might as well get a road bike for that purpose. I like WillisB's plan a lot better. His frame will easily make a great commuter/light tourer, which is what he says he wants to do. 1.25" tires running 80psi or so will be plenty fast and WAY more comfortable and versatile. An old (or new) 110 BCD triple crank could be set up with any number of gear combinations to suit the type of riding desired. Sugino's XD is a good one. Shimano also has "Trekking" cranks with 28/38/48 rings.

Check the rear spacing if you want to put road components on your project. Good luck.

To clarify. I do not intend to use road components.

I have a 7 speed 14X34 Shimano Megarange(tm) cassette and a 28/38/48 SR Suntour crank off the Fuji MTB that I am cannibalizing. The rear derailleur is an Altus, the front a Tourney. When I have money I will upgrade them. I will keep the crank until the rings wear out at which time I will change it to a Deore LX Trekking crankset 26/36/48. The cassette I will change to a 12X28 as soon as I can get to the LBS and buy one.

I'd stick with the mtb or treking cranksets. Especially if you ride anywhere with long, steady grades. I'm not in bad shape, but there are hills I struggled to climb with my Suntour crank (48/38/28) and just changed out to standard mtb crankset with 44/34/22. My old knees simple could not take a road crankset

I did a similar conversion on a mid-'80s Bridgestone mountain bike several years ago. I got a new Cannondale, and my interests had sort of shifted to road anyway (they built houses on all the rideable land within 10 miles of my house...), so I put on fenders and road tires and made a (very) few other changes to the Bstone and kept it as a commuter/winter bike/grocery getter.
It's worked out really well. It was probably my most-ridden bike until I got an Atlantis, and I still use it all the time for just knocking around, running out for a newspaper, whatever. I've fiddled around a little with the basic setup, mostly just for fun (right now it has old-style "three-speed" swept-back handlebars).
I'd say go for it. You're not going to put much money or work into it (don't get into money pits like changing gearing or anything like that), and it's always good to have an extra bike around.

Good idea...

...I did this with my wife's old bike...bought a used frame, fork, crank set, swapped out the parts from her old Fuji...only had to buy a new seatpost, tires, and cables/covers (and she opted for a new saddle as well).

She calls it her "Fuji Cruz":D

To clarify. I do not intend to use road components.

I have a 7 speed 14X34 Shimano Megarange(tm) cassette and a 28/38/48 SR Suntour crank off the Fuji MTB that I am cannibalizing. The rear derailleur is an Altus, the front a Tourney. When I have money I will upgrade them. I will keep the crank until the rings wear out at which time I will change it to a Deore LX Trekking crankset 26/36/48. The cassette I will change to a 12X28 as soon as I can get to the LBS and buy one.

This sounds like a solid plan to me. What are your plans for handlebars, saddle and fenders? Oh, and don't forget the bell!

This sounds like a solid plan to me. What are your plans for handlebars, saddle and fenders? Oh, and don't forget the bell!


Fenders -- The SKS Commuters currently on the Giant.

Bell -- The one currently on the Giant.

Saddle -- I have a couple spares, nothing special. Maybe I will ask for a B-17 for Christmas.

Bars -- The ones off the Fuji along with the Shimano V-Brake brake shifter units. I will need to add bar-ends.

One thought I have had in passing is to buy a road (curl) bar which Nashbar has that will fit an MTB stem. I would then need new shifters and brake levers. If I could find some clamp-on downtube shifters I would seriously consider them (I don't have braze-on fittings in that area). Then I would just need brake levers and handlebar tape. I was riding a mid-90's Miyata touring bike last week that had downtube shifters and loved it.

Does anyone know where I can find clamp-on fittings for such shifters?

Does anyone know where I can find clamp-on fittings for such shifters?

Try:
http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/LD1240

Is this a dumb idea? I am going to do it any way, I just wanted to know.

The price is right. As long as the components fit. Why not try it?

Does he have more at that price??? ;)

The price is right. As long as the components fit. Why not try it?

Does he have more at that price??? ;)

Sorry it's all mine!:D

Does anyone know where I can find clamp-on fittings for such shifters?

http://cgi.ebay.com/NIB-Suntour-Down-Tube-Retro-Friction-Power-Shifters_W0QQitemZ230042610497QQihZ013QQcategoryZ36140QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Simplex-twin-down-tube-control-lever-NOS_W0QQitemZ280039126858QQihZ018QQcategoryZ36140QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/NOS-70s-Shimano-Dura-Ace-downtube-shift-levers-clamp_W0QQitemZ320040411723QQihZ011QQcategoryZ36140QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/SUNTOUR-INDEX-CLAMP-ON-DOWNTUBE-SHIFTER-ENDLESS-INDEX_W0QQitemZ160042184194QQihZ006QQcategoryZ36140QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
"Endless Indexing?????" I think he's just describing power ratchet friction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Suntour-Clamp-on-Power-shifters-index-friction_W0QQitemZ200038329341QQihZ010QQcategoryZ36140QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CAMPAGNOLO-CLAMP-ON-SHIFT-LEVERS_W0QQitemZ300041223809QQihZ020QQcategoryZ36140QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Shimano-Dura-Ace-Clamp-On-Shifters-bike-bicycle_W0QQitemZ270044519608QQihZ017QQcategoryZ36140QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/NIB-Suntour-Down-Tube-Retro-Friction-Power-Shifters_W0QQitemZ230042610497QQihZ013QQcategoryZ36140QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Simplex-twin-down-tube-control-lever-NOS_W0QQitemZ280039126858QQihZ018QQcategoryZ36140QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/NOS-70s-Shimano-Dura-Ace-downtube-shift-levers-clamp_W0QQitemZ320040411723QQihZ011QQcategoryZ36140QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/SUNTOUR-INDEX-CLAMP-ON-DOWNTUBE-SHIFTER-ENDLESS-INDEX_W0QQitemZ160042184194QQihZ006QQcategoryZ36140QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
"Endless Indexing?????" I think he's just describing power ratchet friction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Suntour-Clamp-on-Power-shifters-index-friction_W0QQitemZ200038329341QQihZ010QQcategoryZ36140QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CAMPAGNOLO-CLAMP-ON-SHIFT-LEVERS_W0QQitemZ300041223809QQihZ020QQcategoryZ36140QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Shimano-Dura-Ace-Clamp-On-Shifters-bike-bicycle_W0QQitemZ270044519608QQihZ017QQcategoryZ36140QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Thanks BluesDawg! Great links.

I have actually decided to go with bar-end shifters. It will be easier to set up on this bike because of the existing cable routings.

I'm pretty sure if you ask anyone on BF if they think its a dumb idea to get another bike, the answer will be "no". Now, the question on the otherhand :)

Thanks BluesDawg! Great links.

I have actually decided to go with bar-end shifters. It will be easier to set up on this bike because of the existing cable routings.

You're welcome. Bar-end shifters are a great choice. Suntour friction barcons are my favorite bicycle component.

I'm looking forward to a pic of the finished product. BluesDawg has me going on a '93 Trek 930 I found to replace my '88 Trek 830. I've almost completed the swap-outs and I'm ordering a new stem for the North Road bars off the 830 instead of the adjustable one I had. Later, I'll order a set of On-One Midge bars for it. Modifying a decent MTB for all-purpose is a great idea.

Looks like I'll have one of these projects going on myself this winter. I mentioned in another thread that I'm getting a new hardtail mountain bike. My wife says that I've crossed a limit. If another bike comes in, one has to go. It's a tough choice, but the loser has to be Uncle Duke, the Fuji 12 speed all purpose bike. I figure I can make a good all arounder from the Trek 970. Heck, that's what I built it up as originally (see Snidely). Before I sell the Fuji, I'll remove the fenders, rack, Brooks B17, Nitto moustache bars and dirt drop stem and the bar end shifters. They are worth more than the rest of the bike. I'll put the original parts back on the Fuji and it will still be a nice road bike.
I think this time I'm going to try a more upright position with Albatross-like bars I have laying around. I'll get to pull the Brooks Flyer out of storage.

I got my hands on a used road bar. Does anyone have an extra set of bar-end shifters that have enough throw for a seven speed rear and triple front? Friction or indexing, I don't care so long as the price is cheap!

Thanks!

Not cheap.

Went back to my friend's shop today. We scrounged through his old parts.

1 set N.O.S. Simplex bar-end friction shifters that he felt would have enough pull for the 7 speed cassette and triple front.

1 barely used curl bar "Sakae Randonner Road Champion" complete with stem and Dia-Compe brake levers. May be NOS. He couldn't remember.

1 pair (front and rear) Shimano Alivio center pull cantilever brakes in original packaging.

New Inelli cork bar tape.

Total $40.00.