armandp

I am participating in a 200KM road bike fundraising event. I only have a mountain bike with front suspension. Was looking for a used road bike. Found an 84 Norco Monterey listed for

$130 canadian. Here are pictures at this link. https://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-s...AdIdZ225166652


Would I be better off getting road tires, a bigger chain ring and a lock for the front suspension of my mountain bike and use it instead?

Is spending that money on an old road bike a better option then using my mountain bike?

Any thoughts? By the way, my mountain bike is a 2009 Diamondback Response Comp.

Thanks for your time.

wrk101

That's a really low end bike. Myself, I would aim higher, look harder.

T-Mar

The 1984 Monterey was 2nd from the bottom of the line. It's a hi-tensile frame, but at least it has aluminum rims. Weight will be a about 26lbs. It's a fair price if it's in good mechanical condition and doesn't need more work.

High pressure ATB tires will make your ATB roll almost at well as this. The gearing isn't going to be an issue. According the specs, the 2009 Respose Comp has a 44/11T top gear, which is taller than the 52/14T on the Monterey. Low gear on the Montrey is not really that low, so if there are some big hills the ATB may fare better. However, the multiple hand positions afforded by drop bars are a real asset on that long a ride, especially if you're not using bar end extensions.

sonatageek

If it were me I would go for slick tires for the mountain bike and add a set of bar ends to your current bar, or try one of the trekking bar variants. With your set up swapping out the bars would be pretty easy.