MTB to Hybrid Conversion - Newbie Help
#26
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lots of used Trek 7.1 FX for sale out there
#27
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OP, you have an "all mountain" hardtail mountain bike. These bikes have long travel (140-160mm) suspension forks. Your setup makes it look odd because you're trying to fit a frame thats loo large for you. This bike is for somebody about 5-10" tall
Try inverting the stem and if that doesn't work out for you, sell it and buy a bike that fits. Don't spend money on a bike that doesn't fit.
Upon flipping the stem, you may notice that the height is workable but the bars are too far away. This is because the frame is too large for you. Also, lowering the stem increases the distance from bars to seat. Resist the urge to buy a shorter stem. Sell it and buy a bike that fits.
Try inverting the stem and if that doesn't work out for you, sell it and buy a bike that fits. Don't spend money on a bike that doesn't fit.
Upon flipping the stem, you may notice that the height is workable but the bars are too far away. This is because the frame is too large for you. Also, lowering the stem increases the distance from bars to seat. Resist the urge to buy a shorter stem. Sell it and buy a bike that fits.
#28
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Get a 1 1/8 non-threaded chrom-moly fork from your favorite on-line disributor or Surly. Un-bolt the stem and the old fork will fall out the bottom of the bike. Slide the new one in. It will be the correct length and offset for a "normal" MTB and the steering tube (the part of the fork that sticks up and the handle bars mount to) will be un-cut so you can leave the bars up as high as you like. Order some spacers with the fork, stack them on top of the part that sticks out and clamp the stem on top of those. Bob's your uncle.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1908849876...84.m1438.l2649
I'm willing to spend this small amount.
Here she is with the stem flipped. It actually made a nice improvement. Bike feels a little smaller, and riding position feels more natural..I still dont like that massive front end though!
[IMG][/IMG]
#29
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Probably not if DorkDisk is right. Most hard-tail MTBs have 80-100mm of travel. If your bike really IS supposed to have 140mm that's a pretty big difference. There might be a longer rigid fork out there but I'd check the specs before I bought it. OTOH for 30 pounds it's worth a try. You already have a bunch of money sunk onto the tires that will be lost if you "upgrade" to a bike with 700c wheels.
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#30
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That fork will steepen your headtube too much. A 29" fork would be a better choice if you had disks, and the frame fit.
Try inverted northroad bars
Try inverted northroad bars
#31
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Ok I have another idea that won't change your fork height but maybe the overall look...
Personally I like the stem to be similar angle to the top tube.
Get a second hand 0 deg stem. Also maybe 1cm shorter. Slam it by moving the two spacers to the top.
I think it will look cool.
This is what I did and it looks like this...
Personally I like the stem to be similar angle to the top tube.
Get a second hand 0 deg stem. Also maybe 1cm shorter. Slam it by moving the two spacers to the top.
I think it will look cool.
This is what I did and it looks like this...
Last edited by giantcfr1; 08-29-13 at 07:27 AM.
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