Originally Posted by
swen0171
I think you might still need a bigger frame
Seriously, it looks great, and I love the big tires. I couldn't get 2.4s on my earlier High Sierra so I have a set of 2.1s, I'm sure the smaller Big Apples will fit with the brakes. I love the ride of contemporary fat tires on these early mtbs. But I do have to question the idea (it seems I've been hearing it everywhere) of converting these bikes to drop bars. I tried to do that several times years ago with similar projects, but finally I've decided that a nice wide set of vintage risers or Nitto north road bars really suit these frames better. Though, I'm over 40 and I want to put north roads on every bike I own now
Really looks sweet!
Thanks, but where can I find a bigger frame?
I was surprised that these tires fit, they wouldn't go on my Rockhopper without hitting the chainstays and chainstay bridge, but there's plenty of room here.
The drop bar conversion is something I tried before and liked it a lot, but the frame I was using had me too stretched out - the aforementioned bike has a longer top tube. I picked up a touring bike after doing the last MTB conversion and I switched over to it for my commute, but I found that I preferred the smaller wheels and bulletproof feel of the MTB.
I like northroads a lot also, but my hands & wrists tend to get sore on longer rides if I can't change my grip, and I envision this bike doing dual duty as a commuter/tourer.
Thanks for the ID on the stem, it does look like a quality piece. I'm sure you're right about the durability, I think it's the light weight that gives me the vibe.