Originally Posted by
algrant33
Hi everybody--
I'm currently weighing the prospect of getting a 29er hardtail mountain bike and converting it to a commuter. At 6'1 and 320 lbs, I'm a big guy on a budget and I figured that getting a "stock" MTB frame/wheels would be a cost effective way to get bulletproof components at a cheap price. I've got a thread going in the Clydesdales forum but I had a couple of questions which would be better served by you guys.
REI's running an awesome deal right now where you take 20% off the top of their Novara house-brand bicycles, and then 10% of the remainder comes back to you in a dividend credit next year. Their
Novara Ponderosa is an incredible value at that price, and the sales guy indicated he'd be willing to do a little upgrading to set me up for free.
So I'm trying to figure out what to do to convert this to an efficient reliable commuter. I want to mount a rack and fenders, and probably a front and rear light, and switch out the knobbies for some street-friendly rubber. The front fork has a speed lockout, which I'd use on the road.
How do I go about doing this? What should I be looking for?
I would lke to support REI, but it's an Al frame, cro-mo is much nicer for your purpose...I've had 29ers in both. The wheelset, it' s not the number of spokes but the quality...and I would be suspicious of those wheels. Fork, a Suntour fork...yuk. Essentially, this is a Giant made in China bike. Frankly, if this is the way you are going go you might be better off with one of the BikeDrects aluminum Fantom29ers, you may get better wheels & fork. Sorry, but these low-end 29ers really turn me off, but if you going to do it buy smart:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...9_comp_xii.htm There are different models depending on your budget.
Funny, I have the 20% coupon too. I can't find anything at REI that I want, everything seems 30% overpriced or dorky. Maybe I'll get a nice daypack.
My son bought my steel 29er for commuting and single track. We mounted low rider suspension specific racks and waterproof panniers on the front, not back, it works very well. The racks stay on for off-road, no issues. One of the things that surprises, a 29er is pretty darn fast up to 18mph, then aero takes over. He paces a road bike without a sweat, if you stay away from big knobby MTB tires a well set up 29er wil fly down the pavement. The WTB Nanos that come stock on some 29ers are great all purpose tires.