Originally Posted by
Bill1227
On a MTB 25 years ago = yes and maybe bump a chain ring up.
Todays modern MTB's = no, not really and this is what spawned the factory available "hybrid" form of a MTB.
* Modern MTB's=
Shorter and shorter chain stays, which give little room for heel clearance with panniers
Shorter wheel bases
Granny gears
Less and less with braze on's except base/low cost series
Frames built/designed around larger,wider than ever tire capacity which when you mount smaller volume rubber on can be dicey,twitchy.
This loss a practicality in MTB's stems from racing and/or wanting to look like a racer rather than adventure MTB'ing of old
so ... consider this -
Supercycle 1800 Men's 26" Hardtail Mountain Bike | Canadian Tire
It is possible that bikes such as the one here - bottom of the line el-cheapos - represent a hidden value for utility users that we just don't appreciate for what it is.
We have here proven technology - nothing on the bike is a new design - the Deraileurs appear to be Falcon - which is to say a copy of something Shimano was producing 30 years ago, which was, itself, a copy of a Suntour design that was 15 years old then - so I gues we coupld call it a "proven design" - V-brakes so the brakes might actually stop the bike - One piece cranks (another "proven design"). Basic and durable steel frame. No cheapo suspension with it's added weight and limited life (especially if left out and neglected). Sturdy looking fork. And 2 eyelets front and rear for racks and fenders.
My contention is that this bike represents a broad spectrum capability which is often missing in more specialized bike. It is a blank canvas, easy to build into something more than it's starting point. Racks and fenders, road tires, a better seat, North Road bars, a bell and a bottle cage, may, with careful shopping, net a user a capable commuter/utility mount and still come in under $200.00.
Just - make sure you give it a once over to check the assembly - assembly, unsursprisingly, seems to be at the root of most negative reviews.
So ... who wants one? Any takers?