Originally Posted by francophile

I finally started working on this project to get ready for a fall trip next month. Goal is to convert it to either 1x10 / 1x11 or possibly even 2x8 / 2x9 / 2x10

To get there I'm hunting one or more of the following:

• 26" wheelset, 100/135, rim brake, 8/9/10s ready (no 7s), freehub setup is ideal, bonus if 11s capable, bonus if pre-loaded w/10-spd cassette, bonus if mixed black/silver
• Mid+ grade '90s / '00s era single / double square taper 10s-ready crankset or I'm open to non-square taper as long as compatible BB isn't impossible to find or you can part with BB
• OR ... I can also achieve my goal if you've got a nice 36H matched MTB-ready rim-brake hubset where the rear is 8/9/10s capable and there's modern cassettes available for it
• OR ... Alternately, a complete FH-RM40-8 hu, or even a 8/9/10s freehub body that'll fit a Shimano RM40 hub would be my cheapest solution (freehub may be an experimental one)
• I guess I'm hunting for 10s Deore or Alivio LH shift levers, either LH 1x10 only, or maybe a 2x9, 2x10 setup could be enticing

It sure seems like people just don't sell old 26er MTB parts anywhere. It's really a bummer, I've had a lot of bikes crossing my path lately, some nicer bikes that, with a little love, could be killer despite lacking that 'extra inch' clearance or w/e. Cue Hedwig.

Before you ask: Yes. I've looked at converting to 29er. Rear bridge limits me to 700x30 knobbed or 700x32 road tire unless I'm overlooking something. I actually intend to ride some terrain, minus crazy bombing.

I have a STOCKPILE of stuff I can trade but my Venmo account is stacked right now from a few recent bike sales as I'm clearing out a lot of stuff, Revolut also has extra funds, but I'm also cool w/old school payments too.