Picture attached of my MTB. 88 or 89 RockHopper. Love the bike. Was planning on overhauling the bike soon. I quickly realized that I may as well buy a new bike for what it would cost to overhaul it and put newer components on it, etc. So, here is my question. A stupid one that I probablly know the answer to, but my mind won't stop thinking about it so I need to put this to rest.
For a MTB, the bike is pretty light. 30lb probably, max, but nevertheless its not super heavy. I'm OK w/ that part of it. It has a biopace mountian triple in the front, and that is fine w/ me. The brakes, cantilevers front and back, but the back ones look like a horseshoe shape, with each brake crossing over to the other side, and with a yoke just like the front brakes. Chainstay mounted.
I am reasonably sure that it'll fit 700C wheels, but I have to measure. How big around is a 700C with a 38mm tire on it? Since the seatstays have no brake bosses on them, I figure I could take it to a frame builder and have them added. How much would that cost? For the front, I *think* there may be room to put standard v-brakes on it, with the mounts for the canti's being high enough that the V-brake ould reach the 700C rim. Any thoughts on that? Again, have to do some measuring for that one. Worst case I'd have to have new bosses brazed onto the fork.
For wheels I'd get mavic speedcity rims most likely, or another strong 700C. Have the rear one laced up to an appropriate hub for the 126mm spread dropouts. Or buy one already done up.
I'd keep the MTB shifters I have, or get new ones. Doesn't matter. Flat bar still in the front. Don't think I'd need new brake levers. The ones I have are very good. I also have Shimano Deore derailures front and rear. Those would get overhauled, if needed. Definitely new sprockets in the rear derailer, and a thorough cleaning for the rebuild, of course.
Someone just tell me I'm crazy and to go buy a Surly Cross Check or a Soma Double Cross please? Or, tell me why this wouldn't work so I'll stop thinking about it!
I just have to justify *not* trying to re-use this perfectly good steel frame.
Thanks tons!!
PS- I know this is very similar to a thread I posted a few days ago, however I have more direct questions this time around, and I didn't feel like reviving a week old thread for everyone to read through ;-)