m0g

Hi,

I'm in the process of building a low-cost bicycle for touring this summer.
I decided to go for a vintage MTB converted to a tourer. I eventually bought a used bike and started working on it.



I want to precise that I'm in the process of replacing the stem for a longer one (this one is too far out).

I have a couple of questions:

The sizing: I measure 184cm and the frame here is 54cm and the top tube is around 54cm as well. It's pretty hard to find information about sizing for old MTB. My normal road/single speed/commuter bike is around 57cm (but with a lower crankset) and with a much longer top tube. But then it's a much more aggressive geometry. So I would like to know if this bike is really too small for me.

The transmission: I have been told I should replace it. Because it's the original 30 years old one (Shimano Deore). It's still working fine, so I think I'll probably wait.

Rear wheel: I have replaced the front wheel with a modern one with a dynamo hub. However, the rear one is still the original. The detail that worries me is that it is a single walled rim (Alesa 425x alloy). Could that be an issue?

Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks your answers.

hatrack71

Reminds me of the old Gary Fisher paint schemes. Nice looking ride! If you ride a 57 normally, 54 is gonna feel cramped. No way around that other than way too long of a stem.. which can throw handling a bit. But honestly... how does it feel to you. It's not my opinion that really matters here. It's yours. If you are concerned for it being too small.. there probably is a reason for that. Looking for outside advice and opinions isn't gonna help the top tube grow. :^) Just saying. I say move it on and get the right size. A bike that doesn't fit can be very uncomfortable and can discourage you from riding. I have no doubt that is a sweet ride and someone would be stoked to get that if it was their size.

badger_biker 

Nice choice! I love the Hi Viz colors for touring. RD should not be a problem and size is more how comfortable you feel on it rather than measurements sometimes. Check for heel clearance with your panniers if that is what you plan to use for storage. Good looking rig.

Pawlus

Regarding crankset: I just did 2 day trip from Poznań, Poland to Dresden, Germany. It was over 360 kilometers on mostly tarmac, but also some unpaved roads. I carried all the nessesury gear for camping and cloths for another week of bike touring. I use exactly the same crankset (old Deore). I can't think of one bad thing about that crank. It's 110mm BCD triple with 74mm BCD inner ring. Chainring are 48/38/28 biopace. It is coupled with 13-32 cassette and it really gave me all the gears I needed. If your crank is not damaged, don't change it.

clasher

I wouldn't worry about the single wall rim if you are riding fatter tires, looks like the wheel has enough spokes.

m0g

So eventually the bike fits fine. I've just check the top tube length is 56cm and not 54cm, so reach is good.

Otherwise, here is the final version of it with the racks, the lights, new stem, new cassette, new chains and pedal cages: