What's your Crossbike makeover plans?
 

So, let's hear and see what you folk are doing to your Crossbikes (Hybrid if you prefer) Not your dreams, but what you are really doing.

So for me, I can never keep my Cannondale Bad Boy "as is". It has changed conciderably since it's stock being. Bling being my usual goal.
I have ordered and waiting delivery of some 23mm Vittoria Rubino Pro tyres, Shimano SPD-SL clipless road pedals and an 80mm Thomson 0deg stem.

Share your current conversions, updates and upgrades. Of course pictures are a must. :thumb:

I've ordered black though, not yellow as pictured

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...h_thomvitt.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...h_thomshim.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...s2/th_thom.jpg

This could be a fun thread!

In 1994 I conceived of the idea of getting a bicycle. I was making a major life change by finally finishing my undergrad degree, quitting a job I hated and starting graduate school. I had also lost about 30 lbs so things were going really well. I did a lot of research and reading and the day after I quit my job I drove 100 miles to buy one of these:

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/...ps82b5c3e9.jpg

It's a Trek 730 and even before it left the shop I had them replace the handlebars with one that had 3-4" of rise and a slight sweep back. 100% True Temper OX cro-moly built in Wisconsin. I rode that bike a lot over the next few years and lost another 50 pounds. I continued riding that bike off-and-on until 2007 when I decided to "upgrade" and buy a Trek 7.2 FX. I rode that bike sporadically until I discovered Rivendell Bicycle Works and their emphasis on steel frames and functionality. This made me nostalgiac for my old 730 so I started watching Craigslist daily for another one. After three months, Craigslist yielded another 1995 730 but one size larger than my old one. This was exactly what I was looking for!!!!

The day I bought it:

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/...ps827b256a.jpg


When I bought the bike, the tires, saddle, handlebars, grips and brake levers/shifters were aftermarket. My plan was to do a major retro-fit so the first thing I did was buy a new saddle, seatpost, grips and simple thumb shifters. Over time I'm replaced the wheels with a custom built set (bombproof and 9-speed compatible), installed new tires, new pedals, a new fork, a new stem, a new cassette and I scraped the decals off. I went thru five or six different sets of handlebars and finally decided the aftermarket bar that came with the bike was my favorite.

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/...pscfab8430.jpg

Future plans include upgrading to modern linear pull brakes, either re-installing the old fork or putting in a Surly Cross Check fork, installing a Deore crankset and getting it powdercoated. I will also buy a black seatpost and a black threaded-to-threadless adapter if I decide to use the oringal fork. The only original parts will be the frame and possibly a few small parts like the seatpost clamp and the front brake cable guide. The bike will be 100% to my preferred specifications with everything chosen to fit my style of riding. This process has been going on for one year and will probably take another six months to finish.

Upgraded parts worth noting:

Velocity Dyad Rims
DTSwiss spokes
Vittoria Randonneur Hyper 32 mm tires
Ergon grips

This bike has a TON of sentimental value for me but on top of that, I love the way it rides. It occupies an amazing middle space between being comfortable and being sporty. Some of this is probably familiarity but when I started reading bicycle forums about a year ago, I've found that many people have high praise for the ride of these old Multitracks so I feel somewhat vindicated in my enthusiasm for a 17 year old bicycle.

This 1986 Schwinn Mirada came as a trade in at work one day, and the instant I saw it, I knew I had to get it. I'd never seen a mixte MTB in person before, and it was in great shape. When I took it for a spin, it just brought a huge grin to my face, in stock form it rode kind of like a monster truck. First changes were a set of Tektro CR720s to replace the old Dia-Compes that wouldn't stay in adjustment, and Big Apples.
http://imageshack.us/a/img208/605/img20120718133232.jpg

I rode it like that for awhile, and decided to play around with some parts I had lying around:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a64...005_165446.jpg

Now it's got drops, Suntour Command Shifters, E3 Form saddle, wheelset with 32h Mavic rims, 8sp cassette, and Shimano STX-RC rear derailleur. Very different ride, but still insanely fun.

Thanks for sharing. We're off to a great start.

How good is that!!!! :thumb:

I've been wanting to put dropbars on my hydraulic disc brake hybrid for a while with these TRP road disc converters, they allow you to hook up dropbar road levers with them. The only reason I haven't is because of the price but all the big companys like Sram and Magura, Shimano have versions in the works, some might be on the market now, then the price will come down over the next year or so.

http://www.trpbrakes.com/category.ph...d=185&subcat=0

http://imageshack.us/a/img827/1812/xo8y3ds9fceudd2.jpg

My goal is to take my Specialized Sirrus Limited and make it into the world's fastest, baddest city/commuter/recreational ride. So far, I've changed the stem to one that is a bit longer, added the Shimano SPD pedals, Garmin 500 (pic shows my old iPhone mount), and the ToPeak rack.

Next on the list is a bit fatter tires (28mm from 23mm) with something that has a bit more tread pattern.

http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...ed/file-10.jpg

:eek: I just saw the price!

You are well on the way with the "world's fastest, baddest city/commuter/recreational ride"

It's interesting that you and I are going in opposite directions. I'm going from a 100mm stem to an 80mm and 32mm tyres to 23mm, as opposed to you going to a longer stem and wider tyres. My Bad Boy's new life will be as a "Recreational, Mountain-road" bike. I'm hoping my wide riserbars married to a shorter stem will help me climb.

Since I started this thread a couple of hours ago, my package of goodies arrived from the UK. Unfortunately now they have to stay in the box until Santa "re-delivers" them. :(

… a fun thread indeed!

I’ve posted on my bike previously, but to re-cap: the bike is a 2010 Sirrus Comp purchased new in ’10. I rode it stock the first season, then went nuts with the upgrades (because I loved/love the frame/fit/ride). The result is as pictured below (apologies for quality of pic), with one intervening change: Conti GP4000s (25) replaced by Panaracer Pasela TG (folding; 32 width).

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=280532

So, at present:
Frame/fork/wheels/stem/bars/seat post: stock
Headset: crap caged-bearing Spec. Mindset replaced by full cartridge-bearing upgrade (internal cups, bearings, seals)
Drivetrain: Doubletap 10spd shifters; Apex crank/bb with FSA 48 tooth outer ring; SRAM 1070 chain and cassette (12-32). Dura Ace cables.
Brakes: TRP CX9 with Avid SD7 levers. XTR cables.
Saddle: Spec. Avatar
Pedals: XT
Weight: 19.4 lbs w/pedals and bottle cage (LBS Park scale).

However, I’ve always been an ‘all terrain’ cyclist at heart; although I’m old, I like riding both on- and (non-technical) off-road, using the same bike, so am in the process of morphing Sirrus gradually toward something like a rigid “29er Light” kind of bike – vide the tire change above. I’ve found over this past summer that with the 32 Paselas the bike handles the kind of gravel/dirt/dry off-road conditions I like to ride extremely well – as much a function of its geometry as anything.

Soooo … on order:
1. New seat post (Spec. Pave carbon)
2. On-One Fleegle bars (hee hee!!! I will create the ultimate Fred/”Lone Wolf” bike!!!)

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=280095

3. Specialized Trigger Pro 33 ‘cross tires (folding, file tread). Had a chance to try these on a ‘cross bike – they are very effective both on- and off-road.

I’m also determined to replace the wheelset this year; haven’t decided on a build yet, but thinking something like Mavic Open Pro (32h) on DT Swiss hubs or similar. Ultimately, I'm aiming to have something that will work really well for commuting, day rides (mixed terrain), and -- with luck -- an extended "credit card"-style tour on the Route Vert in Quebec: Quebec City to/through the Gaspe and down into New Brunswick (I hope to try this within a year or two).

do be aware, linear pull aka V-brakes require a 'long pull' brake lever, while side pulls, cantilevers, and dual pivots use a short pull.

Avid has some nice inexpensive brake levers for flat bars that are convertible, you move the cable attachment point inside up or down, and you can use them with either sort of brake...

Mine is on the way to becoming a full commuter. I also have a light now (not in the picture). I would like to change tires though - the current stock ones are 860 grams each. I could easily drop 1 kg by spending about $60 - but before I do that I plan to change the pedals - a kind BF member donated hybrid pedals - I just need to buy tools to change the pedals, and the shoes themselves.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-I...024/IMG212.jpg

So three changes planned, as and when I can put money together:
1. Change pedals, get SPD shoes
2. Change tires
3. Switch to trekking handlebar for longer runs. Bar ends are an option, but it looks like a trekking bar is really way more bang for the buck.

On my Jamis Allegro 1, I've switched to "Trekking Bars" and today added some SWEET, MKS Sylvan Prime Road Pedals:
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=280138 This is my "trekking/road riding hybrid".http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=280139

On my Jamis Coda Sport, I've switched to, Vittoria Randourer-CROSS 700Cx32 tires so I can use the bike on "dirt rail trails and paths", in our area. Much better grip! The Coda Sport is my "utility/everyday hybrid". :)

How do you like your trekking bars? Does the fact that you are now more upright bother you a bit? I was trying to find bars that wouldn't change the position - I thought that should be easy to find - just have a shallower angle to the curve so that the flat end stays where it currently is - but every trekking bar I have seen (and there arent many) forces the rider into a more upright position for brakes and shifters.

My trekking bars are great, but you're right about the shifters. I put the brakes far enough outboard that I can "fingertip" them from the sides, so they're not so much an issue while riding. Not being a speed-demon, I only use the far end of the bars when I'm grinding into a headwind, and I have a honking huge "PeeWee Herman" style mirror attached to the left far corner. (It makes a nice handstop when I use the far elbow) As for the shifters, once you get used to it, it's not much of a hassle.

That said, if I were to go all-out, I'd put roadbike brifters on the far bar and elbow, and some interrupter brakes on the near bar, or at least put some interrupter brakes on the far bar. It would look ridiculous with all the levers and cables poking out everywhere, but my hands would have brakes no matter what position I use.

EDIT: Here's a pic to show what I mean about "fingertiping" the brakes. Talk about an awkward way to hold a camera...
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=280211

I didn't show a before and current pic of mine.
Since it's initial state I've changed:
The brake levers to Deore
The C3 Cannondale bars to FSA Carbon
Cut the fork crown to a 5mm spacer
Stem Cap to CNC (Christmas to Thomson + Thomson 80mm 0 Deg stem to replace the Cannondale C3)
Grips to a Japanese Brand "Vigore"
Brake calipers from Avid to Tektro
Currently tyres are KENDA 32mm Small block 8 (Christmas will be the Vittoria Rubina Pros 23mm)
Seat post clamp to Thomson
Seat post to Thomson set-back
Saddle to Specialized Ti Romin SL
Pedals to Bear Trap BMX (Christmas Shimano SPD-SL)
Bottle cage to OGK Carbon
As purchased:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y21...nondale001.jpg

Current:
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...1459_edit0.jpg

Thanks, that is helpful.

@giantcfr1 - looks good now! You were right to not use red tires..

I put Ergon GP3 grips on my 'brid, and they allow a riding position similar to that in treadtread's picture, and I have to say, I feel naked out there without having brakes at my fingertips :twitchy:

Inspire me to take some pictures

2013 Raleigh Misceo 2.0

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...raleigh003.jpg

new pedals and black kick stand

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...raleigh007.jpg

Water bottle and Abus folding light lock

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...raleigh008.jpg

Rack and rear light

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...raleigh009.jpg

Rack again

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...raleigh012.jpg

Mirror and new grips

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...raleigh010.jpg

new headlight

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...raleigh011.jpg

still on the list

Brooks Saddle
Bar end bell

Well for ME, it's wonderful, I've got two forms of arthritis that effect the ligaments and tendons in ALL the major joints, my straight bar with 35 degree stem on my Coda Sport still give me a "pain in neck" when I ride it, the same 35 degree stem with the Trekking bars, gives me NO PAIN at all!:love::thumb: I'll keep the straight bars on the Coda Sport as I use it for "local dirt paths" but for longer rides I will only use the Allegro 1 with the Trekking bars. YMMV.

much like everyone else in this thread i couldn't resist to upgrades :D

bought this spring giant seek 1...went 1x9, tried slick, sami slick and knobbie tires, rise handle bar, flat handle bar, flat pedals, spd pedals etc... Here is the current setup (red parts are upgrades from stock):

size: XL
color: matt black
frame: Giant AluxX
fork: Giant alu rigid
seatpost: Giant alu
stem: X-mission 100mm, 6 degree
handlebar: 3T xida pro 640mm
rear derailleur Shimano Deore M590
shifter: Shimano Deore Shadow M592
cranks: Shimano Deore M590 with single FSA SS 36T chainring
chain guide: Superstar Components XCR BB mount
pedals: SPD Shimano M530
brakes: Giant Root II hidraulic
cassette: Shimano Alivio HG50
chain: Shimano Deore HG53
rims: Giant CR06 Disc
hubs: Shimano M475 Disc
tires: Schwalbe Rapid Rob 700x35
grips: Ergon GP2
saddlebag: Topeak Aero Wedge Large
front light: Topeak White Lite 2
rear light: : Topeak UFO
comp: Giant Axact 9 wireless

Future (big) plans are: XT hubs, XT chain and cassette.... maybe new brakes...
Small changes are not always planned :D

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/1199/66241079.jpg

Beautiful bike and nice mods

Love your bike. :thumb:

Can you do me a favour (or other members), and please show me your US cable routing from the front. I use the Australian and Japanese routing, for example right hand is front brake, and left is back brake. I just want to see as a comparison. I read once that yours is set up that way to comply with an old road rule which says you must use your left hand for signaling, or something like that. BTW not trying to make this into a debate which is right or wrong.
This is mine...

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...1318_edit0.jpg

I want to switch my brakes from the US standard front-on-the-left, I always have on my prior bikes as I'm a lefty, plus a motorcycle rider, but the noodle on the front vbrake is problematic. I've lowered my bars considerably via using a straight instead of a riser bar, and replacing 40mm of spacers with 5mm, plus cut 2cm of each end of the straight bar I used so the end grips would be more comfortable.

Nice bike! I'm getting a very similarly shaped bar, the somafab odin bar:
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=280425
do you think you are going to go for grips or tape?