leovelo

I originally started this as a comment to a thread titled, "expedition bike." I'm not really making an expedition bike, more of a "light tourer," although maybe more heavy-duty than that. Several threads, and many of those posting, have opined that the best low-cost touring bike would be a 1990's hardtail mountain frame outfitted for touring. Taking this to heart, I started with a 1999 Giant Upland. (Here's a pic from bikepedia: BikePedia; Image Viewer) I had it sandblasted and powdercoated, so now the frame looks like this:



I have added North Road handlebars with Cardiff leather grips, and I have wrapped the bars for more hand positions. I have also wrapped a top tube guard and a chainstay guard. The derailleurs are Deore, like some of the Rivendell build kits. The saddle will be Cardiff Wessex, not Brooks, but leather. I put on new wheels with double-walled rims and heavy gauge spokes. So far, I think I'm keeping to the Rivendell aesthetic and philosophy for a tiny fraction of the price--but that's what forums are for. You can tell me I'm full of it, if that's what you think.

I was originally going to use a velo-orange triple crank, but I can get the Sugino XD600 for half the price. What do you think?

Racktime aluminum racks--I know I can't get them fixed in Cambodia, but how do they hold up over time?

I scored a lightly used Huret Duopar. I could put it on instead of the Deore set, and I would lose index shifting. Is there some reason I should consider it? (I've also heard they're very fussy to mount and adjust.)

cycle_maven

All sounds good to me, except maybe the Huret. No need to use ancient parts unless you have a reason specifically to do so...

XD600, Deore gearing, leather saddle, good strong wheels and frame- what's not to like?

fietsbob

The Titanium Duopar was worse .. Sun Tour made the Mount-Tech to also have something that the guide pulley would stick close to the Cog Across the cluster.

mdilthey

Beautiful.

My Racktime rack looks flawless 1,000 miles in. I'd say they'll do the job. Paracord, duct tape, glue, zip ties, etc. make for perfect rack repairs in the field. I never met a broken rack I couldn't jerry-rig.

GP 

I swapped the Dura Ace crank on my Riv A/R for a XD600 two years ago and am very happy. No problems at all in ~8K miles.

jrickards

Where do you get this saddle from?

leovelo

There's a few on Ebay.

Thanks for all the feedback, folks. I'll put some more pictures up tonight.

bikemig 

selle anatomica has its saddles on sale

That is a very good looking bike

Vintage mtbs make excellent touring bikes.

grolby

Well, the Riv aesthetic and philosophy are not to MY personal taste, but that's not the point . It sounds like you're putting together a very capable bike, though I would not call it a "light tourer" based on your description.

Regarding bits and pieces: the XD600 is a good, simple crankset. The VO crank may or may not be better, but it certainly won't be twice as good. It might be a little prettier.

I have no personal experience with Racktime, but I believe they're a Tubus brand and Tubus racks are about the best out there. Most modern aluminum racks in general are very tough.

Don't use the Duopar. Modern derailleurs are far superior.

leovelo

Here's the bike so far:


This is the wheel with Bronze fenders from Public Bike:


I used this thick, soft macrame cord to wrap the handlebars and create a top tube protector.


I don't know how well it will take varnish. I guess we'll see. The tires are Continental Retro Ride in brown.

adventurepdx

Lookin' good! Didn't realize that the Retro Rides came in brown, all I've ever seen are the cream colored ones. I've gotten good life out of Rubena Cityhoppers, and they also come in brown and cream.

Old rigid frame MTBs make good tourers!

VT_Speed_TR

If you are close to Burlington, stop in at The Old Spokes Home bike shop & talk to Glen & the guys. They often have various components & they love older bikes

Home | Old Spokes Home

grampa.sjb

It does have that Rivendale-ish je ne sais pas, doesn't it? Very nice!

leovelo

I work in Burlington and have visited The Old Spokes Home several times. They are always helpful--lot's of very useful advice, not "upselling."

leovelo

Aw shucks.