A while back I did this project, really just as something to do with a bike that wasn't getting used, an interesting idea that may or may not have turned out OK. As it happens it turned out great!
Take one 1997 Trek 830 Mountain Track rigid XC chromoly steel mountain bike...
Then scavenge, scrounge and acquire parts as cheaply as possible in order to:
A few details:
I've ridden it over 1,500 miles now including all kinds of terrain, from smooth road and hard-pack gravel to deep mud and quite technical singletrack - it takes it all on. It also gets a lot of love when out and about, people often taking time to look it over and ask about it.
Take one 1997 Trek 830 Mountain Track rigid XC chromoly steel mountain bike...
Then scavenge, scrounge and acquire parts as cheaply as possible in order to:
- convert from 3x7 to 1x10 gears
- convert from flat bars to drop bars
- convert from cantilever to disc brakes
- convert from 26" to 700c wheels
- convert from threaded to threadless fork
A few details:
- Shimano Tiagra 4600 levers/shifters (one shifter is obviously redundant)
- Shimano 11-42T 10-speed cassette
- Shimano Deore XT 9-speed derailleur on a drop-link to clear the largest cogs
- TRP Spyre cable disc calipers
- Unknown steel fork - donated by a friend from his junk stash
- A2Z Universal Disc Mount adaptor for rear caliper
- Maddux RD 2.0 700c disc wheels
- Rock'n'Road 43mm tyres
- Sunrace square taper cranks with 36T narrow-wide chainring and frame-mounted chain-guide
- FSA Orbit II 1 1/8" threadless headset
- 12° flared drop bars on a 100mm 6° stem
- Charge Spoon saddle
- Original bottom bracket
- Original aluminium seat post.
I've ridden it over 1,500 miles now including all kinds of terrain, from smooth road and hard-pack gravel to deep mud and quite technical singletrack - it takes it all on. It also gets a lot of love when out and about, people often taking time to look it over and ask about it.