Here's my latest project. Not a build, more like a re-purposing.
I have a mid-90's Diamond Back MTB that is fine for cruising my hilly neighborhood, but the riding position is just not working for me anymore. Not mention, that having found this site, I can no longer leave things alone! :mrgreen:
Here's what I'm starting with:
SO, here's what I'm thinking....convert it to a euro-inspired touring bike, kinda. My inspiration is the Electra Amsterdam Ballooner:
I'll probably leave it black (just clean it up), add some cruiser bars that Double Nickle was nice enough to give me, add a springer seat, maybe a more upright stem (maybe not depending on the reach) and DEFINITELY some cream tires.
OK, here's where I'd like some advice/input: I checked tire clearance and it looks like I've got 2.75 inches front and back. So, do I go with Cream Quick Bricks or Fat Franks. I know the Quick Bricks will definitely fit, but FF are what's on the Electra and tote a low rolling resistance (and are bigger, which is better, right? :mrgreen: ). As far as drive train, I know the existing Shimano SIS equipment group is garbage, but I'm trying to keep cost at a minimum on this one. I thinking of going to a single chairing in the front, again like the Electra (or just simply remove the derailleur) and adding a GripShifter and Shimano Sora short cage derailleur to the rear (I already have these parts)
So, let me know what ya think, I'm gonna go strip it down and start cleaning.
Cheers!
Dr. T
I have a mid-90's Diamond Back MTB that is fine for cruising my hilly neighborhood, but the riding position is just not working for me anymore. Not mention, that having found this site, I can no longer leave things alone! :mrgreen:
Here's what I'm starting with:
SO, here's what I'm thinking....convert it to a euro-inspired touring bike, kinda. My inspiration is the Electra Amsterdam Ballooner:
I'll probably leave it black (just clean it up), add some cruiser bars that Double Nickle was nice enough to give me, add a springer seat, maybe a more upright stem (maybe not depending on the reach) and DEFINITELY some cream tires.
OK, here's where I'd like some advice/input: I checked tire clearance and it looks like I've got 2.75 inches front and back. So, do I go with Cream Quick Bricks or Fat Franks. I know the Quick Bricks will definitely fit, but FF are what's on the Electra and tote a low rolling resistance (and are bigger, which is better, right? :mrgreen: ). As far as drive train, I know the existing Shimano SIS equipment group is garbage, but I'm trying to keep cost at a minimum on this one. I thinking of going to a single chairing in the front, again like the Electra (or just simply remove the derailleur) and adding a GripShifter and Shimano Sora short cage derailleur to the rear (I already have these parts)
So, let me know what ya think, I'm gonna go strip it down and start cleaning.
Cheers!
Dr. T