Just finished this build today. Wasn’t sure what I was going to do with this frame, but I’m really happy how it turned out. The Shimano Mega9 shifters/rear derailleur came off an old Specialized FSR, I used a top pull LX front derailleur I found off Craigslist. The Rhino Lite wheelset I’ve had for years, but just converted to tubeless using Muc-Off conversion kit, and some gravelkings that were the only tubless ready tires I had. The Race Face carbon/alloy cranks were from the parts bin, so are the XTR v-brakes. The fork is an Ali DarkRock one that I stripped, and was going to repaint to match another bike, but I liked the way the raw looked so I clear coated an added it to this build. Bars are Ritchey Kyotes. They are wide bois but super comfy. I left them uncut because of my gorilla arms. Old Selle saddle, and new Gorix rack. I’ve never been Bikepacking before, and this is what I’m going to take on some short trips this fall to test the waters.
Love it! Been toying around with the idea of building a light MTB capable commuter like this for a while. Maybe for the winter
Biggest hurdle is finding a frame though, since I want a steel frame that can take a dropper post without paying a fortune for it…
What do you commute through that you’d need a dropper!? Embrace the quick release! Or you could get the original dropper a Hite-Rite. These old chromoly frames are tanks. The only problem is they have that 80s mtb geometry. I am 5’11 and found I can’t go below 19" or above a 22" fame because the top tubes are so stretched out. There is only so much fuckery you can do with stems and seatposts before it gets no good. If you’re looking to pick up an old 80-90s MTB go by reach.
Since I got my first trail bike with dropper I can’t think of life without one. Even so simple as dropping seat while waiting for lights to turn green is such a quality of life increase it’s crazy.
But I’d also want to torture myself by pushing the bike on local trails so it would greatly help with descends
I’m in a lucky position that I’m quite a manlet at 174cm (5’ 9" I think in freedom units) so the shortness of 90s frames are less of a problem for me
Dude just search your local classifieds and get an old used steel mtb remotely in your size and just take it from there. Don’t get anything new, just tune it up. Don’t think about trails, or droppers. Think about casual riding and gravel. Get used to the geometry and have fun. Go out late at night and hop curbs or just sprint. If you grew up riding bikes you’ll be surprised at how intuitive a 26er is.
Looks great. Could use a bit of colour IMHO, maybe when you add bottle cages for your trip?
Thoughts on a rear rack?
You are not wrong about the color. I’ve had a few old day-glo 80s/90s Specialized MTBs and a 1990 Nishiki Alien. This Rocky Mountain has glitter paint. You can’t really see it in the pics. I’ve only ever seen this paint on keirin frames. It’s wild. I was kind of going for a more subdued look with this. I guess I could’ve made it pop with some cables, but I like it. I’ve been using a rear rack with panniers on my Rockhopper for years just for commuting. I have a camping trip planned where I’m going to use this front rack, and the fork mounts for everything. And use a 15l saddle bag for my clothes. I don’t want to use my cheap rubber rear panniers. I think I’d use a rear rack for a longer trip with some mini bags.
Ah yeah, sick! You can see the glitter for sure, I just like colours :)
Here is one of my old bikes. I’m glad you mentioned the color. I now have two bikes and no zazz lol.
Dang, yeah that is choice
WIth these old frames it’s like you get what you find. Here’s another on from a few years ago…
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