Hello everyone, I'm looking to revive my mom's old 90s MTB and turn it into a comfortable and reliable city commuter for her. It's main use would be short trips like errands (typically carrying 1-2 grocery bags) and riding to work.
The area I live in is quite hilly, and getting home requires using the lowest gears available on the bike.
As a cycling noobie, I'm unsure about the condition of the components. While it's evident they're not in top shape, the shifters and brakes seem to function alright, even on downhills.
What sort of basic upgrades and equipment would you recommend to install? I'm definitely considering a front rack with a crate for groceries. I'm also interested in handlebars that provide a more upright riding position and larger, more slick tires for better comfort.
I'm hoping to get some advice on what components might need replacing versus what could be salvaged with some cleaning and adjustments.
Is replacing a drivetrain with something like 1x Microshift Advent X worth it?
Thanks in advance for any comments ideas and suggestions.
by cipolski
8 Comments
The frame doesn’t have a derailer hanger, maybe try single speed? You can get a nicer derailer but you’ll need something to attach it to
For what you want to do with this bike, I’d look at changing the tires, adding a front rack, and possibly touch points like the bar and grips. Be aware that a radical change in bar size or rise might require new cables depending on how long your existing ones are.
Also, inspect the shifter and brake cables for corrosion and make sure that they’re moving smoothly. Check the brake pads and see if they feel like hard plastic (dried out) or if they still have just a little bit of rubber feeling to them. They should feel almost like a hard pencil eraser.
I wouldn’t bother going deeper on drivetrain upgrades on this bike unless you have a major sentimental attachment to the frame. The existing drivetrain is lower end but functional. If you wanted to do something like Advent X, you’d need a whole new rear wheel (your existing wheel has a freewheel, as opposed to a modern freehub) along with a new crankset (the one on this bike looks like a riveted triple where each chainring is permanently attached to the crank arm). You would also need to find and attach a derailleur adapter claw because the frame lacks a derailleur hanger. Then you’d get into shifters, cables, housing, etc, which adds up.
All that said, this is a perfectly good bike for what you want to use it for! I would try to get this as comfy as possible for its intended use and go from there.
Mainly just give it an inspection, tune up, and lube.
Consider swapping the tires with something smoother for the road. Get some lights, front & rear.
Solder that frayed cable, or crimp a ferrule on too please 🙂 Your finger will thank you eventually.
Get used to riding it before swapping components unless they’re broken.
If you’re climbing a lot clipless pedals can be nice, but some people hate them for commuting.
I’d just check the other 537lazy post of the last week asking the exact same type of question and getting the exact same answers.
Might just be dirt, but I’d make sure those rims aren’t too heavily worn along the braking surface. Maybe have a shop give it a safety inspection.
you’re a good son!
what I’d update to keep costs to a minimum:
0) since the shifting is fine, I’d keep the stock drivetrain and just give the system a thorough cleaning.
1) New 7-speed Freewheel (~$15 USD), It looks like the 5th/6thcogs are worn out (“shark fin” shaped). Get a “Mega Range” 34t for hill climbing.
2) New Chain to go with said Freewheel.
3) New cable set (Brake/Shifter/Housing) – you most likely need to run longer cables for the new handlebar.
4) New Brake Pads, but I don’t think it would be much more to upgrade to V-Brakes, much better braking and much easier to setup than cantilevers.
BTW, for a swept back bar, check out Sunlite “Northroad” model as a starting point.
Wash it, lube it. I’d put on slicks and ride. Commuters are about using it not how good they look
Love that bell