This is a Giant, full carbon road bike I purchased new around 2004. It’s in great shape and currently weighs in at 17.5 pounds so I want to explore the possibility of converting it to a gravel(ish) bike. I would certainly have to replace the wheels, tires, and drivetrain, and the primary limitation would be that I’m pretty sure the biggest tire I can fit is 700×28. I also doubt that a disc brake conversion is possible but I’m okay with the rim brakes.
First of all, I would love a project like this, but is this conversion even possible?
Then, if it is possible, would I just be better off looking for a new, or almost new bike for around the same cost as the conversion. It seems like I may be able to get the bike I want for around $1500 but it would be much heavier. I’m focused on weight because I’ve had shoulder surgery and loading it on my rooftop carrier is almost a single-handed endeavor these days.
Anyway, lots to ponder. I’m hoping some of the more experienced cyclists/mechanics could offer some insight. Thanks to all.
by danmeistre
9 Comments
The limitation is always going to be tire clearance. If you can only fit 28s, there’s no real point in changing everything else imo.
Yeah… It put 28s on it and call it a day.
If you wanted to throw some money at it to see what you could do, you could put 650b wheels on it and change up the brake calipers to get them to work on the smaller wheels. Without being next to the bike, I wouldn’t want to guess how much more tire clearance you’d get but I doubt you’d get to 45s. If you go that direction, make sure you get your wheel specs right.
I had that exact bike frame years ago (well physically different) with blue and 9 speed dura ace. I even had the burrows aero seat post. That thing was fast.
The limiting factor for tire size is going to be the rear tire on the back of the seat tube. Even some smooth 25s won’t fit back there. 28s are a no go. I used to have issues with sand on the rear tire rubbing the frame with some 25s and 23s. 650b is questionable too because of other limitations. I’m sorry but you just have to start with a new bike.
going from 25mm to 28mm tires does not a gravel bike make. you really want 40mm tires. I have a road bike the same generation as yours and I can ride it with 25mm on dirt and gravel…but it is just sketchy. my 40mm gravel bike with a longer wheelbase is and greater head angle is provides a much more stable bike when on gravel and trails. I highly recommend a new bike rather than throw money at a subpar outcome.
Save your money a little longer, buy a hitch rack and get whatever bike you want. That’s just not got the tire clearance for anything other than road or very uncomfortable smooth gravel.
In my experience it’s almost always cheaper and better in the long run to just buy the bike you want unless you have a surplus of parts laying around.
If you want a gravel bike, buy a gravel bike. The weight difference between a carbon and AL frame is negligible at best.
You can always get a hitch rack then you don’t have to lift it. Buy an extension and your charging problem is solved
Not worth it. Can’t turn a 20 year old road bike into a gravel bike.
Not possible / not worth the time and cost
I’d be surprised if you can put 28s on that frame and even those would suck on most gravel, imo.