I bought this Redline D440 in 2010 as my first
29er. It came with V brakes and 8 speed sram components. I converted it over to a commuter bike for with full racks, smooth tires, and bags and rode it that way for over 10 years and got my groceries with it. About a month ago I used a store credit to get new i30 wtb/ origin 8 quick release rear and 15×100 thru axle wheel set. I decided I was going to put them on this bike and try to ride rigid again like when I was 25. The sram non clutch drivetrain dropped the chain no less than 10 times on a really short ride through my local trail and the 13 year old bb7 brakes could barely stop going downhill. I looked through my parts bin and found I have an entire 11 speed deore/slx group set , a set of Shimano MT201 brakes, a cheap Amazon deckas narrow wide chainring, Easton EA70 stem, and 780mm bars combo that I threw on. I ended up buying a rockshox recon rl from eBay for $180 since it was the best straight steerer air fork with a 15mm thru-axle option other than used. A $100 tranzX 100mm dropper post from Walmart. Some Vee rail Rocco off my friends Marin team 1 for free.
All my other bikes are full suspension and it just really felt way more lively on the trails. I really enjoyed the lightness of the bike. The head angle does feel steep and it’s only worsened by the fork dive on the cheaper fork but I still really enjoyed it. I ended up having to send the front i30 wheel in for warranty due to it separating at the seem but I had a i23 wheel to use as a substitute in the mean time. I’m just really surprised how much I enjoy this old bike. It’s got me thinking about building up a modern steel hardtail.
by Big-Fondant-852