Recently picked up a late 80s/early 90s Concorde MTB for cheap and was planning to use it as a winter commuter/beater bike (similar to [this](https://imgur.com/a/GN0amCN) but with lower end components, different colour scheme and welded frame/fork vs lugged). This was BEFORE I discovered the niche of retro MTB/26″ conversions and went down the rabbit hole. I’m now looking to swap out a few parts and looking for some advice/suggestions! I have mostly ridden/maintained fixed gear bikes since I started biking so am not too familiar with things like derailleurs/shifters etc or cantilever brakes.
Brakes are these [Chang-Star wide profile cantilevers](https://www.ebay.com/itm/385712317869). Post spacing is around 85mm F/R. According to this [VO blogpost](https://velo-orange.blogspot.com/2017/09/canti-post-sizing-psa.html) does this mean I have the option to use modern cantis? Would I be able to change to low/mid profile types like [these](https://www.porkchopbmx.com/dia-compe-988-cantilever-bmx-or-mtb-bicyc-46161110.html)? Or perhaps V-brakes w/ linear pull levers?
Also want to replace the existing [Sugino 52t/42t crankset](https://www.ebay.ca/itm/265541878204) with this used [Miche 42t crankset](https://scontent.fyzd1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t45.5328-4/398853766_6956247164452801_1526927266603367772_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p720x720&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=247b10&_nc_ohc=OIkdTclm-VYAX-dURW2&_nc_ht=scontent.fyzd1-2.fna&oh=00_AfAAYeaZIU-AcDfmLV-7RvdlOIsAx9a8r2w-i7OnDYt2RA&oe=65A2B272) I found on FB. Can’t tell what model it is but would it be a suitable replacement? Not using the 52t much so wondering if I should switch to a 1x setup. I understand with 1x it’s preferable to use a narrow-wide chainring to prevent chain drops, but would the chainguard on the Miche help with that? Also read that the front derailleur cage can be used as a sort of chain retention device? Or would I be better off going with a compact double crankset… Something like a 46t/36t or 34t.
Bike comes with this [SunTour Accushift alpha-2000](https://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=928846f2-3177-481e-9acb-2f93cd2af022&Enum=108) rear derailleur with matching 6-speed shifter and SunTour 6 speed 14-28t freewheel (not sure the exact model but [this](https://www.ebay.ca/itm/255820785301) looks close). Picked up a cheap 26″ wheelset that comes with this [Shimano 7s FW](https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/component/tourney/MF-HG37.html). Would I be able to just swap out the wheels (and only use 6 out 7 gears with the existing shifter) or would I have to change out the entire system?
by raggedhag
1 Comment
Brakes: you can use modern cantis or short arm v brakes with your current levers. Or change both to long pull vbrakes. But is there anything particularly wrong with the old ones? I like the look of old school brakes on old bikes. You can freshen them up with new pads if needed.
Cranks: That Miche crankset looks fun, but you may need a longer bottom bracket spindle for the cranks to clear the chainstays. Also, 42 is not a great gear if you ever have hills to climb. Yes, the pant protector would work as a guide, and you can use the derailleur as additional guidance… but why bother – at that point you’ve barely simplified and haven’t dropped any weight. I’d argue the Sugino cranks are of similar quality to the Miche.
Freewheel: 6sp Shimano and Suntour are sometimes the same spacing, sometimes not. Obviously the 7sp would be different. None of that matters if the shifter has a friction mode.