I’ve had my eye on a few 90s MTB frames with the intention of building up a rigid gravel/bikepacking beast, but I realized that its going to be a longer term project and I want to get out for some overnighters this year. I’m too old to fully send it on my old full suspension so I thought it would make a great rig in the interim. Just got her tuned up and went out for a few fun day rides after almost 2 decades in storage. I’m planning to set it up with bags that could hopefully transfer to the new rig eventually. Here is my plan:
– Surly moloko bars
– Front handlebar bag (TBD)
– cockpit feed bags as needed
– restrap long top tube bag
– custom restrap frame bag (if necessary)
– tool storage bottle below downtube
– OMM elkhorn rack in rear secured on the unused canti bosses & QR axle
– largish drybag/backpack i already have strapped to OMM rack
– small backpack/hip bag if necessary
– more comfortable saddle possibly
Concerns:
– will this still be able to handle some moderate singletrack unladen? I’m too old for anything super aggressive at this point. I need to replace the current bars anyway with something with more backsweep
– Any concern about 20+ year old aluminum frame? It was in storage most of its life, hoping that if there is frame failure from fatigue it wouldnt be too catastrophic?
– Is the custom frame bag necessary or could I just strap a small drybag to a cage/bottle mount inside the triangle?
Open to any more thoughts & suggestions!
(Added pic of my old surly pacer bikepacking setup for reference of how much gear i usually pack)
by cubanonradar
1 Comment
1 – That thing should be able to absolutely chew up moderate single track.
2 – Aluminium does always fail eventually, but it’s riding lots and/or crashing that’ll kill it, not age. If you didn’t thrash it for years straight before it went to storage it’s probably got plenty of life left.
3 – Depends on how much you’re needing to carry and how much storage you can wrangle out of the other bags. A dry bag strapped inside the main triangle is likely to cause rubbing issues on your legs though, it would be hard to get one not to bulk out of the frame.