This is my dad’s Diamondback he’s babied since the early 90s. I want to surprise him converting it to a wide range 1x as he’s having a hard time climbing with his age. What kind of parts are compatible? I want to reuse the crankset just remove the extra cogs. I don’t know how to look up the hubs on this thing nor do I know its age but id like to get a cassette as big as possible. Next up the stem and bars something more modern but enough reach so he’s comfortable. All suggestions are welcome. Thank you!!
by mikey_87
11 Comments
Honestly, you’d get better “range” as 3×7/8. Just throw some curvy bars, basket and balloon tires
Skip the 1x if he needs lower gears. Better range with the 3x and I’m guessing he already knows how to shift 3x and the wear items are cheaper. Instead, get some bosco handlebars, a 110mm 90 90 stem from rivendell and some shimano xt rapid fire brifters like st-m095 (7 speed) or st-m737 (8 speed). That will give him a much more comfortable position and higher quality shifting.
looks like a circa 1992 bike, maybe an Apex. It’s going to have a 3 x 7 drivetrain with 48/36/24 x maybe 13-30 cassette.
That is about the same gear Ratios a 36t chainring will give with a 11-50 cassette. 1x does not necessarily mean easier climbing
Freewheel? Falcon 14-40 or 14-42 7 speed freewheel, new longer chain. Maybe have to lock out 3rd front chainring or turn it to a guard.
Edit. Replace big ring with a guard. $10 for 110 bcd guards (guessing) on Ali or find a fancy one. Extra teeth from 14-40 freewheel change makes up for losing 12 teeth from the front ring. Probably can use existing chain without changing length. Lockout 3rd with H limit in front set.
Yeah definitely stay with the 3X maybe just maybe some tan side wall Schwable Billy bonkers tires or Maxxis DTH. 2.15… really soften the ride a bit..
Wait a minute how old is your Pops. I’m 64.. .just put some Billy Bonkers on mine. Love the ride.
30 psi on loose gravel
Why would you want to ruin it?
are you sure thats what he wants? id be very resistant to someone changing a bike i have babied for over 30 years without my knowledge
That’s a freewheel I believe, so going wide range 1x requires a new rear wheel. I agree with the others that you should optimize the 3x system. I ride both 3x and 1x, and a well done 3x is just magic. I never use the big ring, but instead keep it on as a bash guard. If you really want to convert it, you can get a rear wheel at velomine for a little over $100.
If you want to convert it to 1x, you’ll need a new rear wheel, you’ll have to match the dropout width, but pick something with an 8-12 speed HG driver, and then you have to pick a groupset, also get a 110/5 narrow wide chainring, and single chainring bolts, and new cables/housing.
The bike might have a lot of sentimental value, but this will be costly, i’d guess ~$50 for a used wheel, ~$200 for a low end groupset like Shimano Cues/Microshift Advent, and another $20 for the chainring/bolts, plus the stem/bars, and cables/housing, so ~$300 total on the low end without any tools or labor costs as well. For that price you can just buy a nicer more modern used 1x hybrid bike.
Do NOT attempt to switch this triple crank to a 1x, I repeat DO NOT DO THIS.
It already has close to a 1:1 gear ratio with the smallest inner chainring and largest rear cog.
Just get him an entry level e-gravel. Yeah and don’t mess with someone’s bike or without their permission.