This is a 2011/2012 bikesdirect/motobecane SS MTB with solid axles.
It’s been sitting as a cruiser for awhile now and since I like to tinker I was wondering what recommendations you all have to convert this into a drop bar gravel bike.
Can I buy a new/used gravel bike? Yes.
Do I like a challenge and want to see if this is possible/plausible? Also yes.
If it doesn’t work at least I’ll have a good story.
Thoughts?
by BingingOnBojo
6 Comments
I would just change the seat. Ta-daa! Gravel bike.
Ride it on gravel. It’s a gravel bike now.
I did this with a 2010 hardtail. You’ve already got the rigid fork so you’re already on your way.
With your ride I’d suggest starting with the following:
* New saddle – something fit for actual spirited riding and not that couch you have on there now.
* New tires – either wide 700c gravel tires (they’ll fit on 29er wheels) or some slicker 29″ tires with about a 2.1 inch width.
* A multi-speed drivetrain. Stay with single speed if you want, but gravel bikes tend to have gears for a reason.
* New handlebars. I’d suggest looking at various alt-bars like the Velo Orange Crazy Bar, Jones H bar, etc. You don’t have to change your brakes, but can get multiple hand positions.
Then ride the shit out of it.
It shouldn’t be too bad to do a conversion, for the brake levers you’ll need to run some brake levers that are linear pull to work with those brake callipers. A good option for that are the tektro RL520 levers, you will have to replace the brake cables since they need to have the road lever cable stops. Then all you need is a set of drop bars, some grip tape to get a working setup.
Better suggestions on here than other subs, right?
Change seat, change bar, and go.
longer stem, drop bars, brifters, brake cables for brifters, New seat / taller seat post, bigger chainring, done.