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Converting a
Mountain Bike into an All-Rounder
Mountain Bikes can make good all-rounders. Newer suspension mountain
bikes don't work as well. But this old non-suspension mountain bike
makes a good all-rounder with modifications by Todd Remington.
Frame
The base frame was chosen because it's light, steel and non suspension.
Front and rear suspensions add weight and sacrifice road performance
for technical single track specific performance and comfort. Aluminum
is also light, but provides a harsher ride without suspension. Titanium
would be great, but rarely seen on older mountain bikes without suspension.
This
frame is also light for steel.Lightness is important for climbing environments.
A few other features that made this frame a good choice are the sloped
top tube for extra clearance yet higher handle bars, brazons for rear
rack, sealed bottom bracket already installed and front fork rake for
comfort.
Wheels & Tires
The heavy stock wheels were changed out for light racing wheels to decrease
rotational weight and further increase climbing ability.
New all terrain tires work better on pavement and dirt. These tires
are almost slicks on the top surface, only the sides have knobbys. Rotational
weight can be further reduces with tubeless tires.
Ride Comfort
Riding comfort was optimized by adding a comfy seat. Riser bars and
taller stem make the ride more relaxed. Bar ends were added for more
hand positions.
Gears
Gearing was modified to drop the low end while not compromising the
upper range too much. Dropping the low end allows for better climbing,
especially when tired or loaded. Some rolling paved hill speed may be
compromized since the high gear can't be as high with a low geared mountain
bike. When alpine touring in steep mountain terrain however, the high
gear is rarely needed.
Safety vs Pedal Power
SPD pedals were exchanged for toe clips for the added safety of quick
foot plants in mixed terrain.
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