Converting 80s and 90s Mountain bikes to gravel bikes is becoming popular.... It's great fun building and restoring mechanical devices to a persons dream...
I did this with an '88 GT Karakoram about 3 years ago, it is not only a great gravel bike it has become my #1 favorite all arounder. I use it for errands, just cruising around town, etc. I did a drop bar conversion but kept it as a 3X instead of going 1X as I'm in my 60's with bad knees and we have some pretty steep hills on the gravel roads around here. I need all the advantage I can get LOL. I'm using Shimano 105 derailleurs, Sunrace (MicroShift with chrome levers) brifters, FSA triple crankset and SRAM 8 spd. cassette. Wheels are just some cheap old Vuelta ZeroLites I got from NASHBAR before they got bought out. I kept the original Shimano cantis in front and Shimano U-brakes in the rear, the '88 Karakoram has the rear brakes up on the seat stays instead of under the chainstays like earlier Karakorams so they stay much cleaner. I'm running KoolStop salmon pads, they provide all the braking I've ever needed and I'm a bit of a Clydesdale. Once I get my knee replacements I may do another build and try a 1X this time. I'm not changing a thing on the GT though, it works too well the way it is and I've made the mistake before of trying to fix something that wasn't broken.
I had no problems going ghetto tubeless with my old mtb wheel and tire. A built up the rim with gorilla tape until I got a nice snug fit between the rim and tire bead. Added a tubeless valve and added sealant. I did use soapy water to get the bead to seat. No compressor needed, just my floor pump. And they have been holding air great.
Getting ready to do this to an early 90’s MB-1. Ill likely put Klunker bars. Stick with thumbies and 3X, as well as the cool Cantilever brakes. Mostly seat, bars, stem.
Really good conversion those "first gen" MTB frames are getting really, really hard to come by nowadays especially with good tubing like Bridgestone. One thing, you should mount that 1x chainring to the inside of he crank spider (where the middle ring was originally) it won't look as nice but it will give you the correct chainline, which will improve shifting, make your drivetrain quieter and reduce wear on the components significantly (especially the chain).
Well done. I recently converted a 97' Trek 26er to a drop bar gravel grinder. I kept the original drivetrain, but have hopes of going 1x in the near future for simplicity sake. I went with the same Origin 8 flared drop bars, only mine are chrome. Keep up the good work!
Well, that was an excellent build however, I’m confused about one thing. Why did you have to expand the space between the two rear drops? A standard 26 inch mountain bike wheel is 135 mm. It looks like you were going for a 141 or 142 mm That would’ve meant a through axle and I didn’t see a through axle in that new wheel. By the way, it’s been three years. How’s the bike handling?
Thanks! Yes, I did have to expand the rear drops. Although it is not a through axle, the wheel that I purchased was just slightly wider than the 26 inch wheel that I removed. And it's been handling great! I commute with it about 5 miles a day to the train station. My biggest complaint is the shear weight. I did put a cargo rack on the back as well. It is heavy, which should be expected, but it still surprises me, especially after riding my road bike for a while. Overall, I am happy with it and love riding it. I think mostly because it has been repurposed and I love that.
What a nice job! Thanks for sharing. Do you have a components list and final price for upgrade? Thinking of doing the same with a similar era mtb but haven’t started looking into it yet. Would be my first attempt modifying a bike so any tips would be appreciated
Thank you! There are more details in the blog about where I bought everything and I did focus on buying more quality parts than the cheapest. But the overall price was about $500-$600.
Thanks for the build info. I have the same rear derailleur and cassette but looks like it isn’t going to work? Did you have to do any modifying in order to get this setup to work? I removed 1 cog from the cassette so it would fit my old 7 speed hub. Thanks
@@stachecrafted the rear derailleur cage hitting cassette when I get to the bigger cogs. Maxed out the b set screw and still hitting even with extender
@@tymaurin6147 you have the long cage derailleur right? Also, I used the hangar extender that came with it. If I mounted the derailleur straight to the frame it would do the same thing so the extension was necessary for me
@@stachecrafted yea long cage and with the extension. I’ll have to relook at it again. I ended up getting a 11-40t as well and that went on with no fitting issues. Thanks for getting back to me.
@@tymaurin6147 yea that’s exactly what I have. That’s weird it is not working for you. Wish I could help more, but that’s about all I know. Hope you get it figured out!!
Hey dude. I'm doing the same thing to an 80s Saracen. What rear brake are you using? Mines the same under the chainstay, but it's a bit rubbish tbh. Nice job btw 👍
Hi Steve from London here - am converting an 80's hard tail muddy fox - am interested in the replacement wheels and wanted to know if these are just 26 mtb with a free hub and that the old wheels were old school and didnt have a free hub - thanks in advance
The old one was a freewheel hub. The new one is a cassette. Just to make sure I am using the right terminology, I got those terms from this video: th-cam.com/video/3UuWAtEs3WI/w-d-xo.html Hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. I'd love to see the finished product as well!!
Great video man! I’m curious, how did you convert to a threadless headset? I noticed in the first picture that it was a threaded headset. Thanks for publishing this, I like it :-)
I believe the answer is the stem riser adapter. It was still threaded when I installed it and the exact model is under the parts list on the link that I pinned:) Hopefully this helps and I am not getting parts confused!! Let me know if you have anymore questions.
The advantages of a 1x conversion are all over TH-cam. You can check this video out to learn about them! th-cam.com/video/xJX9BbxRhwI/w-d-xo.html Some people do not like them and that is fine. I love them and that is why I made this upgrade. Also, drop handle bars are more comfortable to me and that is why I upgraded that as well. The bike is a lot smoother now that I have new parts on and I use it as a daily commuter now. Thanks for the comment and I hope this helps answer your question!!
For more details on this bike build, click this link:
www.stachecrafted.com/post/vintage-mtb-to-gravel-bike-conversion-restoration-with-no-experience
Converting 80s and 90s Mountain bikes to gravel bikes is becoming popular....
It's great fun building and restoring mechanical devices to a persons dream...
It is!! Also, very rewarding every time I ride this bike!
I did this with an '88 GT Karakoram about 3 years ago, it is not only a great gravel bike it has become my #1 favorite all arounder. I use it for errands, just cruising around town, etc. I did a drop bar conversion but kept it as a 3X instead of going 1X as I'm in my 60's with bad knees and we have some pretty steep hills on the gravel roads around here. I need all the advantage I can get LOL. I'm using Shimano 105 derailleurs, Sunrace (MicroShift with chrome levers) brifters, FSA triple crankset and SRAM 8 spd. cassette. Wheels are just some cheap old Vuelta ZeroLites I got from NASHBAR before they got bought out. I kept the original Shimano cantis in front and Shimano U-brakes in the rear, the '88 Karakoram has the rear brakes up on the seat stays instead of under the chainstays like earlier Karakorams so they stay much cleaner. I'm running KoolStop salmon pads, they provide all the braking I've ever needed and I'm a bit of a Clydesdale. Once I get my knee replacements I may do another build and try a 1X this time. I'm not changing a thing on the GT though, it works too well the way it is and I've made the mistake before of trying to fix something that wasn't broken.
that is great to hear! Id love to see your next project on here! and I am a huge fan of the 1x's
I had no problems going ghetto tubeless with my old mtb wheel and tire. A built up the rim with gorilla tape until I got a nice snug fit between the rim and tire bead. Added a tubeless valve and added sealant. I did use soapy water to get the bead to seat. No compressor needed, just my floor pump. And they have been holding air great.
That’s awesome! I might have to look into that thanks!!
Getting ready to do this to an early 90’s MB-1. Ill likely put Klunker bars. Stick with thumbies and 3X, as well as the cool Cantilever brakes. Mostly seat, bars, stem.
Really good conversion those "first gen" MTB frames are getting really, really hard to come by nowadays especially with good tubing like Bridgestone. One thing, you should mount that 1x chainring to the inside of he crank spider (where the middle ring was originally) it won't look as nice but it will give you the correct chainline, which will improve shifting, make your drivetrain quieter and reduce wear on the components significantly (especially the chain).
Thats really good info. Thank you so much!!
Where I come from I wouldn’t say restoration with no experience. You’ve got skill. Nice job
Thanks! and the no experience is just saying I've never worked on bikes before this video. Thanks for the comment:)
well not entirely ignorant to 2 wheels :-) good job, great save of useful frame. cool
Badass bro. I just finished my gravel bike conversion yesterday. Will be posting a video on that soon.
That's awesome man! Ill go check it out!
Well done. I recently converted a 97' Trek 26er to a drop bar gravel grinder. I kept the original drivetrain, but have hopes of going 1x in the near future for simplicity sake. I went with the same Origin 8 flared drop bars, only mine are chrome. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much!! 1x is definitely worth it man!
i loved your conversion to aheadset with the adaptor!
Thank you!!
you guys are genuine! new fan here!
Thank you so much!! Welcome!
Similar to my current project bike from mtb to monster gravel bike 🚲😍
Awesome! Ill have to check it out!
Well, that was an excellent build however, I’m confused about one thing. Why did you have to expand the space between the two rear drops? A standard 26 inch mountain bike wheel is 135 mm. It looks like you were going for a 141 or 142 mm That would’ve meant a through axle and I didn’t see a through axle in that new wheel. By the way, it’s been three years. How’s the bike handling?
Thanks! Yes, I did have to expand the rear drops. Although it is not a through axle, the wheel that I purchased was just slightly wider than the 26 inch wheel that I removed.
And it's been handling great! I commute with it about 5 miles a day to the train station. My biggest complaint is the shear weight. I did put a cargo rack on the back as well. It is heavy, which should be expected, but it still surprises me, especially after riding my road bike for a while. Overall, I am happy with it and love riding it. I think mostly because it has been repurposed and I love that.
Same scenario I’m in just got a new trek hard tail today but want to make my 1992 trek hardtail a gravel
Joseph van Smirren awesome!! Can’t wait to see the finished product!!
well done.i also wanted to convert my old colnago deluxe mtb to this.it will save money and my bike out in the garage!
Yes! it is a great idea to repurpose old bikes and like you said, save money!!
What a nice job! Thanks for sharing. Do you have a components list and final price for
upgrade? Thinking of doing the same with a similar era mtb but haven’t started looking into it yet. Would be my first attempt modifying a bike so any tips would be appreciated
Sumver Ekuldud thanks!! I will post a list of the components with links this week. Hopefully it helps and I would love to see the finished product!!
I just uploaded a components list on our website www.zoagape.com/downloads
Hope this helps!!
The Ruths I saw! Very helpful indeed
Very cool. Thanks for the well done video.
Thank you for the comment! Means a lot!
Awesome bike
thank you!!
that's a good companion bike for you and your wife . I just want to ask if I can use a modern roadbike breaklever shifter on a vbreak?
Thank you! and yes, absolutely! That is what I did and it works great!
If brakelever is for hydraulic brakes no
How did the wider 10 speed cassette fit the space of the original 6 speed cassette?
Im sorry I missed this comment!! I had to spread the frame using a thread/nut combination shown starting at 2:42.
How tall are you? Is the frame a good fit after the conversion?
I’m 5’10”. And yes it’s a good fit for me!!
@@stachecrafted The build looks rad! Thanks for the info and the quick reply!
Great content
Fachrel Aulio Thank you!! 🙏
Beauty bike finished. Love when older bikes get repurposed. If you don’t mind me asking what was final cost out of pocket for the upgrades. Cheers
Thank you! There are more details in the blog about where I bought everything and I did focus on buying more quality parts than the cheapest. But the overall price was about $500-$600.
Thanks for the build info. I have the same rear derailleur and cassette but looks like it isn’t going to work? Did you have to do any modifying in order to get this setup to work? I removed 1 cog from the cassette so it would fit my old 7 speed hub. Thanks
Sorry I just saw this!! Other than stretching out the width of the frame, it worked perfectly. What issue are you running into?
@@stachecrafted the rear derailleur cage hitting cassette when I get to the bigger cogs. Maxed out the b set screw and still hitting even with extender
@@tymaurin6147 you have the long cage derailleur right? Also, I used the hangar extender that came with it. If I mounted the derailleur straight to the frame it would do the same thing so the extension was necessary for me
@@stachecrafted yea long cage and with the extension. I’ll have to relook at it again. I ended up getting a 11-40t as well and that went on with no fitting issues. Thanks for getting back to me.
@@tymaurin6147 yea that’s exactly what I have. That’s weird it is not working for you. Wish I could help more, but that’s about all I know. Hope you get it figured out!!
how much was the total conversion? great vid btw.
Thank you so much! it was about $600. Bike parts are no joke for good quality!
Very good men👏👏👏👏🚲
Hey dude. I'm doing the same thing to an 80s Saracen.
What rear brake are you using? Mines the same under the chainstay, but it's a bit rubbish tbh.
Nice job btw 👍
Sorry I missed this comment! I am using the brakes that it came with. They are not the best for sure, but they do the job. Thanks for the comment!!
I got a BMX brake for £20 off Amazon. It works as well as the v brake I've put on the front. Couldn't ask for more. 👍
Joe Maley nice man! Whatever works!!
Any trouble with the chain line?
No Trouble at all
nice clip 👌
everywhere.local Thank you!! 🙏
Why do gravel bikes need drop handlebars?
From what I understand, it is a more natural position and allows the rider to have more stability and comfort on the gravel roads.
@@stachecrafted Thanks for explaining that to me!
Hi Steve from London here - am converting an 80's hard tail muddy fox - am interested in the replacement wheels and wanted to know if these are just 26 mtb with a free hub and that the old wheels were old school and didnt have a free hub - thanks in advance
The old one was a freewheel hub. The new one is a cassette. Just to make sure I am using the right terminology, I got those terms from this video: th-cam.com/video/3UuWAtEs3WI/w-d-xo.html
Hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. I'd love to see the finished product as well!!
Great video man! I’m curious, how did you convert to a threadless headset? I noticed in the first picture that it was a threaded headset.
Thanks for publishing this, I like it :-)
I believe the answer is the stem riser adapter. It was still threaded when I installed it and the exact model is under the parts list on the link that I pinned:) Hopefully this helps and I am not getting parts confused!! Let me know if you have anymore questions.
@@stachecrafted ahhh gotcha! Thank you :-)
Is this a 26"?
Great video ☺️ thinking about doing a conversion too!
Yes it is and You should!!
is that a cantilever caliper?
Sure is :)
how did you make the cassette fit your hub?
I had to buy a new wheel. The cassettes today will not work with the wheels from the 80's from what I have found in my research :)
hello
I applaud your adaptation and loyalty but man that bar tape is fugly. It's the cycling version of the 80's porn stache lol.
Then it matches my mustache!!
Time to join r/xbike
I wanted to know how rude changed from making these “upgrades”
The advantages of a 1x conversion are all over TH-cam. You can check this video out to learn about them! th-cam.com/video/xJX9BbxRhwI/w-d-xo.html
Some people do not like them and that is fine. I love them and that is why I made this upgrade. Also, drop handle bars are more comfortable to me and that is why I upgraded that as well. The bike is a lot smoother now that I have new parts on and I use it as a daily commuter now. Thanks for the comment and I hope this helps answer your question!!
I think you are pulling our chains with 'no experience " doing this.
haha. Well, we didn't include in the video the hours of me scratching my head and reading about how to do this.
It is not gravel bike. It is monster bike = mtb + drop bar
awesome thanks!!