Making this old shi**er a little more road friendly

[Harleyboy]

As per the title, am wondering what could be done to make this old, mostly unused MTB more usable for the odd cycle into town.

I have two ‘proper’ road bikes but they’re both too good to leave outside the bakers/co-op etc and also not ideal for hopping on with trainers and jeans (pedals etc)

It runs out of gears by about 20mph tops and the nobbly tyres are not needed. So, the thing is I might want to take it down the odd byway still, despite not having done so for years so don’t want a full road tyre.

Tyre size is 26 x 2.1. It’s a Kona Cindercone

Any tyre suggestions? Should I change the rear cassette or is it simply too old and heavy to make much difference?

Cheers

[joshleb]

How about just changing the chainring on the cranks to a larger one, that's if the jump won't be too large.

Cassette won't make that much difference as to make the gears harder it's the lowest gearings that need changing and they're quite often pretty low as standard.

Sure you were in the largest chainring? Surprised you maxed it out without going down a large hill.

[MC Bodge]

Make it practical and leave it somewhere accessible. Use it!

I did something similar with an old Kona Cinder Cone, including rigid forks, although it has now mostly been returned to light mtb duties for my wife.

The main thing is Tyres:

For on/off road, smooth rolling, cheap: Land Cruiser Tyres:
https://www.highonbikes.com/products/schwalbe-land...

For excellent road performance (and surprisingly good in 32mm on a gravel track on my cyclocross bike), High durability and good puncture resistance
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres/26-x-160-inch-42...

Nb. Much heavier, very puncture resistant, "Marathon" tyres are available, but they are a bit excessive. The Marathon Supreme are, er, supremely good.

Cheaper fat semi/slicks are also available - any would do really. Unless it is very muddy, fat slicks will do.

For a pleasant, relaxed, riding position (you may be surprised how good this can be) , fit a higher stem and maybe some swept back bars:
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/HBOOMM/on-one-mollym...
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/HBOOMB/on-one-mike-h...
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/HBOOMA/on-one-mary-h...

Fit a proper full rear mudguard and maybe a front one (to keep your shoes and trousers clean), or at least a bigger front crud catcher and a fork crown fender.

If you are going to carry things, fit a pannier rack and then get some pannier bags..

You should be able to get well above 20mph in the existing top gear.

Edited by MC Bodge on Friday 15th January 10:11

[Darkslider]

I'd just start using it as you suggest and work out what its failings are and address them as you go. For a popping into town bike it looks more than adequate to me.

[Pulse]

If you want to change the tyres for mostly road riding, I would get the Schwalbe City Jets. I used them for on and off road on my old bike, and they were fine for that purpose. They're around £8 per tyre normally! Of course, much faster rolling on road, too.

Failing that, above has already been posted, the next best option would be the Landcruiser.

[MC Bodge]

Pulse said:

If you want to change the tyres for mostly road riding, I would get the Schwalbe City Jets. I used them for on and off road on my old bike, and they were fine for that purpose. They're around £8 per tyre normally!

prices of bike parts have increased a bit.....

[Pulse]

True, though they’re only £12 at Fawkes currently.