What Bike to Convert into a Cheap Tourer/Commuter?

As the title suggests really, looking for suggestions on the sort of stuff I should be looking out for, in particular one with a lugged steel frame. I'm trying not to spend much at all, something like £100 overall. I've found an auction listing on eBay for what I think is an '87 Raleigh Montage, without wheels, a seatpost and gears. Doing a bit of research into the bike, opinions of it are very hit and miss. I don't care if the stock wheels or gears are rubbish, I don't exactly intend to restore it to accurate, as new condition. But if there's something wrong about the frame, then there's no point in pursuing it.

If you are going to actually ride it and it needs to be reliable, you need to budget for decent new tyres, probably a new chain, and cables

That’s £40 give or take, so really you have about £60

Still perfectly doable, but Dont get hung up on reviews etc, you just need something complete, near you and in the right size

Saracens seem to go cheaply

Re:

There's nothing wrong with the Montage, but TBH they are a bit hit and miss. I believe only the main tubes are Reynolds steel and they're not known to be exactly lightweight (not too much of a big deal, but might be a pain with loaded touring).

The key to a good lugged steel deal IMO is to go for a fairly unfashionable brand from back in the day. Saracen is a good choice, or you can also find early 90's Claud Butler and Dawes complete bikes for well under £100 with a bit of patience.

Echoing what Nick says, do factor in a fair bit of budget to cover the bits mentioned. Bear in mind you'll save a fair bit of £££ if you are comfortable replacing the parts yourself, although you will have to factor in some costs for any specific tools needed - they're good to have though! There's plenty of YouTube vids and guides online to help you on.

Good Luck :xmas-big-grin:

Bit biased because I have a couple but specialised rockhopper in mid nineties vintage turn up often. My 98 alloy comp fs needed new forks but was £60. I had a 99 steel fs complete but needed a clean up I sold it for £70 all up and running. Also a 96 with questionable upgrades £50. All of these in the last 6 months. Plenty of bargains out there.

Marin Bear Valley

I would buy a full bike though whatever you decide on. You will spend more buying components than a few bits and some elbow grease to get a complete bike riding. If your near Manchester you could come and raid mine if you want.

I was originally more gearing my search towards frames and forks on their own, as I expected to be replacing most of the parts anyway for newer stuff. So I thought it better to use everything from a purchase than pay a few quid extra for a full bike because of parts I wouldn't want anyway.

Raleigh pioneer hybrid. Ten a penny.

For example near you? https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2812080189

I'd agree with that - any early to mid 90's steel frame with mudguard eyes would do. Nicer bike - great! Lower end one (like a Marin Muirwoods or Palisades) with steel chainrings - enjoy the durability!

New cables and outers will tidy up the shifting 90% of the time. Bang on some mudguards to keep yourself clean and dry plus Schwalbe Marathon tyres and run the whole lot to destruction...rebuild and repeat.

Re:

I picked up a 1983 Nikishi Bushwacker for £20 recently. Tange 2 tubing , Suntour thumbies etc . Mudguard and rack mounts. Bit rough but all working and original. It's going to be my steed for any retro rides and hopefully be kitted out as a tourer/bikepacker for a bit of me time in the spring/summer.
A few years ago I picked up a 501 tubed Raleigh Dune Dancer for £25. Odd name but a crackin old bike .
Back in the summer I met a guy Alan Young up in Shieldaig. He was cycling the coastline of the UK on an old chromo 90s Raleigh mtb. It weighed a ton loaded up but speed wasn't an issue. He was out to enjoy the ride.
So there's plenty of unfashionable 80s-90s steel for sale cheap. Find one that's complete , working and that fits you and away you go.