Bontrager Hipster Conversion = Wife get outta jail card

I bought this old Bontrager frame to build up into a 650B canti ... than I realized that was sorta silly and just bought a 29er.

The wife was on my case about my multiplying bikes in the basement issue so I thought I would build this as a "See ... they do have a use" statement. Totally $$$ pit, took forever, and so much custom work but it turned out pretty nice.

What is it? Its a 26er 93 Bonti frame. Its running 650B wheels, with CX brakes, and a 1x7 Ultegra/105/Deore DX drive train. Whole bike is brand new less the frame, rear derailleur, and DX shifter.

Frame: 1993 Bontrager Race

Fork: NOS Tange

Headset: VeloOrange
Stem: Nitto
Handlebar: Nitto
Grips: Brooks Slender

Brakes: Shimano CX
Brake Pads: Shimano
Brake Cables: Jagwire
Cantilever cable hangers: Shimano
Brake Levers: Tekro

Shifters: Deore DX
Rear Derailleur: Ultegra 6500
Derailleur Cables: Jagwire
Cassette: Shimano
Chain: Shimano
Cranks: Ultegra 6500
Crank Bolts: Shimano
Chainrings: Shimano
Chainring bolts: Shimano
Bottom Bracket: Shimano
Pedals: Wellgo

Hub Skewers: VeloOrange Anti Theft
Rims: Velocity 650B
Hubs: Shimano 105
Nipples: DT
Spokes: DT
Tyres: Panaracer 650B
Tubes: MEC

Saddle: Brooks Ladies B17
Seatpost: Kalloy
Seatpost Binder: Tektro

Weight: 26.8 lbs ... with the Basket!

Basket ... cuz you are all wondering: Wald











http://s1377.photobucket.com/user/Class ... sort=3&o=4

Re:

That's come out really nice, I am sure there must be laws against that sort of thing, but well done

really nice looking bike

I want to know how did you fit 650b wheels with 26" rim brake?

Dare":1okfqhwj said:

really nice looking bike

I want to know how did you fit 650b wheels with 26" rim brake?

Click to expand...

Me too!

Looks beautiful! I don't think this is a crime at all. It's done so well it looks like a brand new bike.

Looks factory! Very nicely done sir!

Re:

nice job on the build.

now grow a big bushy beard and get one of those short
on side, long on top hair-do's and pedal around town
with your craft beer in the basket thinking you are
super cool.
the classic Vancouver/Portland look these days. :facepalm:

That's gorgeous .

That is a lovely looking bike!

Very nice indeed but missing the Bontrager decals

Re: Re:

Retro_Roy":1xme3nyd said:

nice job on the build.

now grow a big bushy beard and get one of those short
on side, long on top hair-do's and pedal around town
with your craft beer in the basket thinking you are
super cool.
the classic Vancouver/Portland look these days. :facepalm:

Click to expand...

I hope my wife doesn't go that route!

Glad people like it. Not a normal retro-mtb bike for sure.

The 650B conversion took a bit of planning, and a few tricks. First off, the frame has the right rear triangle design for clearance. Most of the 91-96 bontrager frames can accommodate full 650B mtb tires. With the touring tires on the bike there is plenty of room. The rolling diameter is almost the same as 26" mtb tires.

The key to getting the wheels is the brakes. I went through my whole box of vintage cantilevers but nothing worked. Than I saw Shimano's CX50 brakes on a bike at the bike show. Tons of adjustment range and cheap. The pads also have a pivot ball on them which helps. If you put the CX50s at the top of their adjustment range you can run 650B rims on your 26er.

But it's close ...

The fork on this bike had lower brake bosses. Real pain in the butt. When I mocked it up with a kona fork they were fine. I had to machine the brakes and bit and run a double spacer to make it work. I matched the look on the rear.

Braking power is good.