Converting Retrobikes into gravel rigs.

I'm currently overhauling a '93 Trek 750, and will put drop bars on it, which for many counts already as "gravel conversion". I'll post when finished. However, since gravel bikes have been already around for a while, used ones start to pop up in my local classifieds for about the same price a nice conversion would cost, so it might no longer be cost effective (outside of the fun doing it).

And side-related to the AI topic, have you noticed lately a lot of scam websites stealing pictures (from forums like this, blogs, reddit) and making an "online shop" out of it?. Before, if I wanted to check examples of "gravel conversions" I would just type that in Google and look at the images. Now, most direct me to some random website with dodgy domain name where a lot of "gravel conversions" are "available for sale" at very low prices.
 
I 'built' this 'rig' in 2020 to do the local paths with my lad on the back, but it's back wearing riser bars these days.


0rudy.webp
 
My gravelly Dawes Edge XT, a real do anything bike that does nothing badly. Build thread here: https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/dawes-edge-xt-purists-look-away-it-has-drops.465985/
51891698817_e5de836664_b.jpg
 
I 'built' this 'rig' in 2020 to do the local paths with my lad on the back, but it's back wearing riser bars these days.


View attachment 1005886
I remember that. Niiiiice!
 
Dunno if this counts as it came with 700c wheels but it was a flat bar with a triple chain wheel originally.
And yes I know that's a lot of drop for most people but it's a 56cm effective top tube and that's what I take according to a "Lemond" fit and was a cat. 2 racer. IMG_20250721_102106298_HDR.webp
I've taken it up places where I get looks from all the full squish mtn biker's...
 
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I'm currently overhauling a '93 Trek 750, and will put drop bars on it, which for many counts already as "gravel conversion". I'll post when finished. However, since gravel bikes have been already around for a while, used ones start to pop up in my local classifieds for about the same price a nice conversion would cost, so it might no longer be cost effective (outside of the fun doing it).

And side-related to the AI topic, have you noticed lately a lot of scam websites stealing pictures (from forums like this, blogs, reddit) and making an "online shop" out of it?. Before, if I wanted to check examples of "gravel conversions" I would just type that in Google and look at the images. Now, most direct me to some random website with dodgy domain name where a lot of "gravel conversions" are "available for sale" at very low prices.

Here's my old 93 Trek 700 I converted and I had a blue 1990 Trek 750 that converted and used to tour on till I crashed it. I'm currently on a 90's Bianchi boardwalk that's pictured above^^^ IMG_20250708_171826736.webp
 
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