Which bike to convert to Gravel?

[Cactus459]

So I am wanting to try converting an old mountain bike to a gravel bike. Some of my concerns include reach because going to gravel bars from flat will effect handling, and the second big concern is tire size. The two bikes I have to choose from are a 1992 Gary Fisher Sphinx 700c tires or a 1990 Specialized Rockhopper Comp 26" tires. The Sphinx is a tad shorter in the reach department. I believe the Sphinx will handle a 700 x 46 no problem. Also have some 605b rims I could put on either bike with some modifications to the brakes

Looking for opinions on which one you would convert to a Gravel bike and why? Thanks for any additional information.

 

[Rod_Saetan]

700c to 650B with a cantilever brake is going to require some frame modifications, or some funky hardware, its a lot easier to go 26" to 650B!

Having said that, the Sphinx looks like a better candidate and geo looks better (could be the photos) to me. A hybrid is a gravel bike anyway basically, you'll be fine with big 700c tyres so no need to go 650B. Probably.

 

[jimo746]

I'd go with the 26" Rockhopper, should be a relatively simple makeover, and 26" is the new 29"

 

[rwm1962]

Most of my rigid, flat bar 90's mtb's identify as gravel bikes.

 

[Cactus459]

Anyone have a lead one a stem adapter for
1-1/4" threaded quill to 1-1/8" A-Headset adapter?

 

[joglo]

I would definitely recommend the Sphinx

First of all its a fact that the 700C roll a bit better on Gravel, but moreover because the length is the key for a dropbar conversion, as if you want to ride by using the hoods or even hooks/drops hand position its like grapping a regular mtb at the end of bar ends.

(I'm personally loving my Diamond Back Override dropbar conversion Bike, which was a bit similar Basis as the Sphinx)

 

[nstarmore]

Anyone have a lead one a stem adapter for
1-1/4" threaded quill to 1-1/8" A-Headset adapter?

I've got a nitto one in my stash somewhere, not that easy to come by these days annoyingly

 

[KayOs]

I would also recommend the Sphinx. A shorter stem to balance the seating position, possibly with adapter from Quill to Ahead and the rest you can keep. And there is a wide range of (cheap) tires. I have done so myself last winter.