Which way shall I go with my new project MTB?

[averagebiker]

I picked up an early 90's Marin Muirwoods this morning and don't think it will be staying standard/be a catalog build.

My current thoughts are...
a) to put a better quality 9dpped drivetrain on it I have which is from a 2000/1 donor bike
b) go single speed as I have never done that before (I know, very late to the party!)
c) make a heavy duty drop bar 1x bike......shhhhh don't say grave**

What do you all think?
Rich.

 

[averagebiker]

PS here she is "as found".

 

[Carge]

It's got gravel-esque tyres on it at the mo - so stick some oil on the chain and go and find a towpath to scoot along - or even gravel whatever that is.
Then see how you feel about it - and go from there

 

[CassidyAce]

Pretty much as above: lose that lump of a saddle, get the bike operational, and see how you feel about it after a ride or two on it.

 

[averagebiker]

Shifters no worky, and there is no hanger for the front canti brake so I shan't be going for a spin just yet.

I am sure I have some spare low end 7 speed integrated brakes and shifters in the "shed" which will get me going. They will necessitate swapping to v-brakes which solves the canti hanger situation so could be an option.

But this will not likely stay as (fairly) original spec as it is a bit weighty.

PS the seat is very comfy LOL

 

[FluffyChicken]

Without the above knowledge I would look to scrap the shifters they are not good. For you intended use I would switch to some either high end early GripShift, or the later 90's are great.

As you're 7-speed you'll find your 9 speed gear will not fit on that wheel, unless you loos cogs and limit the mech with the shifter.

A hanger cost next to nothing, just get one and some new brake blocks.

Yes it's heavy but hey ho so is the frame, but you'll work out if the bikes the right size for you. That stem is too short and the saddle is to far back, all the weight is too far back on the bike.


Anyway, as for which of the three builds, it really depends on how you intend to ride it.
Go single speed, then wonder why everyone normally has effing loads and large cogs on the back of the bikes nowadays, even road bikes.
Then make it a road bike and stick cogs on it.... and put that stuff in the grave_....

then make it a nice retro bike with some equality 7 speed gear. Don't spend a lot. STX/STX-RC will do.
or modernise, but I always think early 00's looks more out of place that 10's or modern budget stuff. I thin kit's the styling.

Have fun, when you decide edit your title with the bike and project.
have fun
ad ignore anything we say