Afternoon
I'm toying with the idea of a new bike, a bit of a do it all affair.
I'm thinking along the lines of a Croix de fer or kaffenback.
But I want to do it as cheap as possible.
My plan is to use the bits off my old MTB, can anyone see a problem with this? I realise it'll be a flat barred bike unless I decide to change the shifters and whatnot.
Also, wheels, can I fit thinner touring type tyres to my existing MTB wheels? And will they fit a new frame, or do I need different wheels?
Cheers
Shouldn't be a problem on either count.
Your mechs, BB, crankset etc. should fit without any worries on any reasonably modern frame.
The type of tyres you're talking about will be a lower profile than 99% of MTB tyres so will fit easily. There are quite a few 26" specific slick tyres knocking about. I'm happily using a pair of Schwalbe City Jets on an old hardtail frame as my on/off road commuter.
If you do use an old MTB frame and you're used to road bikes on the road, be warned: it will feel heavy.
Thanks buck,that's what I wanted to hear.
Are you talking about 29er MTB wheels? 26" on a frame designed for 700cc wheels ain't gonna work with caliper or canti brakes. It'll work on 26" with discs though.
As for tyres, both those frames have good clearances. CdF will take 35mm tyres and Kaff 32mm tyres - provided they are 700cc. Clearances may be different with a 26" wheel in.
gearing might be a bit low if you are just doing road stuff, maybe add a road cassette or bigger chain rings?
Agree that gearing may be a little short for road riding, but a road cassette will only give you higher gears if you've got a 12-up cassette, which is less likely on an MTB, bigger rings required.
Otherwise echo what others have said.
Thanks for the replies, all a bit moot now though, I can't get a bloody Frameset for the cdf cos they've all gone for this year, and I'd set my heart on it as well.
use a mtb mech and cassette with a basic (tiagra/sora) compact chain set.
flat bars are the easiest way to get disc working nicely.