r/VintageMTB

I was given this Trek 6000 for free and I'm turning it into a retro commuter. I think it's early 90s (possibly 1991?), so if anyone can confirm the year I'd appreciate it.

Use: commuting, shops, cafes, plus the odd easy ride on tracks and fields. Nothing technical. I'm going for a restomod look and want to keep the original paint.

What's on it, as far as I (and Claude) can tell:
- Bonded aluminium frame, rigid fork, original neon yellow splatter paint in pretty good condition.
- SunTour XC Ltd triple crankset, SunTour front and rear derailleurs
- Friction thumb shifters (not indexed)
- Cantilever brakes with Aztec pads
- Araya VP-20 rims, 26 x 1.50
- Matrix quill stem (surface rust), True Temper bars
- Sakae pedals
- Mudguards front and rear

Where I'm at: the chain recently snapped and my local shop says the drivetrain is generally worn. They quoted about £200 for a 1x8 conversion, which is more than I want to spend. I'd rather replace what's worn with used or budget parts from eBay. I’ve added the Billy Bonkers and the flite seat was gifted by a friend which I’m not precious about keeping as it’s a little firm. The friction shifters work but can’t quite use the full range of gears, and even I can tell they’re past their best.

Questions:

1. What's the cheapest sensible way to sort the drivetrain? What do I need to measure or check before buying a chain and freewheel/cassette?
2. The stem is rusty. Clean it up or replace it? I understand the brake cable runs through it, so I'd need a cable hanger if I swap?
3. Which upgrades give the most for the money on a bike like this (grips, brake pads, cables, anything else)?

I have no bike mechanical experience but a friend has tools and a workshop. I'm in the UK. Thanks in advance.

Hey everyone!

I’m considering building a versatile all-rounder based on a 90s steel/chromoly mountain bike, rather than buying a modern gravel bike.

My idea would be to keep the classic frame but modernise the key components: a 1x9 drivetrain, good V-brakes, quality mixed-terrain tyres, and possibly some other updates where worthwhile. I’d mainly use it for commuting and city riding, but also longer rides, bikepacking, forest paths and occasional road climbs in the mountains.

I’m not looking for a high-performance race bike, just something reliable, comfortable, versatile and relatively affordable. Do you think a well-built vintage MTB could realistically cover most of the same ground as an entry-level gravel bike? What would its main limitations be, especially on longer road rides and climbs?

I also have a specific Peugeot bike in mind that has apparently been converted to 27.5" wheels. I’d love to hear your thoughts on that kind of conversion. Are there any particular issues to look out for regarding frame and fork clearance, brake compatibility, geometry, bottom bracket height or handling? Is it generally a sensible conversion, or are there reasons to stick with the original 26" wheels?

Finally, if you were building this kind of bike, which components would you prioritise, and are there any classic steel MTB frames you’d recommend looking for?

Thanks!

Largely original, I’ve never seen a red one for sale, only black with gray speckles. What do you guys think? The twist spokes are odd but those are the original Araya rm-20 wheels. I have some other Araya wheels I may swap and put the twist spokes on my Ibex build. The original owner gave it to the guy I purchased it from.

Stole this old bike from my parents garage, it was collecting dust. The paint job was too awesome not to put some TLC into it. Put on a new wheelset, tires, handlebar, brakes, brake levers and grips. Love this bike!

Not sure how I feel about the top tube decal, might be a little too big.

I’m thinking it’s a ‘97?

1999 frame. Custom build out.

XTR stuff... not thrilled about the rear caliper and rotor size and orientation, but it'll work. Waiting on a 160 to 180mm fork bracket. Ill need to fit the rear line, then pull the system off to bleed on another IS mount bike. The A2Z hayes mount adapter angles the caliper down, and spaces it out to 180mm.

Found this Trek 930 on CL for $75, gave it a few upgrades. Made in Wisconsin, Tru-temper OX frame. (Not 853 but close enough😂) Rides really nice, but I need to service the Marzocchi fork and also get rid of those clashing decals 😂

Can anyone tell me a little bit about what I found? A couple of days ago, I picked up this Schwinn-Paramount Series 20 with suntour components. Seems like I found another well-kept time capsule for 20 bucks! I I bought it as a parts bike, but after a quick clean and adjusted to check components, I realized it's so smooth and quiet. I have to keep it whole. "This is gonna be my new main bike for a while." 😅

I just bought this bike for $180. The crankset and handlebars have been replaced, and the fork is obsolete, I mean, it’s nearly 30 years old. Everithing else is in good condition. I’m having trouble finding a suitable fork replacement; do you think this RockShox Quadra fork can be repaired?