I’m thinking about buying this MB1 on FM and really want to convert it into a longer riding (25-40 miles) bike with drops. Is this a bad idea? I have an x bike Karakoram that I use to get around the city. Any thoughts or comments positive or negative will be helpful!
by Enjoi70
11 Comments
Go for it
Its possible! Better go with cantis instead of v brakes because its much easier to get calipers that have the correct pull for cantis that fit on drop bars. You’ll also need to budget for a derailleur and shifter unless you dont mind it staying a singlespeed
Old mountain bikes like this tend to have really long top tubes. You’ll want to make sure that adding drop bars to this isn’t going to stretch you out too far, or that you’ll be able to get the handlebars high enough to be comfortable for you.
I’ve been looking for a mustard yellow bike
Give it a shot no idea about your personal geo. I’d call a 40 more of a mid length ride ride. It could take some finessing and parts swapping to get it dialed. I’m tall and have never gotten old MTB geo to be great for mid to long rides.
I would use something more like surly moloko or corner bars instead of drops to make the conversation easier and more straightforward. But I’m also biased as someone who generally doesn’t like drop bars
Looks old, like fat tires won’t fit old.. have a search of people who’ve rebuilt one and check what they have. I nearly bought a bike the other day until I realized they fit 2″ max tries..
If that is your seat height, I would not recommend drops unless you have invincible neck and wrists.
I have a stock mb-1: unless you have orangutan arms, don’t do a drop-bar conversion
I love my MB1 for longer rides. I’m not a drop bar fan tho and am running Soma Dream Risers on mine
A yellow MB-1?!!! I don’t think I have ever seen one. No matter what you do with it an MB-1 is worth having.