getting creative with an old ridgeback

[c2c]

hi folks, anybody got any ideas as to how i can convert this old ridgeback into a sit up and beg style cruiser. Myself and Mrs c2c often go out for 20 mile or so country lane pootles and the very act of pootling on my bianchi causes me all manner of aches. so i want something relaxed. what would you guys do with this bike to achieve the aforementioned relaxing ride.......?

 

[Arch]

Is that saddle the right height for you now?

If so, then the main thing is to get the handlebars up higher - this might mean a longer stem (IE taller), or a stem with a shorter neck that throws the bars less forward. And perhaps change the handlebars to something with a swept back end - or at least some that have a bit of a rise in them.

For example, riser bars:

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-...rt-Handlebars--25.4mm-Clamp--Silver-10231.htm

North Road bars:

http://www.theoldbicycleshowroom.co.uk/alloy-north-road-handlebars-422-p.asp

or moustache bars

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=14212&src=froogle

If you're going for sit up and beg, you might find the saddle becomes less comfortable - with more weight on your bum, a wider or springier saddle might be an idea.

Plus, add a rack, for carrying the picnic!

 

[c2c]

Is that saddle the right height for you now?

If so, then the main thing is to get the handlebars up higher - this might mean a longer stem (IE taller), or a stem with a shorter neck that throws the bars less forward. And perhaps change the handlebars to something with a swept back end - or at least some that have a bit of a rise in them.

For example, riser bars:

http://www.sjscycles...ilver-10231.htm

North Road bars:

http://www.theoldbic...ebars-422-p.asp

or moustache bars

http://www.sjscycles...212&src=froogle

If you're going for sit up and beg, you might find the saddle becomes less comfortable - with more weight on your bum, a wider or springier saddle might be an idea.

Plus, add a rack, for carrying the picnic!

yeah thats the sort of look and feel i am after, i thought a brooks saddle might be worth a try. Mrs c2c is the carrier of all things picnicy as she has a wealth of panniers on her dutch style ktm, but i guess i ought to do the gentlemanly thing and carry the weight. the saddle height is spot on and it is quite a nice light old skool mtb to ride.
cheers arch

 

[Arch]

yeah thats the sort of look and feel i am after, i thought a brooks saddle might be worth a try. Mrs c2c is the carrier of all things picnicy as she has a wealth of panniers on her dutch style ktm, but i guess i ought to do the gentlemanly thing and carry the weight. the saddle height is spot on and it is quite a nice light old skool mtb to ride.
cheers arch

Yeah, it looks like it'd be nice to ride.

A Brooks would be nice, one of these:

http://brooksengland.com/en/Shop_CategoryPage.aspx?cat=saddles+-+city+&+heavy+duty

(Or a cheaper version...):

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Velo-Orange-M...763120&cguid=2c365a9711f0a0e204d37143ffa12713

 

[Campfire]

You will have to post another pic when you've done it c2c, I bet it will look really good. It looks OK now but will have a totally different look.

 

[c2c]

You will have to post another pic when you've done it c2c, I bet it will look really good. It looks OK now but will have a totally different look.

will do, the idea is to turn it into a kind of 2 wheeled armchair using some quality retro components. sprung brooks saddle, grips to match, nice mudguards and the type of bars suggested by arch. that way i can potter along with mrs c2c in comfort and style...........

 

[montage]

Arch has said the best option. Just remember though, a taller stem and you might well need to replace the cables - though it looks like you have enough slack for this not to be the case