Modifying an MTB for faster Commute

[Losidan]

I admit that the key to getting faster at my ride is to ride more and lose weight, however, I keep having these ideas about modifying my MTB too.

Currently I have a hardtail MTB (Marin Palisades Trail) with Manitou shocks and panaracer knobblies.

My plan was to get rid of the shocks and get set of rigid forks (Bontrager Carbon?) and switch to some tyres that will reduce rolling resistance. Currently I have DH style Riser bars on but I was thinking of having some flatties with Stubby bar ends to give me more options on hand position. I do seem to get loads of palm ache cos there is only one position to hold my hands currently.

Is it possible to remove the smallest chainring, or is it even worth swapping to a road twin chainring crank set over the MTB triple?

I just was thinking that it will give my commute a little easier as well as give me some of that all important bling!..Is it worth bothering or just a waste of time and money?

 

[Graham O]

Can't comment on the shocks or bars, but fitting slick tyres will make you go 2 to 5 kph faster for no extra effort and they will be soooooo much quieter. And it's a cheap upgrade/conversion.

 

[Notsoblue]

Can you lock out the shocks?

 

[fossyant]

Unless you can lock out the forks, then at first try some skinny tyres. I'd say 1.2 or 1.3's. They make a big difference. Continental's are good, and lots of folk recommend Schwalbe Marathons (and Marathon Plus), although at 800g they are well heavy, but bomp proof.

I've just moved from some Vittoria's which were 600g, 26 x 1.5 and prooved 100% fine (no deflations) in a year.

I've now got Hutchinson Top Slick 2's 26 x 1.2 - very much like a road tyre, but very little additional puncture protection bands etc, but weight is down to about 300g - very lively tyre, grips well and rolls well - although haven't tested it's 'deflation' resistance yet.

No need to drop the chain set - I'm still using my MTB compact with a 46 biggest chainring and 13 sprocket - I spin out at 32 mph, but that's faster than the traffic on the drag from home. It does mean I only use my large chain ring though for the whole commute, and a 13,14,15,17,19,21,23 - 7 speed casette.

If you want a piccy of what it looks like - try here - fairly old MTB - pre suspension era !!!

http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=16049

 

[Losidan]

thanks the info...

I was looking at tyres earlier but was a bit perplexed which would be a good choice...Gives me some food for thought.

The shocks dont lock out unfortunately and I was thinking the weight saving would be pretty good too?

 

[BentMikey]

Just get a propa road bike. You need another bike, don't you?

 

[domtyler]

Much better to get a road bike instead and keep your MTB for riding up and down mountains.

 

[Losidan]

Much better to get a road bike instead and keep your MTB for riding up and down mountains.

dudes....i am way, way too overweight for a roadie just yet

 

[eranou]

Losidan, i changed the tyres on my MB to Continental Travel Contact tyres which are a semi slick tyre with a protective layer to help guard against punctures. Made all the difference plus i can still use the bike off road on forest tracks and the like. I must admit though, i have a road bike also.

 

[BentMikey]

dudes....i am way, way too overweight for a roadie just yet

Unlikely, road bikes are much stronger and can deal with much rougher roads and potholes than many people imagine.

 

[domtyler]

One guy at my club is forty-four stone and regularly puts in sub twenty-five minute tens and has done more than twenty-five below the hour.

 

[Mr Pig]

One guy at my club is forty-four stone...

You are jesting? Is that a typo?

Meanwhile, back at the ranch:

You're on the right lines dude. I use Specialized Nimbus Armadillo tyres which are pretty fast rolling and virtually puncture proof. Don't forget to pump your tyres up as hard as you can get them.

A riser stem/bars is a good idea, much more comfortable, as are bar ends.

You do get bigger chain rings for MTBs. My mate had one but I don't know what size it was maybe 52? Other than that just keep your chain/bearings clean and you'll whiz along :0)

 

[ghitchen]

• Slick tyres
• Narrow bars
• Bar ends (inboard of grips)
• Rigid forks
• Ditch the inner chainwheel
• Road cassette (for closer ratios)

Marin Bear Valley commuter

 

[Losidan]

thanks for all the input chaps. much appreciated.
looks like tyres are my very first stop then take it from there.
a road bike would be great but i'll never get that one past the missus!

 

[Carwash]

Much better to get a road bike instead and keep your MTB for riding up and down mountains.

Quite. But even a hybrid or something would be an improvement - something without huge knobbly tyres.