Advice: Transforming a road bike to a urban commuter bike

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Changing the brakes set is just adding costs. I am looking for the simple way out. 

 

Those would look nice though. Sponsor bro?

 

 

they won't fit the frame. You'll have to weld some lugs on to the bike to have them fit, as they attach either side of the wheel as opposed to above the wheel.

[Hairy]

Hi Hubbers

 

I have been commuting for years now, started commuting to Wits from Crosby/Brixton. Now I commute to work which is in Forest Town. I use to use my MTB but now with work clothes I feel my MTB is not suitable anymore  so I started using my road bike which is an old Trek 1000.

DSC_0005.JPG

 

I am thinking of transforming this bike into an urban/commuter bike. I know enough about bikes to do some of the changes, but I am looking for some advice. This is what I am thinking of doing:

 

• Change handlebars to a flat-bar (those really narrow ones)
• Change brake and gear levers (I want to keep my gears, I need them  )
• Change tyres to cyclocross or something with more grip, but keep my road bike rims - possible? 
• Chain cover - save my work pants from awesome grease marks
• Seat, something that suits the bike more.

That's about it. Has anyone done something like this? I want to spend minimal so keep that in mind. 

sorted

 

http://www.eurostationers.com/templates/basic/images/spice/296883.jpg

[Hairy]

Thanks for that. I am not sure about the single speed stuff though, maybe in time.. Right now, I need them gears going up that witwatersrand ridge! Maybe I will go for just one chainring in the front, that sounds like a good idea.

 

I like the one brake idea, and the bmx levers will be a good choice indeed.  

 

I look forward to starting this thing!

Bad idea, good working brakes front and back can save your life when commuting .... been commuting for over a decade. Trust me.

[Hairy]

Fit MTB v-brakes, not sure if/how these will fit on the frame though.

http://www.ridleys.com/images/library/large/shim_xt_vbrake_09_m.jpg

wont work on a roadie bike, they use a single bolt design as per the pic below

 

http://www.roteccycles.co.uk/ekmps/shops/rotec/images/shimano-tiagra-br-4600-road-bike-brake-caliper-rear-2454-p.jpg

 

Shimano are bringing out a dual pivot brake type brake (Or rather a direct mount brake) that looks to be the monkey's nuts, but you will need a frame designed to use them.

[I_Cycle_Jozi]

Thanks for all that advice @Hairy. I think its time I get started now. Will post the updates on this thread.

[I_Cycle_Jozi]

I have completed the conversion! The project was supper and in total costed me around R 1 800,00.

 

I kept it as simple as possible but managed to do exactly what I wanted to do. 

 

Here are some project pics. Thanks for all the advice!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Tubehunter]

Great job! Looks awesome!