Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Thoughts on 1980's Mountain Bike Fit and the Trek Antelope as a Winter Bike

I find it interesting how one bicycle can have multiple lives. The Trek Antelope's early life was as a versatile commuter/dirt road rider/sport bicycle. In the mid 90s it functioned beautifully as a world tourer, climbing steep inclines and holding it's own on rough, third world roads. Since 2000, this do-it-all machine morphed into a daily commuter again with an occasional multi-day tour thrown in for good measure. But, it some respects, I've moved on, mostly, to riding step through bicycles, so the Trek has lately served as a loan to relatives or our youngest son has ridden it to a mowing job when his bike has a flat.

What I find particularly interesting, is the suggested fit for bikes of this era. I went from riding a 20-21" touring bike to the recommended 19" mountain bike. I believe the rationale went like this: ride a smaller frame so you'd have clearance on rough trails, making it easier to dismount or put a foot on the ground.

In hindsight, and from the wisdom of age, a 20" mountain bike suits me better. The reach is perfect without the need for bar ends, which, on the Trek has become a necessity for optimal comfort.

So, what to do with the Trek Antelope?

Now that I've found a perfect-sized Peugeot step through for commuting - a size that's proven difficult to locate - it occurred to me (after Ryan suggested I use the Ross as a winter bike) that I should press the Trek into cold weather duty, small or not, and keep the Peugeot for the long haul and not subject it to salt-crusted roads.

The Plan - Transform the Trek into a lean, functional machine*
  • remove front rack
  • add wider gumwall tires
  • beef up the worn hand grips, perhaps with a funky wrap job
  • replace toe clip pedals with simple platform type

*Of course, the added benefit here is I don't have to get rid of a bicycle that has memories up the wazoo...

6 comments:

  1. I like your plan, and hope you'll post updates as the plan progresses. My Antelope that was gifted to me was tweaked a little and passed on to my brother and nephew. But I just purchased a 1993 Bridgestone MB-5 that I'll keep at my daughter's house in DC. It is my grandchildren bike!

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  2. I'd suggest black wall tires as they are stronger and probably last longer in harsher conditions.

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    1. +1 on the blackwall tires. Otherwise, I think you have a great plan.

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    2. I have already bought gumwall tires, so gumwalls it is! I didn't know that blackwalls were more resistant to road salt, so thanks for your suggestions.

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  3. Hope it works well for you Annie - interested to see what tires you end up with, and I might suggest giving the frame a good waxing before winter sets in.

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  4. Hindsight and the wisdom that comes from age - I have found too that it's only recently that I've realized just what size of bike I need. My lovely Trek mixte which I always thought was the right size is in fact a bit on the small side, but I'd never have known this if I hadn't got my bigger Koga. Looking forward to seeing what you do with your Trek!

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