Sports Commuter Conversion To Full Hybrid.

[Jim77]

Got a rigid sports commuter bike (Cannondale Badboy) , looking to convert it into more of a comfortable full hybrid bike for riding uneven towpaths etc. Have been around Lake Vyrnwy in Mid Wales yesterday which is about 12 mile run (so nothing too hardcore) and noticed a couple of things.

Firstly the lack of front suspension really was causing lots of unpleasant vibration so I am looking to add a front suspension fork. I don't need an expensive hardcore mountain bike one, but rather something suitable for 700 wheels. Not too bothered if it doesn't have a lockout as not planning on any major hill climbing. Looking at something like this:

http://www.greyville.com/products/4274

But not sure what size will fit my bike.

Secondly after a while I noticed that the riding position was very forward leaning and after a while my arms hands were really aching (yes i am unfit!!). I would like to raise the handlebar height to give me a more comfortable touring type position. How would I achieve this as the handlebar height does not seem to be height adjustable. The adjustable handlebars that you get on Dutch Gazelle Bikes are pretty cool as you can change the height as you go without tools. Does anyone know if this is something you can get for other bikes?

I hope this makes sense. If not please ask me to clarify my points.

Cheers.

Jim

 

[Jim77]

Any ideas / opinions welcome, please folks.

 

[gkilner]

Hi, I'm always a bit skeptical about spending money on a bike to turn it into something else.

Are you sure you wouldn't be better off selling the bike, then buying something more suitable.

Changing the forks, handlebars, wheels tyres etc will cost a lot, and you could still end up with a bike that isn't ideal for what you want.

 

[Jim77]

Well the frame is a Hybrid type frame anyway. The only thing I need to worry about is that the components are not going to reduce the quality of the bike. That is why I want to make sure I find a decent front suspension fork that is light. I am not too concerned with changing the whole handlebars but would really like to increase the height of them.

The Suntour suspension fork looks a lot cheaper than say Rock Shocks, they only have 63mm of travel but I am not planning on off roading with them. I am more concerned that they might be crap. But they do seem to be fitted to a lot of decent £700 mark hybrids so I guess they cannot be too bad. Any one used these? (See link above).

I am also interested in whacking some new rubber on them, such as:

http://www.schwalbe.co.uk/c2-1076-schwalbe-tires-big-apple.html

These fat boys. (If they will fit with the new fork...? )