Updating old MTB for commuting to work.

spartacus74

Hi, I have an old Kona Hahana MTB that needs a bit of TLC to get it working at its best. I have been thinking of changing some components - namely the gear system since it's never been lubed, or looked after and clunks into gears, though it doesn't go into all the gears. It currently has an old SRAM Gripshift system. I was wondering if the newer components can still be fitted to my bike to make it a suitable commuter bike (and a bike to get used to cycling again), or will i have trouble with sourcing components to fit. It was made when steel was the more common frame material. Also has anyone any tips or suggestions on alterations to make it more fit for purpose, since I doubt i'll be going off road again on it.

Cheers for any help

snooks

My kona is 1989, and my STI's packed up..well one did, I also wanted to replace my chain rings - a few broken teeth.

So I had new shimano rapid fire levers fitted (separate from the brake levers which had to have the old fitting bracket cut off) because the biopace chainrings are no more I needed a new chain rings which meant a new crank, because the new cranks are closer to the Bottom Bracket, I also needed a new BB...get used to the idea of a small job snowballing, seems to be a common theme on retro bikes :-D

At the same time I also got a new chains and rear cassette.

The whole lot including a service lube and adjustment cost £162 - It would have been around £80-90 cheaper if I'd left the crank...but riding the bike now, is just peachy, changed the bike into something much better...I just have to work on front suspension and it won't be worth upgrading

Hop that gives you an idea of what to expect.....
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baudman

Dep on your preferences (coz I know, I often look for 'excuses' to upgrade stuff), liberally douse all your existing running gear with WD40 (or similar) and try to get it going. Get some lube down your cables. EVERYWHERE! (OK.. not on your rims).

Then try it out (with the bike upturned, or on a rack). See what you can get going again. Then take it for a ride. Change up and down, up and down. Then, bring it back in , and give it a really good clean, and a lube with proper bike lube. Again, mechanicals, cables, the works.

My (old P.O.S.) MTB/Hybrid got the Lazerus treatment and is my daily ride. I've changed a few shifters over the years (for 2nd-hand ones from LBS, CHEAP!) and put some decent tyres on it. Still going strong.