worth it to convert an old (cheap) mountain bike??

[cyclingmama]

Hi all. I have a 1998 Trek 800 Mountain Sport. Although I consider it a hybrid (I doubt anyone would really mtb with it) its classified as a mtn bike. It probably cost $200-$250 in 1998. I know its not much of a bike, but it was my first bike since childhood and the bike that made me fall in love with cycling, so there is a sentimental attachment.

My commute (which I have not yet tried for various reasons) is about 8 miles each way, including a long high bridge (nasty cross-winds) and a couple decent hills. I have been planning/hoping to commute on my road bike but the logistics are challenging (the bike doesn't take panniers or a rack and I don't like biking with a backpack). So I have been thinking about making my old Trek into a commuter. I'd have to replace the tires with street tires at a minumum, and replace the saddle because I never upgraded it. I'd like those multi-purpose pedals with the platform on one side and spd clips on the other. I have a rack on it already and would need a good pannier large enough for a change of clothes and shoes, a towel, and toiletries. Probably about a $200+ project, for a bike that only cost that much 10 years ago. And it would still be a big heavy frame and entry-level basic components.

Do you think its worth it, or should I stick with the road bike (I can do it, I just need to plan in advance and pack a bag the day before to leave at work) until I can invest in another bike to use as a commuter? I can really only commute once a week on average, as I have young kids to take to daycare, and can only count on DH to do both drop-off and pick-up with them once a week. Howver, in another 2 years I'll be putting them both on the school bus in the morning and commuting on a more regular basis, so I do want to consider the long-term as well.

Also, if I do it, what other changes would you suggest besides the tires and the pedals? I think I might like drop bars but I don't know how do-able or expensive that would be, and if it would look ridiculous on that frame.

I'd welcome any thoughts/suggestions/advice y'all have. Thanks!

[SouthernBelle]

I'd take the cost of the panniers out of your consideration since that would be a purchase no matter what you do.

That leaves, tires, saddle, and pedals. Realistically if you buy another bike, you are probably looking at buying saddle and pedals anyway. Most bikes don't come with pedals anymore and most of us swap out the saddle before all is said and done.

That leaves tires.

Honestly I try this bike out if you love riding it anyway. All the purchases you are talking about are ones you would probably end up making even with a new bike. Then if you decide to go with another bike, the accessories are already there.

[chutch]

Go with your existing mtb to get started and the $$$ saved on gas could go towards a new commuter bike as a reward for sticking with it

[bike4ever]

I'm for converting the mtbike. Commuting takes a toll on bikes - weather, road grime. Wear out the old bike before jumping into a new commute bike.

[7rider]

In addition to the tires and saddle, I'd perhaps add some bar ends if you don't already have them on the bike, so you can have a variety of hand positions. Eight miles on a mtb can be pretty hard on your wrists.
Ride this bike into the ground, and when your kids move on to the bus, reward yourself with something new. You'll have a better idea then, also, of what works for you and what doesn't at that point...which will help make you a better shopper for a new ride.

[Melalvai]

+1 for converting.
I converted.
Does that make us all Born-again Bicyclists?

[Ana]

+1 for converting the mtn.

I found an old Trek 830 on craigslist which I converted into a commuter and looooove it It's not perfect but it's pretty darn close I still have bike envy of the other commuters posted But perhaps I will upgrade later when I can better afford it

I invested in new tires, panniers, tubes, etc. Fortunately for me, it came with front and back lights, a frame pump, a rear rack and a lock

Then when it wears out (if it does) then you can get a shiny new commuter... OR you could let the mtn bike be your commuter and get a beauuuutiful new bike and keep it inside away from the harsh elements

[indigoiis]

I have two commuters - one is a steel frame mountain bike. What's nice about it is I can take "shortcuts" (dirt roads, paths) that I can't on a road bike. It can handle the klunk. And I sit upright, which helps people see me better (or I feel like they do.) I go as far as 15 miles on this bike and then after that it gets uncomfortable.

When I am "training" for a cycling event, I take my road bike on my commute and pack stuff (clothes, food) in the day before, and then simply wear a small fanny pack for my necessities.

[cyclingmama]

Thanks all. I had had the same thoughts, that I'd likely be replacing much of the same parts on a new bike as well, I just didn't know if the old Trek was even worth putting new money into, KWIM? But I think it will suit my commuter needs just fine, and its probably better to see how commuting goes for a while before I start spending $$ on a new bike. So, I'm taking it in tomorrow for a tune-up and to get street tires. I have a new saddle and pedals on my birthday list (my birthday is in 3 weeks). I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by the pannier/bag options, but there are some great threads on that topic in this forum and I'll figure something out, I'm sure. Thanks for the advice!

[SouthernBelle]

Don't forget. It's ok to put silly bells and horns on a commuter.

[cyclingmama]

Don't forget. It's ok to put silly bells and horns on a commuter.

oh, this IS going to be a fun birthday!

[doggrrl]

A good fitting bike messenger bag is a good transporter of your clothes. Since the bag is wide and fits across the small of your back, it'll basically mold to you, especially if you utilize the waist harness, so your clothes get's their own custom pressing as you ride to work!
I like them much better than backpacks, especially when your in between cars in traffic, you can turn to look behind you much easier. Large backpacks tend to cut of part of your rear view and the weight disbursement is all wrong for riding.

Good luck on the mtn bike conversion. I recently converted an old hybrid into a commuter and love it!!!

[singletrackmind]

Everything you list can be moved to a 'new' bike should you find the 800 not speedy enough for you so no real waste, money-wise. Ma had one and it's not a bad bike, really. Sure, it's not particularly fast and it's a bit heavy but it rolled ok. The original components are still on it and still working alright. The only thing wrong with it right now is a bent rim (you can't hit curbs, apparently) and dry-rotted tires that need replacing. My sister rode it relentlessly for awhile and now my cousin has it since the sis upgraded. Can you take yours for a few trial spins to work before you begin construction?
My '91 Trek 830 made a fine commuter.