World Touring Bike: My 90's MTB Evolution ( 25.000+ Kms on the Road )

In this in-depth video I will give you an overview of the complete overhaul of a 40€ barn sale 90’s MTB. Starting with the frame, I build it up to a comfortable & rugged World Touring Bike. After about 25.000 kms I decide to change to a more Off Road oriented style with some unique components.

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[teej]

Great work! I was given an 1980s steel frame Dawes Galaxy that has seen me across Europe any number of times. You don’t have to spend crazy money on gear. A lot of other bike touring channels seem to tell you to buy a new bike every year and get all new stuff. You just don’t need it. Well done for letting people know how accessible touring is, and learning the skills involved in putting together a bike is fun and rewarding.

[pmnfernando]

and to think manufacturers are asking simply ridiculous money for a bike! keep at it mate, love it!

[jasonpostma]

pretty awesome build, and goes to show that you can tour on a shoe-string budget. I purchased an early 90's Miele mountain bike for $10 at a yard sale this past summer here in Canada, and transformed it into a road touring bike with 700c tires. Finished my first ever bike tour of 600km, and I'm now hooked - hoping to make it to the Netherlands in the next few years to tour and visit my parents homeland. Cheers!

[rosannevanvelthoven]

Love this! Recently also bought an old MTB for some off road cycling. It feels so good to upgrade old bikes and make them run smooth again :)

[Boorifee]

Amazing video man. Very eco friendly reusable bike. Goes to show that you dont have to crazy on the latest and newest parts.

[altropt]

Hey! I recently bought a 26" aluminum MTB in size 19", also from the 1990s, and I'm starting to upgrade it. I thought about buying the same model with a steel frame, but this one with an aluminum frame has a double barrel technology, which makes it stronger, but even lighter than the steel one. Let's see how it reacts...
I chose to put a Deore 1x12v group and 700 rims, probably with 38mm tires due to limited space for the tires. The rest of the equipment and parts will be as durable as possible, as my intention is to do some crossings and also long trips.
I'm always in the audience! Hugs!

[benmace]

This is great! I also built my own touring bike using a Specialised Hardrock disc 29er aluminium frame which I bought for only $100 (Australian). Currently 750kms into a 1500km solo ride from the Blue Mountains to Brisbane (Australia). No issues yet...but we'll see! 😅

[davideldred.campingwilder]

I actually thought that your bike was a Surly but with big handle bars! That you made it yourself (At a FRACTION of the cost) really is commendable. That's exactly what it's all about. Obviously no harm intended to those that buy the more expensive kind...

[FlowJunkie]

I love this vid, too. You did a great job of giving a new life and purpose to this 90s mountain bike. I have 3 90s mountain bikes that I have kept in outstanding condition and have already begun converting one of them into my touring bike: a 1997 Specialized Stumpjumper M2. It is not steel of course, but metal matrix composite, which is both lightweight and strong (this compound was reportedly used in the construction of the B-2 bomber). It sports excellent quality components that have survived the test of time (e.g., Shimano XT, LX) that I believe will serve me well on tours. Thank you for this vid, Eric.

[CanyonWanderer]

Great video once again! In 2018 I bought a second hand 2011 Giant XR1 with a Deore group set. The thumb shifters still shift perfectly without adjustment after the nearly 17000 kilometers I did on it! I cannot believe it, but that's how it is. I did replace the rear casette once and only just replaced the front big chain ring since it had developed "shark teeth". I also replaced the squeaking bottom bracket. Now it is like new, so smooth and quiet!

[huseyinuguralacatli]

I got my 90's bianchi 2 years ago. I completely rebuilt it like touring bike. The upgrade I was most proud of making to this bike was the 4x7 gear system. It doesn't offer as much as gear range with custom built quad chainring(24-34-42-48t) but part availability and originality makes it special for me :) I had been riding it about 2000kms now and It's my favorite way to transport.

[richardwestin]

If you do this, be sure the frame is chrome moly steel and not just regular steel. Moly steel absorbs road shock much better. A lot of people dont realize that many 90s mountain bikes are moly steel and similar in geometry as a Surly Long Haul Trucker costing much more. I have a 96 Specialized rigid bike. I built it in similar fashion and I can spend days in the saddle. With me and my gear, the bike is hauling 300 pounds. You cant go wrong with 36 or 38 spoke Rhino Lite wheels, Shimano Deore hubs (stronger than XT or XTR hubs) and Shimano LX or XT components. High end components arent as durable and cost too much. The Brooks B17 saddle is the best ever ONCE it is broken in that is.

[jonobuckley]

Most of my bikes are from the 90s. I’m riding a Dawes Galaxy from 94 at the moment. It only has 7x3 gears Shimano STX but it is bullet proof and enough for my needs. I’ve upgraded the cantilever brakes to mini V brakes and the handlebars (like yours) to get a more upright position. Great video. Thanks.

[davetbassbos]

Nice!, I had a couple 90s rigid steel MTBs which I later converted into commuter bikes with 1" road slicks, I can definitely see them making great touring bikes also.

[jimboate]

I’ve really enjoyed your travels and videos blogs. I also like to sit up position as being safer and like you mentioned you can see so much more. After 70+years of biking and touring I’ve made the switch to an E-Bike.

[steveretiredandcycling]

Thank you for the informative video. I have used the Infinity seat on my bike with about 7000 miles so far. Best most comfortable seat ever. Even though expensive, worth the money. My wife loves hers too. Thanks again and all the best, Steve

[atexnik]

Great job!!! Absolutely love your custom bike! Much better than what's offered off the shelf with cosmic price tags.

[dchow]

What a great video that comes at the right time. I am using a 90s Trek MTB w. 26“ wheels and was always thinking in buying a more fancy „tourable“. Now I am convinced that I already have the perfect one. Thank you for sharing your experiences, looking forward for the next ones.

[bikepacker]

I got a new bike in 2020 but I rebuilt it for bikepacking and going to be doing a 2000 km trip here soon.
I find the ride more enjoyable when I build the bike myself.
Thanks for the great video.

[JoeOaken]

Really fantastic, watching your other videos I just presumed it was a really expensive touring bike, it looks great, very inspiring.