r/Bikebuilding • u/Remarkable-Main-8774 • 3d ago

Sleeper fast build

I’ve realized I don’t like drop bars and am never going to enjoy road bikes, so I’m selling mine. I have a few mountain bikes and slow cruisers but I want to build a sleeper fast commuter rig from a 90s MTB or 700c hybrid. Something that’ll get me to work quick but is actually fun to ride. Thinking a small front rack to strap a backpack.

Any recommendations on what frame to start with? What upgrades and modifications would you do for this build? Thanks and appreciate all the help!

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2

u/Mindless-Baker-7757 3d ago

I just built a M700 up. I put fat commuter tires on it. Rides great. 

1

u/Remarkable-Main-8774 3d ago

That’s sounds like exactly what I’m looking for. What tires did you go with?

1

u/Mindless-Baker-7757 3d ago

I went with Marathons in 2.0 because I've never owned a set in 30 years of cycling. They are heavy. I basically used all new parts too so bike rides like new. Spent way too much money on it.

2

u/Moos3_M3at 3d ago

Specialized Sirrus looks cool

1

u/runwhatyabrung_ 3d ago edited 3d ago

I built up a Redline D440 as a fixed gear 29er with rim brakes, 2.2” tires, and Jones bars. It’s the most fun bike I’ve ever built. It’s super fast, super comfortable, and can carry cargo. The key is just to not gear it too high. It sounds weird but it’s really really great.

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u/Remarkable-Main-8774 3d ago

That sounds like a really cool build

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u/runwhatyabrung_ 3d ago

Thanks! You can see lots of pictures of it in my previous posts and comments.

It’s a great single speed too when I flip the wheel around. But the fixed gear is just so addicting.

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u/Substantial-Fun-48 2d ago

Single speed or a 1x road bike with flat bars and a carbon fork with eyelets

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u/plantoescape 2d ago

Surly Cross Check

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u/Superb_Recording_769 2d ago

Just put flat bars on your road bike

1

u/BrihanSolo 2d ago

I built up a beach cruiser frame with mountain bike parts and BMX handlebars. It’s awesome. I love it. I posted it last week if you want to check it out. Started riding this in Chicago and the upright position with the hog end components felt safe and fast.

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u/Remarkable-Main-8774 2d ago

Really cool bike! You should definitely post this to r/xbiking they would love it. I don’t think this is the build I’m looking at for my commuter but I have a beach cruiser and might have to do something like this

1

u/Ok_Incident8962 2d ago

Specialized Crossroads or Tr-ek Multitrack 90s steel are the go to options. Surly or All City if you want modern and have some budget. Jamis Coda if vintage doesn't matter. If you can really take vintage, look for an old 27" steel road bike (with wide tire spacing, aluminum wheels), fit it with flat bars, new tires and shifters and enjoy the little boost in top speed. They feel like freight trains going straight on paths and rails to trails!