Converting Mtn Bike to Comfort/Cruiser Bike?

i personally wouldn't buy a bike like that without a front shock at least.

Just slap on a banana seat and some of those big curvy handle bars.

go to nashbar.com

its an online bicycle parts outfit.

You can buy what you need for way cheaper than any where else.

so getting both comfort handle bars and a rising stem could be done for under $40

I have an older 90's mtn bike with slick tires that I use as a town bike. The handle bars are just slightly higher than the seat but not by much. My lower back will hurt after long rides but overall it's great for cruising around. You could put some spacers under the stem, get a stem with a more upright angle, and/or get some riser bars and it will help some. It still won't get you to the geometry of a comfort bike though.

Also, I've found that the larger seats that are supposed to be more comfortable are actually less comfortable. I have a 2yr old Giant Trance and I assume it comes with that same seat that your bike has, which I've found to be pretty good FWIW.

quote:

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Damn, son, that's a great bicycle. I wouldn't ruin that one converting. I'd get a used Giant or something similar to convert, this thing looks top-of-the-line with disc brakes and everything going for it.

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Not sure if serious, but it's entry level. I specifically wanted rigid fork as a suspension fork just adds weight and isn't needed for paved trails.

I cant tell what tires are on there, but you might consider swapping to a road/smooth tire if just on pavement as well

For most people that spend any time on a bike a cruiser or "sofa" saddle is less comfortable than a properly fit saddle. All that extra padding between your thighs is a recipe for chaffing. My first thought would be a Selle Italia Max Flite Gel flow but likely to be more than you want to spend on that bike, Performance Bike has some good reasonably shaped gel saddles in their inhouse Forte brand like the Sportif Gel. I would go that route and shorts with a chamois but if you don't want to wear cycling shorts (most don't cruising) get a pair of liner shorts to wear under your shorts.

The liner shorts and a decent saddle that doesn't run your things and has a good perinal relief cut out of trough will make for a pleasant ride. Now if you only plan to ride a mile or so then a sofa would be fine, but then so would the saddle that came on the bike.

For handle bars I would look at a riser bar with 60mm or so of rise, you should be able to find cheap alloy ones. Much more rise and you will begin to compromise the handling geometry of the bike.