Finding a Good Candidate MTB For a Drop Bar Conversion?
I'll be looking, most likely on Craig's List, to find a commuter bike for my niece and can use advice. I'm looking for something in the 46-to-48cm seat tube range or, more precisely, what would be in that range for an older bike with a horizontal top tube. (Truth be told, I'm hopelessly out of date on what may make for a proper fit with sloping and/or longer top tubes on modern bikes.)
I'm guessing 46-to-48cm would be at the lower limit of what can be had for any bike having 700c wheels and am also guessing that a drop bar conversion on a MTB having 26" wheels may turn out to be the best way to go. On an older used bike anyway.
But which one? Which brands and models should I keep an eye out for? And how might I spot it out on Craig's List going primarily by photographs while other information is possibly inadequate?
I've seen the thread on MTB drop bar conversions but it appears to be driven by people who've ALREADY have a particular MTB and have given it new life by installing a drop bar. My concern is that I don't want to get something that, while providing adequate standover clearance, may leave her too stretched out.
I'm guessing 46-to-48cm would be at the lower limit of what can be had for any bike having 700c wheels and am also guessing that a drop bar conversion on a MTB having 26" wheels may turn out to be the best way to go. On an older used bike anyway.
But which one? Which brands and models should I keep an eye out for? And how might I spot it out on Craig's List going primarily by photographs while other information is possibly inadequate?
I've seen the thread on MTB drop bar conversions but it appears to be driven by people who've ALREADY have a particular MTB and have given it new life by installing a drop bar. My concern is that I don't want to get something that, while providing adequate standover clearance, may leave her too stretched out.