Trek MT 220 build for the boy 👦🏼

trailstar82 said:

Inspired by a kona hula by fellow retrobiker @Corduroyboy. I set out on sourcing the boys next bike. Previously I bought him Vitus sixteen and twenty’s and always thought “I could upgrade these”.

So off to marketplace and gumtree I go… a few solid frames to look for;
- the previously mentioned kona hula
- trek mt220,
- spesh hotrock/riprock

I found this unloved trek on fbmp for £15. It’s been sat a little while in a garage and everything is rusty or a bit tired looking. The parts don’t look worn just have suffered from being left to fester in the grandparents garage. Anyway I return home and strip the thing down.

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Now deciding on a course of action. Forks will be a problem, 24” lightweight-ish and in a nice red colour? for now I just chuck some old Judys on it and see how it looks. Loving the angles on this!
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Wheels I already own, some lovely hope pro2 dmr dv24’s and that clickitty clack sound.

Drivetrain again the options are using the dialled ones on the trek or sourcing something better in smaller size.
Obviously it’s going to be 165mm middleburn rs7’s

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The forks change again to a set of new old gt’s but they are 26” and I don’t like them. The tune seatpost isn’t staying, it’s too nice even for my firstborn . We have a hope headset and kore stem, plus some “avenir” bars now. It’s taking form.
Gearing will be handled by a late deore 9sp. Front may be single or double, haven’t decided yet.

Forks were supplied by the wonderful retrobike community, thanks to @Kevhl for that, they look awesome. Azonic shorty may need to be substituted for something a bit shorter.
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Yes the garage is a mess and I need more space! That’s all the progress thus far.

More to follow….

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DKretrobuilder said:

Hi nice build i am doing a similar build / conversion. I am struggling to find the right gear drop. So if you could point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated

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trailstar82 said:

I’d look at modern 24” kids bikes for appropriate ratios. From memory this build has 9sp 32/34 lowest on the cassette and 34 or a 36 on the front.

I’m thinking about single speed because my boy just can’t get on with gears or cycling for that matter :-/

Here’s a spec sheet for a Frog 24 for comparison.

View attachment 946915
Source: https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/frog/61---24-inch-kids-bike-930943

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trailstar82 said:

I’d look at modern 24” kids bikes for appropriate ratios. From memory this build has 9sp 32/34 lowest on the cassette and 34 or a 36 on the front.

I’m thinking about single speed because my boy just can’t get on with gears or cycling for that matter :-/

Here’s a spec sheet for a Frog 24 for comparison.

View attachment 946915
Source: https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/frog/61---24-inch-kids-bike-930943

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DKretrobuilder said:

Thanks for that. But more specific the gear drop/derailleur hanger it self. Due to it is missing. But i will also convert to single speed as well for ease of use.

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