You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
hi all, im new to modifying mtbs and and im wondering if its possible to convert a nice 1992 diamonback m20 frame into a fat bike frame.
i really want a retro/modern vibe on this bike.
i imagine cutting of the rear section and modifying it so its slightly wider would be doable right?
second question, is there anyone in bristol uk that makes bike frames who is interested in a project with me to film.
its this frames 30th anniversary since it was made next year and i think it would be a cool project.
thanks
td
I think that would be quite a challenge... Proper fat bikes have wider BBs, the dropouts not only need to be wider but you'd have to add length to the seat and chain stays as the bigger tyre is a larger circumference. And you'd need to add disc brakes...and are fat wheels available in QR or would you need to change the dropouts to a bolt through?
Epic forum name...
What is the frame made from? If it’s aluminium alloy it’s more or less a non-starter.
You sure that’s the model name or year?
Personally I wouldn’t bother. The finished bike, even if it could be done, would be so far away from the original that it seems kind of pointless.
I’d build it back to original spec if I wanted to do anything. Or hang it on a wall and repaint a proper fat bike to honour the diamondback - keep the memory alive and confuse people at the same time. 🤣
You would need to completely rebuild the rear triangle. You might as well just build a custom frame. Or, just buy a fat bike.
Are you intending to pay a frame builder to work for you, or are you hoping they'll work for free so they can be in a YouTube video?
As above, it would be a TON of work for limited benefit. If it were me I’d have a frame made (or buy off the peg) and have it painted like the original, then hang the original on the wall.
You could make it half fat. I did that with my old on one inbred. Normal 26 at the back. 4in fat forks and wheel at the front. Iv had a lot of fun on it. Used as winter mtb, bikepacking and ace in the snow
You could use an offset 135mm QR rear hub like many of the old fatbikes. Tyre / chain clearance would be an issue still.
@cynic-al is your man.
Plus at the other end, the wheel and tyre are an effective 29" which may give some geometry and clearance issues.
Fatbike hubs are available in QR. 135 front ad 170/177/190 rear.
Why would discs be necessary, did they not have cantis in the past?
What cantis fit round a 4" tyre?
I'm sure it would be possible to fabricate some but I imagine that a bit of prototyping would be required.
Why would discs be necessary, did they not have cantis in the past?
Posted 4 minutes ago
Probably due to fat bike rims not having a braking surface?
Would this bike require new seat and chain stays? Can't see how the existing ones could be opened up enough to accommodate a fat tyre?
Good luck with this, OP.
24" fat might be easier clearance wise but think this a scheme to file under "rejected at feasibility"
Would this bike require new seat and chain stays? Can’t see how the existing ones could be opened up enough to accommodate a fat tyre?
It'll need much longer chainstays because the fat tyre will be much larger diameter. He'd have to fabricate a completely new rear triangle. If it's an aluminium frame, it may need specialist welding and heat treatment. Easier to just buy a proper fat bike and paint it in a retro scheme.
seems its actually a 2005 model, the frame had a 1992 mark on it so i assumed it was 92 haha. yeh i think im gonna see about turning it into a downhill bike instead.
thanks for the replies everyone, i lost my login so just got back on, had time to think and i agree it would just be a bit of a pain getting the correct geometry replacing the back end. think im going to find some fox 40s and turn it into a downhill hardtail.
I mean, that wouldn’t be any less complex, and more likely that you’ll need a decent dentist.
Brilliant, be sure to film it on a proper downhill course.
What could possibly go wrong? Please don’t OP. Unless this is some sort of hoax.
Were there tapered head tubes in 2005?
I'd hate the OPs impending doom to be troubled by a change in standards
Perhaps your mate daveylad could consult ?
Maybe you could ride it under some sweet bridges together.
Were there tapered head tubes in 2005?
I’d hate the OPs impending doom to be troubled by a change in standards
It's okay, DH forks are straight steerers, it'll be fine*.
*for a given level of fine
@tickledick looks like you've watched a recent GMBN video where they put DH forks on rigid bikes.
Whilst fun for probably 10 seconds, your frame just won't be built to take the load transfer that a double crown downhill forks will send into its head tube.
Hopefully you are either joking or this whole thread is a wind up. Apologies if not and you are serious - if that is the case, please leave your frame as it is and buy/build something else fit for the purpose you intend to use it on.
Keep going with this last plan and you'll spend a load of money and time at best. Spend a lot of money and time in hospital more likely.
Where is that like button 😂😂