Project monster gravel - steel hardtail conversion

[jaseyjase]

Current gravel bike is more a CXer and limited to 40mm tires, maaayyybbe 42. I wanted to run bigger.

Was hoping to find a retro Cannondale CAD hardtail to convert, but then this this popped up locally.



Yep, it's a Cell Bikes 'Pioneer', essentially a 26er chromo hardtail from 2012. The geometry is workable with about a 55ish cm ETT. Bit of paint stripper made quick work of the graphics.

Nukeproof carbon rigid fork i stole from the commuter, i stuck with the factory wheels, Novatech hubs to WTB Speed rims. Tires are Maxxiss High Roller II in a 26 x 2.4.

Groupset wise, simply transferred the 8020 group from the current CX/Gravel whip, however the rear derailleur i went with a GRX 812 unit so i can make use of their 42t XT cassette.

Being an older frame, IS mounts meant i needed adapters to run the ultegra flat mount brakes. For anyone interested, i went with these.

https://www.assolutions.ca/shop/adapter ... -is-frame/

She's a tank, but cant wait to hit the crunchy stuff.

[MichaelB]

Enjoy. I had a great time with my GT Lefty Monstercross.

Some days I miss it, but the Llewellyn makes me smile that bit more !!

[trailgumby]

Great conversion, and an excellent find with those brake mount converters.

My google-fu is clearly not as well developed as yours and so I went with the option of fitting XT post-mount calipers to 105 levers on the 9yo Jamis Supernova CX bike I bought to repurpose as a wet weather commuter.

it fits up to 45c rubber, but is built like a brick outhouse, so it's going to be a bit harsh on the wrists on the gravel I fear.

PS: Most 26ers will accept 650B if you want a better rolling bike. It looks like those forks would accommodate the slightly bigger wheels easily. The question is whether there is a chainstay brace near the bottom bracket and whether you are prepared to take the risk of removing it.

[jaseyjase]

I had a great time with my GT Lefty Monstercross.

total beast that was !

[jaseyjase]

Great conversion, and an excellent find with those brake mount converters.

My google-fu is clearly not as well developed as yours and so I went with the option of fitting XT post-mount calipers to 105 levers on the 9yo Jamis Supernova CX bike I bought to repurpose as a wet weather commuter.

it fits up to 45c rubber, but is built like a brick outhouse, so it's going to be a bit harsh on the wrists on the gravel I fear.

PS: Most 26ers will accept 650B if you want a better rolling bike. It looks like those forks would accommodate the slightly bigger wheels easily. The question is whether there is a chainstay brace near the bottom bracket and whether you are prepared to take the risk of removing it.

cheers mate!

ahh nice, franken bikes are the best

I did consider going 650b. The forks have plenty of room, however the rear is pretty tight as is

ill run this set up for a while and see how i go

[owly]

Cool build.

Lots of sweet places around Perth you could hit with that.

[jaseyjase]

Cool build.

Lots of sweet places around Perth you could hit with that.

thats the plan!