Converting Trek Singletrack 970 Mountain Bike to Commuter

[@nonchalantgarage]

Be a human being, pump that like button

[@sogon78]

I could not resist being a human.

[@mattmatthews5414]

How many miles have you gotten on those RH tires?

[@Triplex5014]

You've had 999, I made you 1K :)

[@davidwhocares3293]

Your bike came out awesome !! Be sure and check out a video here called "90's mountain bike masters" you'll dig it and you will see 2 guys ripping it up through town and then up into the mountains on trek 970's and great music too !!

[@tartarexthompson2348]

What kind of weirdo hits the dislike button on this great video?

[@peterwilliamson4296]

MTB's with road tires are great for commuting in a hilly city as they climb better than road bikes. Thanks for this Curtis.

[@JoeyMills-y3v]

Yep, they brake & accelerate faster too, plus you can hit potholes & kerbs safer. Had 1 in the 90s with fat rain slicks, was superb city bike.

[@peterbense5650]

My wife and I own 3 Trek 950s/970s. These are totally fantastic bikes.

[@brandonfiorito8104]

I like that you kept the bike mostly original ie the keeping the old narrow handlebars. There’s a feeling of nostalgia when you ride with the old geometry

[@tutuantoine]

AMAZING bro!! I'm in the process of converting a Mt Track 850 Trek and I can feel the same joy. Your vibes are just contagious! These old bikes are amazing too. Cheers bro!!

[@davidwhocares3293]

Good move, you CANT go wrong with an old hand-built Waterloo Wisconsin Trek !

[@sagehiker]

Great story. I have an 87 Trek Single Track that has been repurposed into a winter utility bike for Wyoming. I went with 8 speed internal hub. And like yours, it was in amazing shape. I did a lot to keep the finish and detailing intact. They are classics that wear updating well.

[@D21Kris]

We need to see you gravel this thing!!! I just got a mid 90’s Raleigh mtb that I’m doing the exact same thing to. Thanks for the nonchalant inspiration

[@tipperryan]

Love to get an update on this!

[@NicolasOulevay]

i have the same bike in 18" frame since 1991, made the purchase when I turned 16! I love it and still run it as a xc bike, upgraded the handlebars to wider once and tires to xc2 2.2" that give it a nicer ride! I want to turn it to a commuter one if I can get myself a procaliber one in the near future! Well done on your purchase and upgrades

[@ppedrobala]

I bought a 970's Trek recently too. Your project is just amazing, I'm just in love with your bike. A great hug from Brazil.

[@eliasolofsson286]

Sweet video man! Love the bike, music and storytelling, Nice!

[@nonchalantgarage]

Thanks for the kind words

[@einnorw]

underrated channel, great video

[@jonasmeier417]

Trek 970 (1991) one of the best mountainbikes ever built. Frame, geometry, Shimano parts - all just great. Quality. Period.

[@doztacos8913]

Just bought a singletrack 930 today. Thanks for the inspiration. I will be updating some things soon.

[@alfonsoalmendariz3325]

I have a Trek Single Track 930 at the house. I will never part with the bike. Love it. It's on the smaller side, so I am saving it for my neighbor's kid when he grows out of his 24 inch BMX.

[@drpulpit]

Thanks, Curtis. Nice, nice bike. I have an older Trek FX, and am cogitating a 950 that our local bike community store has refurbished. Thank you for your hints and tips. the front rack looks good, and your bike bag for would carry the groceries. In my boyhood, the old balloon tired Firestone was my workhorse, with a great newspaper carrier basket in the front. Many groceries and many daily newspapers; it also served as a brush guard when we boys would go crashing through the woods! No track, let alone a "single track." Thanks again.

[@benloten7182]

Fantastically put together video, I’ve done the same with a Specialized Hardrock except I already owned it! Back on the road after 30 years, can’t beat it.

[@nonchalantgarage]

Right on!

[@VSargues]

Great video! I still have my Trek 970 Singletrack, bought in 1991, I think that it's the same model than yours, but in brilliant purple color. I did many thousands of kilometers through the mountains, even in some wild camp, when it was not common here in Spain. Lately I only use it for my urban trips -I'm older for those adventures :) It still has the original components, except for the grips and tires, and added elements such as saddlebag holders. It keeps working perfectly! Watching your videos! Greetings!

[@RobertWilliams-ox4hz]

This is almost the exact same thing I did to my old Trek 850. 😅 I've owned it since 1995 and it's still going strong.

[@greenwizard88]

I have an 800 that I'm in the process of refurbing. It was left outside for a few years, through blizzards, and it's still in great condition! My Dual Sport is a "better" bike, but the 800 is just fun!

[@grtchldy6561]

Year and a half ago I bought a 1993 Trek Single Track and thought it would be just a humdrum ok commuter. I love it so much that my racing bike is getting dusty! I put a rear rack on it plus got Banjo Bro’s paniers. The frame is stiff and responsive and the fork rake in front provides some cushion and stability. Love USA steel!

[@kylehoover114]

I glad to see someone saw the value in this bike and give it nice tires

[@nonchalantgarage]

The tires make a world of difference. Cheers

[@tatlongbikekalang1390]

Vintage bikes are timeless! I have 4 vintage bikes that I got from FB Marketplace that I restored.

[@marcdenlinger5282]

Great job on your build! I was able to save an '89 Trek 990 from the trash! In great condition, just needed a little TLC. All XT components! I've been slowly tweaking it to fit my needs as an urban commuter and rail-trail bike.

[@nonchalantgarage]

So lucky and glad it found a good home

[@zorro7572]

Bro, are you a filmmaker? cause this video is really professional and entertaining, you also have good storytelling skills.

[@NikCollins1993]

Need more videos on this bike !???? Nice setup !

[@burrito_bobby]

Beautiful bike 👌🏼 I just picked up a 91’ GT Karakoram Elite yesterday. This video gave me inspiration,thank you for that man.

[@gregorymckoy3179]

I own a Trek Verve 3 and a Specialized FSR Sport that I bought used. The 1999 Specialized FSR Sport is my Craigslist find that I got for $250. It was well maintained and I have made a few upgrades for my comfort. The frame is said to be bullet proof. Nice work with the rebuild.

[@elianderson72]

I regret ever parting with my lugged Trek 970. GREAT find!!

[@emiel1976ep]

I just got my mountain bike that I am going to rebuild into a road bike. I also change the handle bars and the position. I will raise it and make that it is closer to me. This gives me a more upright position and makes that it gives way more comfort to ride.

[@tomokuta_]

Clean commuter setup

[@pumpkinhead6646]

This video felt like it was made by Elliot from Mr. Robot if he was into 90s vintage MTBs. Loved it.

[@harelkatz3700]

at first i was like wtf is this guy doing🤣 but the outcome left me speechless.... amazing bike man

[@jackiegammon2065]

The other suggestion I would make is to use a v brake lever with your new front v brake; you're stopping power will be that much greater! Nice find!! Trek also made a 990 model, super nice bikes!

[@shivay1008]

I just picked up a 950 of the same vintage. Also Bay Area. Thanks for the local tips! I need to get my self a bag for the front rack.

[@cleteoporahi1999]

Merida Redskins owner here, keep it up!

[@jdillon8360]

The kicker for me was the drilled wooden spacer. Subscribed!

[@anders8707]

Looking at Blue Lug's Trek Singletrack build gallery lead me here. Great vid and story telling!

[@nonchalantgarage]

Blue Lug's channel is so awesome

[@leonwrede9213]

Save money on the frame, get boutique tires

[@Peo_Sahlin]

😂😂😂

[@uncletony3025]

The tire makes the whole experience in my opinion. But I see what you’re saying.

[@xzynta]

I have the same bike and man so stoked to see more people get this thing around! Stay peddling 🤘

[@BillyBoblovesthedirt]

Awesome bike. It deserves a full restoration

[@damiandiazromero5670]

Awesome. I have a trek 930 and I love it. Steel frames bikes are incredibly customizable.

[@djkenny1202]

$300 is some $ for a 30 plus yr old MTB, but that is in such nice shape. Ill admit I bought a 90 MB2 in perfect shape for that about 5 years ago. Beats a junky new bike. So versatile, too. Ive been commuting on MTBs with slicks, fenders, swept back bars and short stem for many years. Tough and capable.

[@MobileBicycleRepair505]

I like your video editing style & story telling.

[@nonchalantgarage]

I appreciate that! Need to get over the hump and start posting again

[@justinblaha5105]

Epic bike and video! I am picking up a blue single track tomorrow and am pretty hyped to make it my own.

[@muhammadhanafi2908]

I just brought trek mountain peak 1994 at 1.7.2022....your bicycle superb

[@nonchalantgarage]

Congrats!

[@joaorepolho6152]

The filmmaking skills are up there! Hi 5 man

[@NameLess-lk2qu]

Oh you using fabric scoop as well, high 5! I use also my on*one 456 evo 2 for a commuter bike, since I don't go to trails, next il try to change my tires into fast rolling tires. but I converted it to single speed.

[@nonchalantgarage]

Sounds like a plan!

[@tefovechietti]

Nice video! That's exactly the inspiration I was looking for to retire my fixed gear bike for my commute and get me a classic vintage 26er!

[@nonchalantgarage]

Glad it could provide some inspiration. It's one of the reasons why I make videos.

[@shadesinblack1]

This is just awesome. Only thing I don't like is the wood block... just bend the iron to shape or use 2 pieces of metal tube cut to length. Would be so much better fitting! Overall great bike, rack and bag! Somebody must have kept in really good condition

[@threeam____]

that’s a sick build

[@ins3rti0n]

Inspiring me to buy a gary fisher tassajara and turn into a commuter/gravel build. love the aesthetic with this one!

[@l00tur]

I'll subscribe under one condition, if you give us a update on this. I just picked up a 1996 Trek 930 and it's amazing, nearly identical to the 970 you picked up. I plan to get a box 1x setup but I love the tan wall tires you grabbed, they absolutely transformed the bike, but dang are they big money lol

[@jorgechavira7729]

Very nice bike adaptations!

[@josephchoipiano]

Man I love this video. I hope we get to see more content on how this beautiful bike is doing. Peace from Texas ✌️

[@MrWasserski]

Got my Trek 970 new back in the 90ties in Manhatten and still use it in Switzerland great video!

[@nonchalantgarage]

It's a keeper

[@extremkrem622]

Super quality video man, subscribed

[@_cmzo_]

Great video! That bag is gorgeous 😭 I’d love an update on the bike!

[@loudfast1261]

nice build and I sgree the old bikes have great utility still. I have a 930 singletrack, bought in '95 durable as heck handmade in Colorado. Will def look into getting that sweet rack though.

[@alpgirayaykut]

Use a black pipe cutouts for the space between it will look much better ❤

[@ShysterDelo]

Would love to see an update!!

[@phililpb]

Great project. V brakes are great. I would have liked to have seen some wider handle bars just to finish it off

[@iihchindiiko]

i just got a decade old Trek 8.2 DS. superb condition @ 200$ hahaha planning to make a all around commuter. I'm still thinking of converting it to a 1x7 since there's no hills here. and a hollowtech would definitely reduce it's weight so I can confidently hang it on a wall bracket.

[@NicolasOulevay]

hello, i have the same bike from 1991 that I bought when I was 16. I love it. Any more videos?

[@MadvillainMonarch]

Getting custom mounts in an hour is crazy. Smart move hitting up Riv!

[@Colmen]

Sick video man! I have a purple trek 970. I think i am going to get the eyelets welded too! I live in the bay area. I will check out Mr. Mikkelsen

[@nonchalantgarage]

His shop is super cool with a lot of history.

[@jojoanggono3229]

Very nice. Love the MKS style pedal.

[@nonchalantgarage]

Yup, it came with toe cages but like riding with sandals sometimes. Definitely appreciated that I did not have to upgrade at this point.

[@junholee1608]

Great video, so pleasing to watch!

[@carlosaparicio6161]

As far I know is one of the best 90s mtb

[@chuffa1130]

Spectacular retro build!! I really like the design and your ideas, thank you for sharing it's really helpful got three old mountain bikes like this to convert

[@birthaappleshirt7404]

Dang all this bike stuff in Berkeley and alameda. Got to step away from the tri valley and check those places out

[@JimJamDaMan]

Clean build. I love my RTP tires

[@breth8159]

I have an earlier version of the frame with the brake mounted on the chain stays & true temper . it will be my forever touring bike . Craigslist ad said my late fathers .. tell me why you want it ? I told him I wanted to do Continental touring with it he said it's yours come get it . . . & It's amazing

[@hugoveillette6411]

This is my favorite video dude

[@yardsalecycles]

I keep saying that 26" rigid mtb are under rated and LUGS are always a plus in my opinion any ways have a slice at Zackery's and enjoy the ride

[@mariamartins367]

You and i should be happy they remain underrated so we can find great bargains, lol.

[@yardsalecycles]

@@mariamartins367 very true I do find them at great prices but sometimes they are hard

[@DennyUtama]

the bike become badass and adventurous! cool video and finally liked and sub'd!

[@MikeThePike316]

Very nice videography.

[@jered2177]

I have a trek 950,love it

[@nonchalantgarage]

❤️

[@Kevin-tl4zw]

content is top notch!! great bike! i love old TREKs

[@fizascensionyze]

hey it has been 3 years. hope you are doing good.

[@Charlie_alpha_romeo]

Could have bent the metal to fit the rack rather than a wood spacer Also the only thing I would have don’t differently was add wider handle bars but other than that this thing is perfect

[@shteakk]

Beautiful bike! Reminds me of my 1997 Mongoose Switchback. They don’t make them like they used to.

[@lilelbee423]

Come back to ussss! I just bought a Trek Antelope 800 and would love to see how yours managed on gravel

[@midknight4681]

This is an amazing video man, the quality is great, the bike is great, and everything! also the rat trap pass tires seem super nice from what ive heard, i sooo wanna throw some on an old bike.

[@salvadorherrera934]

Where are the new videos of this bike

[@dwaynepedals]

Sweet build man. Kinda wanna do this to my old school Trek 520.

[@nonchalantgarage]

Right on. Cool to see you have Hakka MX too

[@sci-figuy6668]

Since you have a flat bar, you might want to consider putting bar ends on. It will give you a couple more positions to place your hands on longer rides.

[@damiandiazromero5670]

Great video. I love steel Trek frames, I have a 930, 970 (2) and looking to complete the singletrack collection. You promise to make more videos with this bike.

[@syncop844]

Having ridden vintage mountain bikes before, you may find that using a shorter stem and slightly wider riser bars will make the bike handle way better. I find the long stem/narrow bars combo slightly terrifying now haha! Do you think you will convert this to a 1x drivetrain with a wide range cassette? It would look so clean!

[@LevinBe]

Damn this is one of the nicest videos I saw in months. Great job 👍🏼

[@Grizzly907LA]

I have that exact model of bike. My plan is to turn into a ghetto touring bike. It needs to be repainted, going to put a suspension fork on it w/lockout, and probably use all new components since the old ones are rusted out.

[@Fireflyorange]

so awesome! i'm getting a trek 990 tomorrow... I wish I had your skills haha

[@andreabalboni5532]

Nice work!!

[@robcastaneda1]

Lovely video.

[@picklediddy]

good vid, thanks for the advice,

[@STPjoejeep]

I just picked up 91' Singletrack. Doing a similar deal but going 1 by with a hollow bb

[@nonchalantgarage]

Nice! 1x is definitely cleaner

[@brrrt6666]

Sweet bike, frame is lovely and the components are slick I'd put on some horns on the bar though...

[@ramonhppacheco]

very cool pictures

[@going4broke1981]

Nice, i have been slowly building back up a 950 around the same year, but with a very early front shock, i usually dont care to have any suspension for these old mtbs turned into city bikes, but the shocks really give the bike pop. I listed it for 150 bucks on the sacramento craigslist, but pulling the ad.

[@nonchalantgarage]

That's a great bike. Keep it for a lifetime

[@recyclespinning9839]

I had a Trek 970 I picked up. Awesome all around bike, love the lugs.👍 I sold off was a bit small frame on it. Still looking for a larger frame for me .