\u201cIt\u2019s kind of just taking an older bike and making it more suitable for your riding style and fit,\u201d Greenhow said.<\/p>\n
Making a 90s mountain bike make sense again<\/p>\n
In practice, restomodding often starts with the bikes that are easiest to find and easiest to love: often rigid 90s mountain bikes. They are tough, simple and surprisingly capable if you stop pretending you need a 130-millimetre fork to buy groceries.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of people are taking 90s mountain bikes and kind of turning them into camping bikes or commuter bikes or backcountry touring bikes,\u201d he said. \u201cPutting on a more comfortable kind of handlebar. And a stem on there to get you in a bit better seating position.\u201d<\/p>\n
From there, the upgrades tend to be small but meaningful: indexed shifting, more gear range and tires that better match modern trails.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of tires back in the day were 1.95 or 2.0 and you know sometimes the frame can clear a 2.2 or a 2.5,\u201d Greenhow said. \u201cYeah, maybe getting a bit bigger tire on there, making it just more comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other, more involved additions are also popular.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of people are putting a 1-by-12 drivetrains on with a clutch derailleur. Sometimes you do run into clearance issues, you might have to put like a little derailer hanger dropper on.\u00a0 There are companies like Wolftooth manufacturing this kind of thing.\u00a0 It\u2019s a lot of trial and error. That\u2019s, all part of the fun and charm about it though.<\/p>\n
The disc brake question<\/p>\n
Ask a room full of bike nerds what the ultimate restomod move is and someone will eventually say it: disc brakes. In theory, it is the perfect modern upgrade. In reality, it can turn into a welding project.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople sometimes will weld on tabs,\u201d Greenhow said.<\/p>\n
He said the work has to be done carefully.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a little bit more of a process,\u201d he said. \u201cYou obviously have to make sure everything\u2019s lined up so your brakes aren\u2019t rubbing and spacing\u2019s all correct. You\u2019ll oftentimes have to put a little brace on your rear frame as well so you don\u2019t crack it\u201d<\/p>\n
Gremlins has not leaned heavily into disc conversions yet, but Greenhow is curious, especially when it comes to brazing on practical mounts that fit how people ride now.<\/p>\n
Trial and error is the point<\/p>\n
Unlike a clean new-bike build, restomods can be messy. Old standards collide with new parts. Clearances get tight. A change that looks perfect on the work stand might feel wrong on the road.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the other thing about restomods; it\u2019s a lot of trial and error,\u201d Greenhow said. \u201cYou get to play around and kind of make a Frankenstein build. You ride it, change a little something and kind of tweak it.\u201d<\/p>\n
He sees that tinkering as part of the appeal. Riders are not just buying a solution. They are building one, then living with it and adjusting as they go.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe process is\u00a0 a catalyst for your own flavor and style as well,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s very unique looking. It\u2019s\u00a0 personalized.\u201d<\/p>\n
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