• I've been slowly getting fed up of using my Straggler as both a winter trainer and a family bike with the kid seat on the back. My calfs rub on the Hamax bracket on the seat tube but it is a faf to constantly take on and off. I've been thinking of getting a beater to use with my daughter on the back for a while now. Talking about it to my dad, he had just about decided to throw this old Courier away thinking it was only worth scrap value, so he let me have it instead. He's had it from new and while I was too young to remember, there are a few photos of me on the back of it as a tot. So there is a bit of sentimentality involved, id like a similar set of pics with my girls on the back to look back on.

    While this ticks the box of being a dedicated bike for the kid seat, I'm thinking of spending a little on it and fitting dirt drops. Any recommendations? I've actually got a near identical '87 model as well that I picked up for pence to strip for spares. The f&f will remain my dads though for posterity. Also tempted by a front rack of some sort and large volume slicks. Ideas welcome.

    The kit on it is old but decent, full Suntour groupset, Dia compe brakes, Sansin hubs, Sugino chainset, Araya rims etc. Amazingly it is completely original except the grips. Even the brake blocks and tires are original (not sure how the tires haven't let go yet given how frayed the carcasses are). The spokes are v rusty as so will probably rebuild the wheels with stainless ones.

    Thoughts on the build welcome. Don't want to spend much on it, but prepared to give it a thorough overhaul to make it run efficiently again. Pics to follow.

  • Yes yes and yes! So many retro MTB related projects nowadays, I am happy with that.
    This Courier looks absolutely amazing too, it would definitely look rad with dirt drops, go for it!
    As for tyres I'd go with some gumwall Maxxis DTH's in 26x2.30 if it fits. Would look hella awesome on this one.

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