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I would say that if you were going to give it a bash yourself then definitely do it. Although it looks daunting at first - converting to a SS really isn't so tricky on these bikes (my first build was doing exactly the same thing on the same bike!)

However, by the time you've got it to a shop, to replace the parts, and the bits they recommend plus the labour will add up to the point where you might as well get something newer and ready to go (take a look in the classifieds section here).

TL:DR

If doing yourself - go for it
If not - spend your money elsewhere and maybe try and sell this bike on for a few quid to someone who will be happy to take it on as a project.

I'll keep you posted. They look quality so hoping they perform too! Last few bits I have on order should arrive by the middle of the week so reckon the first test ride of them will be by the end of the week.

As Tijs says - got mine from bike24. Appears as though it’s the only place in stock but they only have them in black which suited me perfectly.

@vp1337 yes - have measured the rear spacing and measured again! Definitely clocking in at 130. So have been doing some investigative work as to what my options could be.

Not quite sure i'm ready for the old Sheldon Brown home made cold setting set up at this point! Watch this space though!

Bits and bobs

So various bits and bobs have started to appear for the first stage of converting.

SwissStop Viking Pros that I was able to liberate from a pal - they work a treat on my SS so figured they would be better than the dross that are on the bike at the moment.

Panaracer gravelkings courtesy of Tijs's recommendation - although getting them in 26ers proved to be a good few hours of web trawling. Managed to get some at not too bad of a price in the end.

Got the Nitto B906 Bullmoose bars - preferred this more retro look than the bars that have a full curved bar -just waiting for the stem and the cable hanger to turn up before I can do the install.

Once this is all done and i've thrashed it about a bit more I'll take the next steps onto other improvements.

Feel that a 1x would also help me shed some weight because it does feel a bit on the heavier side than it could be. In saying that - it's basically all original - so perhaps have unrealistic expectations of how light one of these beasts should be!

Anyway - progress is being made - hopefully get to fit all these new bits over the weekend and get out and see how it feels.

Cheers!

Looking really lovely!

What stem have you used? Got a set of bullmoose bars for my latest build and am going round the houses deciding what to get!

Also - heal up!

I mean - this certainly does make sense!

Any tyre recommendations would be well received. Running 26x1.95 on there at the minute and the clearance is fine but would like something far less knobbly.

Trying to upload a picture here is like pulling teeth at times!

Have been looking for a fun steel MTB into an adventure/off road/gravel mishmash (AORGMM) build for a while and when this Courier Comp came up for cheap on eBay I jumped on it.

It's in smashing condition - basically all as bought, helped by the fact that the guy who owned it was about 5'5 despite owning this 21" frame, so has only been lightly ridden recently - think I'm now third owner.

Took it for a spin the other day on some light offroad stuff and all works smoothly - so what better way to celebrate than to strip it down and change various bits, just because I can!

Had been prepared for full strip down and respray but the paint is in almost perfect condition and actually really like the red crackle.

As for the build - it'll be my first foray into MTB/adventure conversion territory so it will undoubtedly cost me way more than I want, will cause my countless headaches with various bits and bobs, but it's all part of the fun (I guess)

Ultimate aims are a
1x drivetrain (10/11 speed?)
stem and bars switch up - will keep flat bars - maybe some bullmooses? but get a reduction in the stem reach
Get some brakes that actually stop the bike (maybe just a pad change as i think cantis just fit the look
Tyre change (something with a little less rolling resistance for on road riding)

First headaches
I have 26er wheels with 7 speed freewheel - does this mean I need to get a new wheelset (rear wheel at minimum?) in order for me to house a 10/11 speed? Or is there some witchcraft that i could conjure to allow me to keep the current wheelset but upgrade?

If new set is needed - the rear spacing is 130 - a cursory glance as shown many newer wheelsets to have 135. Do i cold set? Can i forgo that and sort of just jam it in?

Final tyre question - tyres - Need 26ers obviously - any good recommendations for chunky tyres for this kind of horror build that'll be good both on and off road.

Got something that might work. What budget do you have in mind?

Price drop

£350

Dibs M part torque wrench PM inbound

It's the name given to the last person in a cycling race. Can be quite a position of distinction to be lanterne rouge in the tour for example. Bit of notoriety.

Lanterne Rouge is a great cycling channel - Aussie guy breaking down tactics from classic cycling moments - loads of archive too.

Lovely Ciocc, Designer 84 frame and fork

Columbus Tubing with Campagnolo drop outs

It's in really nice condition.

There is almost zero rust, a few scuffs and scratches to the paintwork (which i have tried to show in the photos) but no dents or dings on it. The chrome is also in great condition.

Seat tube 58cm c-c
Top tube 57cm c-c
Head tube 165mm

Rear spacing 126mm

In North London - collection preferred, delivery could be arranged.

Can't effectively upload any pics on here so have a look at the link!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/markedger/albums/72157714905007168

£400

slaps forehead

Thanks!

There's a rash of various Muddy Fox couriers on ebay at the moment. Always liked the purple/white fade on the Courier - but is anyone able to illuminate the differences between the Courier, Courier Prestige and Courier Comp? Are they much of a muchness?

Gunna run a little too small for me i'm afraid GLWS though.

Smashing colour. What size is it?

I refuse to jump in on this trend. I'll just keep hoarding my rubbish like any good person should and force my next of kin to sort it out when I pass to the other side.

Was down at beddington farmlands over the weekend for the first time in a long time.

Reed warbler
Cetti’s warbler
Tree sparrows
Swifts
House Martin
Little ringed plover
Hobby

All without pics as I was mid ride - but it was a great haul for a little stop over. Had forgotten just how nice it was down there.

New to the thread - but are there any ride & birding jaunts that people do around London or its environs?

You have articulated what the itching part at the back of my brain was thinking. Definitely don’t need any more junk in my parts box. Thanks again all!