I do not understand why everyone judges a bike by how fast you can go????? Comfort and enjoyment are more important as we get older!!!!!

This video is a prime example of what to do if someone want to wind up with an ideal bike but doesn't have the upfront funding to achieve that in a single purchase.  All of these upgrades do not have to be done at the same time.  Find an older used platform, then hit each improvement as funds become available, and eventually have the bike of your dreams.   Biking doesn't have to be expensive.

Alt bars are underrated. You can run flatbar controls and get the body position of a dropbar.

I have a 1998 Gary Fisher Aquila. I bought this bike new. Several years ago, I had the frame bead blasted and powder coated in a dark sky blue. I replaced the worn 8-speed drivetrain. It now has an Alivio Octalink crank with a 34T Wolf Tooth Components narrow-wide chainring, a SunRace 11-40, 9-speed cassette, an Alivio 9-speed shifter and a Deore XT rear derailleur. I also replaced the wheels and V-brakes. I installed Bontrager 2.0" H2 tires, which are a smooth hybrid/city tire. The bike is faster than I expected. No, it's not as fast as my alloy Synapse, but it's honestly not bad.  I set a personal, second best time on a 6.xx mile section of multi-use path which follows a river (going "downhill," with the water flow). This really shocked me. I wanted try a 1x drivetrain, and while I enjoy the simplicity of a single chainring, the 34T chainring coupled to the 26" tires can make pedaling a bit frantic at times. The 34T chainring allows me to pedal up to 21-22 mph in the top gear. I have to pick a gear and settle into a comfortable cadence and accept what speed I am at going uphill. I'm probably going to install the triple rings on the crank, it will just make this bike work better. I"ve found no matter which bike I'm riding, my Synapse, modern hardtail, or old hardtail, there is generally a 15-20 minute difference in time between the bikes I own over two 32 mile loops I ride from my house. If you're riding solo, it doesn't matter what bike you have.

I work as a bike messenger so our applications are different, but my favourite ATB mod is running 700c wheels. It is possible if you have the clearance with V-brakes and off market pad extenders. It makes the bike feel like nothing else. The elevated bottom bracket is amazing for rolling through snow, dirt, harsh weather conditions and terrain. I find it opens up the cockpit, reach and feel of the bike(I know a lot of folks avoid 26 ATBs because they feel a bit cramped or small for long distance) For a mix of city and offroad the bigger wheels make the bike feel like a monster truck plowing over everything (and FAST) esp with 37-40mm tires depending on your clearance. Highly recommended!! (a lot of people I've let ride my bike hate it though)

I'm also glad to see the front derailleur was kept. The whole finished bike looks great.

Funny you made this cause i went through very similar builds through the years with my 90’s mtb. I ended up landing at something so similar to your favorite! Great video.

What I like most about this is you got to experiment on the bike and find something you like.  Wrenching, learning and riding.... what could be better 🚴🚴👍🚴

The Serfas drifter are really good tires 👌🏻

Looks awesome! I run 29" tires on  a '89 Specialized Crossroads with 1x8 Box drivetrain with 2.4" knobby in front and 2.1" street tire in back. It is fast on gravel and asphalt.  It is the perfect commuter for someone who uses dirt paths over hills.   The brakes are vintage but the drivetrain is all new.  Frame up conversion was under $400 since i used vintage.  Box drivetrains are amazing value.

Came across this video today on my Suggestions and YouTube done well. An interesting way of showing the different builds. I did wince a little when you totalled up the alt bar build costs

your edits are great

Just what i needed to see. Just ordered the same corner bars and was sceptical.. looks like i might have done the right thing 🎉

This is such an interesting idea. I love the content :)

I have those same brifters and bar on my own 90s MTB conversion and they're outstanding.

I just got a corner bar clone from ali too. I really like them on my daily, makes the hustle fun!!!

I just really enjoyed your feedback on how the different handlebars affected the same bike!

It was really cool to stumble across your video. I have this same bike, and have been wanting to change it up a bit. This video gave me some great ideas. Thanks.

Fantastic comparison brother, loved the vid!

Pimp your MTB! Thanks for this great video, much appreciated! 👏
It's quite funny to see that those old MTBs are still good bicycles! 🤩
Now imagine you've started with an MTB that has a decent suspension fork - it would be a much more comfortable ride! 🚲
Honestly I'm a huge fan of 90s or early 2000s Cannondale MTBs with HeadShok which are still great bicycles! 💪
BTW, my kids bought their 26" MTBs second hand and so got cheap & great MTBs. Then we pimped those MTBs together, so that my boys learn to service their bicycles by themselves.. 😊
Cheers from southern Germany 🇩🇪