Can I convert my Dual Sport into a Mountain Bike?

[hikeNbike316]

Hi everyone! Newbie here… I have tried to do my due diligence and research this for myself but some things still confuse me, so any responses will be greatly appreciated!

I have been wanting to purchase my first hardtail mountain bike recently, and a family member ended up giving me a 2015 8.3 Trek DS for free due to not being able to ride anymore. I absolutely love the look and color of the bike, and was hoping I could just convert this into something more suitable for trail riding.

My question is: can I convert this into more of a mountain bike by upgrading the tires and fork? Are their any other necessary upgrades I would need to make to turn this into a reasonable beginner MB?I don’t know if this matters, but I am a petite female around 5’3”. I am wanting to do mostly single tracks, be able to climb and go downhill, and will deal with some rocky terrain every now and then and the occasional small jump. Thank you for the help!

Current Specifications:
Frameset

FrameAlpha Gold Aluminum, DuoTrap S compatible, rack & fender mounts
ForkSR Suntour NEX, coil spring, preload, hydraulic lockout, 63mm travel
Wheels

WheelsFormula alloy hubs, Bontrager AT-750 alloy rims
Front hubFormula DC20 alloy
Rear hubFormula DC22 alloy
RimsBontrager AT-750 double-walled alloy
TiresBontrager LT2, 700x38c
Drivetrain

ShiftersShimano Acera M360, 8 speed
Front derailleurShimano Altus
Rear derailleurShimano Acera M360
CrankFSA Dyna Drive 48/38/28 w/chainguard
Bottom bracketSealed cartridge
CassetteShimano HG31, 11-32, 8 speed
ChainKMC Z7
PedalsWellgo nylon body w/alloy cage
Components

SaddleBontrager H1
SeatpostBontrager SSR, 2-bolt head, 27.2mm, 12mm offset
HandlebarBontrager Low Riser alloy, 25.4mm, 15mm rise
GripsBontrager Satellite, ergonomic
StemBontrager alloy, 25.4mm, 25 degree
Headset1-1/8″ threadless, sealed cartridge bearings
BrakesetTektro Novela mechanical disc, 160mm rotors, Tektro adjustable-reach alloy levers

[Author]

Posts