MTB Drop conversion search continues
#1
Member
Thread Starter
MTB Drop conversion search continues
As a "quarantine" project I've decided to try to find a cheap older and rigid MTB to convert to drop bars, to be used mainly for gravel and light singletrack, but also for grocery runs/light touring. In short, a flexible beater. And while I'm not new to riding bikes, I'm relatively new to building them out/modifying them, so I'm looking for your suggestions/recommendations/wisdom.
Here is what I've found in my area (Baltimore, MD):
-Specialized Hard Rock COMP https://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik...091019719.html
-Bridgestone MB5 Trail Blazer https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...6051264305456/
-Specialized Cross Road https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...8138341158889/
Ideally, I talk the seller down to as close to 100 as I can get them.
Thanks for the input in advance!
Here is what I've found in my area (Baltimore, MD):
-Specialized Hard Rock COMP https://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik...091019719.html
-Bridgestone MB5 Trail Blazer https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...6051264305456/
-Specialized Cross Road https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...8138341158889/
Ideally, I talk the seller down to as close to 100 as I can get them.
Thanks for the input in advance!
#2
Happy banana slug
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,751
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1554 Post(s)
Liked 1,570 Times
in
938 Posts
As a "quarantine" project I've decided to try to find a cheap older and rigid MTB to convert to drop bars, to be used mainly for gravel and light singletrack, but also for grocery runs/light touring. In short, a flexible beater. And while I'm not new to riding bikes, I'm relatively new to building them out/modifying them, so I'm looking for your suggestions/recommendations/wisdom.
Here is what I've found in my area (Baltimore, MD):
-Specialized Hard Rock COMP https://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik...091019719.html
-Bridgestone MB5 Trail Blazer https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...6051264305456/
-Specialized Cross Road https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...8138341158889/
Ideally, I talk the seller down to as close to 100 as I can get them.
Thanks for the input in advance!
Here is what I've found in my area (Baltimore, MD):
-Specialized Hard Rock COMP https://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik...091019719.html
-Bridgestone MB5 Trail Blazer https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...6051264305456/
-Specialized Cross Road https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...8138341158889/
Ideally, I talk the seller down to as close to 100 as I can get them.
Thanks for the input in advance!
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Likes For jpjpjp:
#4
Industry guy
Brakes:
Watch out for compatibility issues with the pull rate on the levers and calipers.
Old school levers and v-brakes can be a problem.
New levers and old cantilevers should be ok, but always check the action.
Shifters:
What are you planning for shifters?
Brifters, down tube clamp on style or perhaps a Suntour command shifter?
Mixing brands and vintages( of index type systems) can be a problem.
Friction stuff generally works with mixed brands.
This may be the more difficult aspect of your project.
Good luck.
rusty
Watch out for compatibility issues with the pull rate on the levers and calipers.
Old school levers and v-brakes can be a problem.
New levers and old cantilevers should be ok, but always check the action.
Shifters:
What are you planning for shifters?
Brifters, down tube clamp on style or perhaps a Suntour command shifter?
Mixing brands and vintages( of index type systems) can be a problem.
Friction stuff generally works with mixed brands.
This may be the more difficult aspect of your project.
Good luck.
rusty
#5
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,970
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 194 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2968 Post(s)
Liked 3,047 Times
in
1,554 Posts
Which one fits? They all look like different sizes, especially that Hard Rock.
You might want to be sure you are buying a full ChroMoly frame and fork.
You might want to be sure you are buying a full ChroMoly frame and fork.
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
#6
Senior Member
Of those, I like the Crossroads too, if it fits. It’s a small bike.
Keep your eyes open for a Rockhopper. They are a step up from Hard Rock but below Stumpjumpers. Fairly plentiful and often priced well.
Keep your eyes open for a Rockhopper. They are a step up from Hard Rock but below Stumpjumpers. Fairly plentiful and often priced well.
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Brakes:
Watch out for compatibility issues with the pull rate on the levers and calipers.
Old school levers and v-brakes can be a problem.
New levers and old cantilevers should be ok, but always check the action.
Shifters:
What are you planning for shifters?
Brifters, down tube clamp on style or perhaps a Suntour command shifter?
Mixing brands and vintages( of index type systems) can be a problem.
Friction stuff generally works with mixed brands.
This may be the more difficult aspect of your project.
Good luck.
rusty
Watch out for compatibility issues with the pull rate on the levers and calipers.
Old school levers and v-brakes can be a problem.
New levers and old cantilevers should be ok, but always check the action.
Shifters:
What are you planning for shifters?
Brifters, down tube clamp on style or perhaps a Suntour command shifter?
Mixing brands and vintages( of index type systems) can be a problem.
Friction stuff generally works with mixed brands.
This may be the more difficult aspect of your project.
Good luck.
rusty
#8
Mr. Anachronism
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Somewhere west of Tobie's
Posts: 2,087
Bikes: fillet-brazed Chicago Schwinns, and some other stuff
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 526 Post(s)
Liked 257 Times
in
166 Posts
At 6' 1" the MB5 and Crossroads will be too small for you. The Hardrock may fit. Crossroads frames in your size will look like this. Notice the length/space at the back of the head tube. A good place to check with a quick glance to determine size on a vintage (horizontal top tube) steel bike.
Road bikes in your size will show 1.5 to 2x the amount of space shown at the back of the head tube. Of course this will always vary according to the geometry and proportions of a given frame, but it will at least give you a rough idea when perusing ads that don't give any dimensions.
Road bikes in your size will show 1.5 to 2x the amount of space shown at the back of the head tube. Of course this will always vary according to the geometry and proportions of a given frame, but it will at least give you a rough idea when perusing ads that don't give any dimensions.
__________________
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
Last edited by Hudson308; 03-19-20 at 07:05 AM.
#9
Member
Thread Starter
At 6' 1" the MB5 and Crossroads will be too small for you. The Hardrock may fit. Crossroads frames in your size will look like this. Notice the length/space at the back of the head tube. A good place to check with a quick glance to determine size on a vintage (horizontal top tube) steel bike.
Road bikes in your size will show 1.5 to 2x the amount of space shown at the back of the head tube. Of course this will always vary according to the geometry and proportions of a given frame, but it will at least give you a rough idea when perusing ads that don't give any dimensions.
Road bikes in your size will show 1.5 to 2x the amount of space shown at the back of the head tube. Of course this will always vary according to the geometry and proportions of a given frame, but it will at least give you a rough idea when perusing ads that don't give any dimensions.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Back in Lincoln Sq, Chicago...🙄
Posts: 1,609
Bikes: '84 Miyata 610 ‘91 Cannondale ST600,'83 Trek 720 ‘84 Trek 520, 620, ‘91 Miyata 1000LT, '79 Trek 514, '78 Trek 706, '73 Raleigh Int. frame.
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 685 Post(s)
Liked 370 Times
in
219 Posts
Is there a list, era, or brand of mountain bike with shorter top tubes? Every time I’ve tried this I run into the top tube length issue. Every time being two times...
#11
Mr. Anachronism
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Somewhere west of Tobie's
Posts: 2,087
Bikes: fillet-brazed Chicago Schwinns, and some other stuff
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 526 Post(s)
Liked 257 Times
in
166 Posts
One compromise I was surprised to find is this Trek '91 750 Multitrack. 22.5 x 22.5, center-to-center. I suspect the smaller ones have a long top tube/short seat tube though.
EDIT: I verified that the smaller Multitracks have a short seat tube/long top tube. I have the next size down in a 730, and it measures 21.5" seat tube (C2C), and 22.5 TT (C2C).
__________________
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
Last edited by Hudson308; 03-19-20 at 02:03 PM.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: South of the Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 4,183
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1127 Post(s)
Liked 2,355 Times
in
1,356 Posts
This is likely to be too large (though top tube clearance is less important on a conversion than it would be for a mtb ridden off-road).
GT Karakoram - $75 (Ellicott City)
https://baltimore.craigslist.org/sea...0&min_price=10
#13
Mr. Anachronism
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Somewhere west of Tobie's
Posts: 2,087
Bikes: fillet-brazed Chicago Schwinns, and some other stuff
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 526 Post(s)
Liked 257 Times
in
166 Posts
This is likely to be too large (though top tube clearance is less important on a conversion than it would be for a mtb ridden off-road).
GT Karakoram - $75 (Ellicott City)
https://baltimore.craigslist.org/sea...0&min_price=10That's a good deal.
__________________
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
#14
Hoards Thumbshifters
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Signal Mountain, TN
Posts: 1,157
Bikes: '23 Black Mtn MC, '87 Bruce Gordon Chinook, '08 Jamis Aurora, '86 Trek 560, '97 Mongoose Rockadile, & '91 Trek 750
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 246 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
193 Posts
As a "quarantine" project I've decided to try to find a cheap older and rigid MTB to convert to drop bars, to be used mainly for gravel and light singletrack, but also for grocery runs/light touring. In short, a flexible beater. And while I'm not new to riding bikes, I'm relatively new to building them out/modifying them, so I'm looking for your suggestions/recommendations/wisdom.
Here is what I've found in my area (Baltimore, MD):
-Specialized Hard Rock COMP https://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik...091019719.html
-Bridgestone MB5 Trail Blazer https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...6051264305456/
-Specialized Cross Road https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...8138341158889/
Ideally, I talk the seller down to as close to 100 as I can get them.
Thanks for the input in advance!
Here is what I've found in my area (Baltimore, MD):
-Specialized Hard Rock COMP https://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik...091019719.html
-Bridgestone MB5 Trail Blazer https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...6051264305456/
-Specialized Cross Road https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...8138341158889/
Ideally, I talk the seller down to as close to 100 as I can get them.
Thanks for the input in advance!
Geometry is everything though, doesn't matter if the bike is cheap or expensive, got to have a frame to fit. That Hardrock looks to be in the best shape of what you have shown.
#15
Member
Thread Starter
After consideration and further searching, I'm now looking at this Rockhopper, which I believe is a '96.... But it's hard to know exactly based on color scheme alone. Seller is pretty unresponsive as far as details go. Will need to switch out a good number of parts, but seller is willing to come down to 50, maybe lower...
#16
Mr. Anachronism
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Somewhere west of Tobie's
Posts: 2,087
Bikes: fillet-brazed Chicago Schwinns, and some other stuff
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 526 Post(s)
Liked 257 Times
in
166 Posts
I would guess that will fit the bill perfectly!
__________________
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
#17
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,553
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1247 Post(s)
Liked 1,001 Times
in
643 Posts
My advice is always the same, look for a higher end model with higher end parts. I have found several MTBs in the last few weeks with XT components.
Typically when you find high end parts, it will also have higher end frame materials.
A MTB that originally sold for $900 might be available for $100, while one that originally sold for $250 might be available for $75.
FB marketplace can be a very good place to find bikes, as sellers are using it more and more, while buyers aren't. I've seen some incredible deals on FB marketplace.
Typically when you find high end parts, it will also have higher end frame materials.
A MTB that originally sold for $900 might be available for $100, while one that originally sold for $250 might be available for $75.
FB marketplace can be a very good place to find bikes, as sellers are using it more and more, while buyers aren't. I've seen some incredible deals on FB marketplace.
#18
Senior Member
that rockhopper at 50 is the way to go. great frame, nice shape, great price. and it should fit you being a taller frame. I wouldn't hesitate to aquire it if I was looking to start a drop bar mtb project.
make sure the stem and seat post arent stuck
make sure the stem and seat post arent stuck
Likes For Chris Chicago:
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,750
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1975 Post(s)
Liked 2,092 Times
in
1,145 Posts
Nice one for 50 bucks.
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.