New commuter build: drop bars & disc brakes!
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,544
Bikes: Focus trash find commuter, Eddy Merckx Corsa, BP Stealth TT bike, Leader 720 TT bike, Boardman Comp Hybrid drop bar conversion, Quantec CX budget cyclocross build, SerottaNOS frameset ready to build up!
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 128 Post(s)
Liked 104 Times
in
69 Posts
New commuter build: drop bars & disc brakes!
Well, a cheap disc-braked hybrid landed in my lap so it seemed the decent thing to put it to some use.
The original bike was a Boardman Comp Hybrid, 2013, Avid BB5 brakes and a 9-speed Sram/Microshift drivetrain.
Here it is, sporting some new Stronglight 35mm mudguards. Tyres are Vittoria Zaffiro 622/28.
Now, I had some long-pull Tektro RL520 drop bar brake levers in the parts bin and bar-end shifters, so it´s ended up as a 20-speed commuter.
Dura Ace shifters
Tiagra 50/34 crankset and long cage rear derailleur. I´d like the ability to stick an 11-34 cassette on it if I take it to the Alpes-Maritimes.
Ultegra front derailleur
Avid BB5 brakes
Jagwire housing/cables
FSA compact drop handlebar
Still to come: rear rack, front dynamo hub, lights, bottle cage, decent pedals, bar tape on the left handlebar!
Thanks for looking. Total spend is about €250.
The original bike was a Boardman Comp Hybrid, 2013, Avid BB5 brakes and a 9-speed Sram/Microshift drivetrain.
Here it is, sporting some new Stronglight 35mm mudguards. Tyres are Vittoria Zaffiro 622/28.
Now, I had some long-pull Tektro RL520 drop bar brake levers in the parts bin and bar-end shifters, so it´s ended up as a 20-speed commuter.
Dura Ace shifters
Tiagra 50/34 crankset and long cage rear derailleur. I´d like the ability to stick an 11-34 cassette on it if I take it to the Alpes-Maritimes.
Ultegra front derailleur
Avid BB5 brakes
Jagwire housing/cables
FSA compact drop handlebar
Still to come: rear rack, front dynamo hub, lights, bottle cage, decent pedals, bar tape on the left handlebar!
Thanks for looking. Total spend is about €250.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 2,977
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Rival; 2014 Cannondale Trail 7 29; 1972 Schwinn Suburban, 1996 Proflex 756, 1987(?) Peugeot, Dahon Speed P8; 1979 Raleigh Competition GS; 1995 Stumpjumper M2 FS, 1978 Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Prologue
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Very nice! Upgrades on it look great
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Nanaimo, BC
Posts: 2,014
Bikes: 1997 Kona Hahana Race Light, 2010 Surly LHT(deceased), 1999 Rocky Mountain Turbo
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 86 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nice upgrades. It has a nice clean classic look.
I especially like the silver bar tape accent.
I especially like the silver bar tape accent.
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,544
Bikes: Focus trash find commuter, Eddy Merckx Corsa, BP Stealth TT bike, Leader 720 TT bike, Boardman Comp Hybrid drop bar conversion, Quantec CX budget cyclocross build, SerottaNOS frameset ready to build up!
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 128 Post(s)
Liked 104 Times
in
69 Posts
Thanks all for the kind words.
I'm interested to see how I get on switching from STI to bar end shifters. Feels good so far!
It seems to be that 95% of the roadies I see have their bars set too low and are never on the hooks. Since I raised my setup I spend 80% of my time down low and am only on the tops/hoods when in town and/or cruisin' around. Seems to make more sense.....
I'm interested to see how I get on switching from STI to bar end shifters. Feels good so far!
It seems to be that 95% of the roadies I see have their bars set too low and are never on the hooks. Since I raised my setup I spend 80% of my time down low and am only on the tops/hoods when in town and/or cruisin' around. Seems to make more sense.....
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,972
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 1,677 Times
in
827 Posts
My kind of bike! Nice job!
#7
Let's Ride!
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Triad, NC USA
Posts: 2,569
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 327 Post(s)
Liked 37 Times
in
24 Posts
I agree that is a nice looking bike and a nice looking build. My next commuter will have disk brakes as well.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,992
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2494 Post(s)
Liked 738 Times
in
522 Posts
When I converted my flat-bar roadie to drops (FSA Gossamer Pro) the LBS suggested getting a 20mm shorter stem. I'm glad I listened. I'm an old guy. YMMV. I thought about bar-ends too, but I went with down-tube shifters! Had to get custom shifter mounts because the diameter of my downtube is as big around as yours. If I had gone bar ends I would have routed the cables up through the bar tape so they exit the tape with the brake cables. Your way works, but... ... anyway, its your bike... nice job...
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,744
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 525 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3230 Post(s)
Liked 3,868 Times
in
1,439 Posts
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Nanaimo, BC
Posts: 2,014
Bikes: 1997 Kona Hahana Race Light, 2010 Surly LHT(deceased), 1999 Rocky Mountain Turbo
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 86 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#11
Junior Member
Fender line is superb. Nice job.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Kent Wa.
Posts: 5,332
Bikes: 2005 Gazelle Golfo, 1935 Raleigh Sport, 1970 Robin Hood sport, 1974 Schwinn Continental, 1984 Ross MTB/porteur, 2013 Flying Piegon path racer, 2014 Gazelle Toer Populair T8
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 396 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
Unless I come across a really cool, must have C&V bike, rim brakes no longer exist as far as I'm concerned.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Kent Wa.
Posts: 5,332
Bikes: 2005 Gazelle Golfo, 1935 Raleigh Sport, 1970 Robin Hood sport, 1974 Schwinn Continental, 1984 Ross MTB/porteur, 2013 Flying Piegon path racer, 2014 Gazelle Toer Populair T8
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 396 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
Thanks all for the kind words.
I'm interested to see how I get on switching from STI to bar end shifters. Feels good so far!
It seems to be that 95% of the roadies I see have their bars set too low and are never on the hooks. Since I raised my setup I spend 80% of my time down low and am only on the tops/hoods when in town and/or cruisin' around. Seems to make more sense.....
I'm interested to see how I get on switching from STI to bar end shifters. Feels good so far!
It seems to be that 95% of the roadies I see have their bars set too low and are never on the hooks. Since I raised my setup I spend 80% of my time down low and am only on the tops/hoods when in town and/or cruisin' around. Seems to make more sense.....
Funny what you say about most drops you see being way too low. My one bike with drops is set up with them higher than yours, yet I still virtually never go lower than the hoods. I have found that trekking bars better match my physique, and riding style.
Looking forward to seeing it when finished.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 1,109
Bikes: s-1
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 221 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
that's a pretty commuter, GCN would be proud. I'd flip my converted MTB in a second to score a rig like that.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,547
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18372 Post(s)
Liked 4,507 Times
in
3,350 Posts
Nice job.
I still like commuting on a road bike, but a snagged a used Jamis Hybrid for cheap a while ago and have been meaning to convert it into a drop bar gravel bike.
I still like commuting on a road bike, but a snagged a used Jamis Hybrid for cheap a while ago and have been meaning to convert it into a drop bar gravel bike.
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,544
Bikes: Focus trash find commuter, Eddy Merckx Corsa, BP Stealth TT bike, Leader 720 TT bike, Boardman Comp Hybrid drop bar conversion, Quantec CX budget cyclocross build, SerottaNOS frameset ready to build up!
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 128 Post(s)
Liked 104 Times
in
69 Posts
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,544
Bikes: Focus trash find commuter, Eddy Merckx Corsa, BP Stealth TT bike, Leader 720 TT bike, Boardman Comp Hybrid drop bar conversion, Quantec CX budget cyclocross build, SerottaNOS frameset ready to build up!
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 128 Post(s)
Liked 104 Times
in
69 Posts
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,544
Bikes: Focus trash find commuter, Eddy Merckx Corsa, BP Stealth TT bike, Leader 720 TT bike, Boardman Comp Hybrid drop bar conversion, Quantec CX budget cyclocross build, SerottaNOS frameset ready to build up!
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 128 Post(s)
Liked 104 Times
in
69 Posts
When I converted my flat-bar roadie to drops (FSA Gossamer Pro) the LBS suggested getting a 20mm shorter stem......If I had gone bar ends I would have routed the cables up through the bar tape so they exit the tape with the brake cables. Your way works, but... ... anyway, its your bike... nice job...
I've seen bar-end shifters routed under the tape, and thought about going that way, but went for a more traditional routing in the end. Shifting is *silky smooth* with the Jagwire Road Pro cable setup. I highly, highly recommend an upgrade to Jagwire cables and housing for any bike.
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,544
Bikes: Focus trash find commuter, Eddy Merckx Corsa, BP Stealth TT bike, Leader 720 TT bike, Boardman Comp Hybrid drop bar conversion, Quantec CX budget cyclocross build, SerottaNOS frameset ready to build up!
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 128 Post(s)
Liked 104 Times
in
69 Posts
Wait a moment - I've hardly ridden the thing and am already thinking about upgrades!!
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: The First State.
Posts: 1,168
Bikes: Schwinn Continental, Schwinn Paramount, Schwinn High Plains, Schwinn World Sport, Trek 420, Trek 930,Trek 660, Novara X-R, Giant Iguana. Fuji Sagres mixte.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 22 Times
in
10 Posts
I'd steal that bike.
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,544
Bikes: Focus trash find commuter, Eddy Merckx Corsa, BP Stealth TT bike, Leader 720 TT bike, Boardman Comp Hybrid drop bar conversion, Quantec CX budget cyclocross build, SerottaNOS frameset ready to build up!
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 128 Post(s)
Liked 104 Times
in
69 Posts
Ride report:
It's FAST.
It needs new brake pads.
Sprocket 5 slips under load, moral of the story: new chain = new cassette.
The saddle is horrid so the B-17 is going on.
The reach is a little too much so the 80mm stem is going on too.
It handles fine, the slightly longer wheelbase means (I think) it's less twitchy and more relaxing than my Merckx.
I love the bar end shifters.
Did I mention how fast it is...?
It's FAST.
It needs new brake pads.
Sprocket 5 slips under load, moral of the story: new chain = new cassette.
The saddle is horrid so the B-17 is going on.
The reach is a little too much so the 80mm stem is going on too.
It handles fine, the slightly longer wheelbase means (I think) it's less twitchy and more relaxing than my Merckx.
I love the bar end shifters.
Did I mention how fast it is...?
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,544
Bikes: Focus trash find commuter, Eddy Merckx Corsa, BP Stealth TT bike, Leader 720 TT bike, Boardman Comp Hybrid drop bar conversion, Quantec CX budget cyclocross build, SerottaNOS frameset ready to build up!
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 128 Post(s)
Liked 104 Times
in
69 Posts
Update.
The rear mudguard took a bang and cracked at the stay, so both 'guards have come off and it's my fair-weather training bike for the summer!
For what is a repurposed hybrid, I've managed to find a really nice position with a zero-offset post and it handles nicely, maybe a bit slower than a dedicated road bike with the 80mm stem but that's no bad thing on rough paths.
It rides really, really nicely. Shallow-drop road bars and bar-end shifters are bloody marvellous!
The Avid BB5 brake are now properly dialled in but I need a new rear disc, I think. It's just a bit too warped to get satisfactory performance without slight rub when riding. A 0.7mm shim on the fixed pad seems to be the best one to use when setting them up.
This will be coming on holiday with me so it's set up with a dynamo hub ready for our trip to Sweden in July. Until then my steel commuter is on evening duty so no point putting on the lights just yet.
nice and dusty after a 90 minute spin up the River Nidda bike path, with my 10yr old son following on his MTB. Great fun!
The rear mudguard took a bang and cracked at the stay, so both 'guards have come off and it's my fair-weather training bike for the summer!
For what is a repurposed hybrid, I've managed to find a really nice position with a zero-offset post and it handles nicely, maybe a bit slower than a dedicated road bike with the 80mm stem but that's no bad thing on rough paths.
It rides really, really nicely. Shallow-drop road bars and bar-end shifters are bloody marvellous!
The Avid BB5 brake are now properly dialled in but I need a new rear disc, I think. It's just a bit too warped to get satisfactory performance without slight rub when riding. A 0.7mm shim on the fixed pad seems to be the best one to use when setting them up.
This will be coming on holiday with me so it's set up with a dynamo hub ready for our trip to Sweden in July. Until then my steel commuter is on evening duty so no point putting on the lights just yet.
nice and dusty after a 90 minute spin up the River Nidda bike path, with my 10yr old son following on his MTB. Great fun!
Last edited by Barchettaman; 05-08-16 at 06:56 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mikecummings
Bicycle Mechanics
16
07-08-16 06:36 PM
runningDoc
Commuting
55
12-02-12 07:05 PM