At what point does this look not ok?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 726
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 266 Post(s)
Liked 347 Times
in
205 Posts
At what point does this look not ok?
I have a 90s Serrota CDA roadbike 63cm columbus steel with carbon rear triangle and I would like to put flaT bars on it with a 1x12 sunrace drivetrain. The bike currently has a 2x9 ultegra with a corncob cassette, but I would like to ride gravel and cx with it. Are these mods respectful or would they look straight outta a chop shop. I have asked multiple people and have gotten mixed answers.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Pioneer Valley
Posts: 1,320
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 433 Post(s)
Liked 1,020 Times
in
523 Posts
Prepare for more mixed answers. It’s your bike, who cares what other people think? Especially strangers on the internet.
How’s the tire clearance?
How’s the tire clearance?
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,491
Bikes: Cuevas Custom, Cimmaron, 1988 "Pinalized Rockma", 1984 Trek 510, Moulton custom touring, Raleigh Competition GS, Bridgestone Mb-2 & 3, 1980's Peugeot - US, City, & Canyon Express (6)
Mentioned: 28 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1165 Post(s)
Liked 4,066 Times
in
1,970 Posts
#4
climber has-been
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Posts: 7,284
Bikes: Scott Addict R1, Felt Z1
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3584 Post(s)
Liked 3,766 Times
in
1,876 Posts
So you want to take an old steel frame and modify it for gravel and CX, and you are concerned about how it will look?
It will look the way it seems, like an old steel frame with some out of place components bolted to it.
Will it work? Not very well, as your tire size will be very limited.
It will look the way it seems, like an old steel frame with some out of place components bolted to it.
Will it work? Not very well, as your tire size will be very limited.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,645
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7711 Post(s)
Liked 3,642 Times
in
1,915 Posts
"Respectful" to whom? The bike? The bike is not a conscious being as far as you are aware, else you would ask it directly.
Personally, I think the bike would be pleased to be modified in a way which made it more useful and enjoyable to you.
Build it, ride it, enjoy it ... and as for what others might say, <censored> it.
Personally, I think the bike would be pleased to be modified in a way which made it more useful and enjoyable to you.
Build it, ride it, enjoy it ... and as for what others might say, <censored> it.
Likes For Maelochs:
#6
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,751
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 124 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11080 Post(s)
Liked 7,666 Times
in
4,271 Posts
A corn xob cassette is so out of place in '24 that having a wider range cassette would make it look less outnof place.
Flat bars?...meh- it's your bike, who cares what others think.
Tire width?...if you are riding 28s in loose or chunky gravel, you may get some looks or joking comments that are rooted in surprise and disbelief. If you like that setup though, have fun.
Flat bars?...meh- it's your bike, who cares what others think.
Tire width?...if you are riding 28s in loose or chunky gravel, you may get some looks or joking comments that are rooted in surprise and disbelief. If you like that setup though, have fun.
#7
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 8,235
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5102 Post(s)
Liked 8,408 Times
in
3,974 Posts
Likes For Eric F:
#8
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 8,235
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5102 Post(s)
Liked 8,408 Times
in
3,974 Posts
Sure, you can ride gravel and CX on a road bike. It might not perform as well as other bikes built more specifically for that type of riding, but you can do it. Your limited tire width will lead to a rougher ride and more challenging handling in loose conditions. It also may lead to more flats, and a higher potential for rim damage. Caliper rim brakes are also not going to perform as well as modern disc brakes in demanding situations. That said, some people enjoy the challenge of underbiking. Appearance is pretty far down on the list of things I would be concerned about. If that's a high priority for you, be aware that it will always look like an older, high-end road bike that is out of its element.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
Last edited by Eric F; 05-07-24 at 12:32 PM.
Likes For Eric F:
#9
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 15,288
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6353 Post(s)
Liked 4,956 Times
in
3,413 Posts
Putting flat bars on it wouldn't be respectful! IMO. However it's your bike. So you really shouldn't care what I think. Both CX and Gravel is done with bikes that have drop bars.
I was curious about the Serotta and found this thread which as a picture of a article from Davis Phinney about a Serotta. Though I'm not certain this is the same model you are asking about.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...s-phinney.html
Tires might well be the one thing that keeps it from being well suited for CX or Gravel. I was originally wondering if Serotta's came with 27" tires originally. As many BITD were 27x1-1/4" which is about a 32mm wide tire which will do fine in packed gravel. But the specs for the wheel/tire in the article say it's a 700C that is 23mm wide. So you might not be able to get up to the minimum width that most prefer for those genres today.
2x bike in those genre's will be fine with modern components. But those old components probably won't give you the low gearing you may need for anything more than a short romp with the 2x stuff that is on it now.
I was curious about the Serotta and found this thread which as a picture of a article from Davis Phinney about a Serotta. Though I'm not certain this is the same model you are asking about.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...s-phinney.html
Tires might well be the one thing that keeps it from being well suited for CX or Gravel. I was originally wondering if Serotta's came with 27" tires originally. As many BITD were 27x1-1/4" which is about a 32mm wide tire which will do fine in packed gravel. But the specs for the wheel/tire in the article say it's a 700C that is 23mm wide. So you might not be able to get up to the minimum width that most prefer for those genres today.
2x bike in those genre's will be fine with modern components. But those old components probably won't give you the low gearing you may need for anything more than a short romp with the 2x stuff that is on it now.
Last edited by Iride01; 05-07-24 at 12:15 PM.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,521
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1637 Post(s)
Liked 1,856 Times
in
1,031 Posts
#11
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,751
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 124 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11080 Post(s)
Liked 7,666 Times
in
4,271 Posts
Dont tell this to all the people who enter local gravel races on flat bar fatbikes and destroy a lot of the field using drop bars.
The next time I am passed on gravel by someone using flat bars, I will be sure to yell to them that they are doing it wrong.
The next time I am passed on gravel by someone using flat bars, I will be sure to yell to them that they are doing it wrong.
#12
Pennylane Splitter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Orange County, California
Posts: 1,903
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1868 Post(s)
Liked 1,531 Times
in
1,041 Posts
Its your bicycle so you can do what you want with it.
#13
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 15,288
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6353 Post(s)
Liked 4,956 Times
in
3,413 Posts
The OP ask if it'd be respectful. And I don't think that bike ever had flat bars on it from the factory. As well, it gave me a reason to vocalize my distaste for flat bars. With the exception that flat bars are generally wider a drop bar gives the same hand position. Albeit the shifter and brakes aren't in that position. All they do is remove the other choices of hand position.
#14
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 8,235
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5102 Post(s)
Liked 8,408 Times
in
3,974 Posts
Valid points. This might limit the 1x possibilities to a max. of 11-speed.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,491
Bikes: Cuevas Custom, Cimmaron, 1988 "Pinalized Rockma", 1984 Trek 510, Moulton custom touring, Raleigh Competition GS, Bridgestone Mb-2 & 3, 1980's Peugeot - US, City, & Canyon Express (6)
Mentioned: 28 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1165 Post(s)
Liked 4,066 Times
in
1,970 Posts
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,981
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 107 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2394 Post(s)
Liked 2,950 Times
in
1,611 Posts
or you can do flat bars with aero bars as is not uncommon in gravel races.
what ever floats the boat...er steers the bike ? for the OP
bigger concern as others have noted is what is max tire size and what is drop out width and it's impact on going 12 speed
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
Last edited by squirtdad; 05-07-24 at 02:50 PM.
#17
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,891
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3797 Post(s)
Liked 5,795 Times
in
2,929 Posts
Respectful? The poor thing lost any sense of shame when it was built with the unfortunate carbon rear.
Likes For shelbyfv:
#18
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 8,235
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5102 Post(s)
Liked 8,408 Times
in
3,974 Posts
I'm one of those folks who enjoys underbiking...to an extent. I ride my gravel bike on a lot of the same dirt I ride my MTB. I like the challenge of riding a bike that is not totally optimized for demanding terrain. That said, my gravel bike has 40s, and the front tire has some pretty reasonable tread. I like a challenge, but I'm not a fan of falling down a lot. There is also a limit to how demanding the terrain is before I hit the "nope" line. There certainly are local MTB trails that I won't ride my gravel bike on.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
#19
With a mighty wind
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 2,659
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1131 Post(s)
Liked 925 Times
in
523 Posts
Thats why 90’s mtb’s make good gravel conversions. 135mm hub, loads of clearance, almost road geometry.
I’d choose another frame.
Likes For rosefarts:
Likes For Steel Charlie:
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 3,747
Bikes: Too many bikes, too little time to ride
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 458 Post(s)
Liked 490 Times
in
338 Posts
Apologies for posting this so many times recently but I think it addresses the OP quite well. I went thru a similar exercise going from 2x10 dropbar to 1x10 flatbar and it's a fun ride. Lightweight, zippy, aggressive, and with the 640mm flat bars (with some sweep) it's fun and gives me better control and confidence (not that I lacked any of that with 42cm drops before, but if you're used to mountain biking you might like the feel of this cockpit). I'm limited to ~25mm tires and it's not great on gravel but I definitely still tackle some trails on it. In fact, the ability to run bigger tires is the one thing I wish for with this build but it is what it is. Its looks may offend some but I think it looks pretty sweet.
If the frame is what you got already and you just want to try it out, no one is stopping you. But if it's a frame-up build I echo others: get a frame that can handle bigger tires, and run a wider gearing range for trails.
Last edited by tFUnK; 05-07-24 at 07:38 PM.
Likes For tFUnK:
#23
Passista
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,659
Bikes: 1998 Pinarello Asolo, 1992 KHS Montaña pro, 1980 Raleigh DL-1, IGH Hybrid, IGH Utility
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 890 Post(s)
Liked 754 Times
in
412 Posts
I don't know about respect, but if you do that it won't be a road bike anymore but won't be a gravel or CX bike either. Just my 0.02.
#24
Senior Member
Yup, tire clearance. I had 28s on my Trek road bike, attempted gravel and...no. 32s did not fit. IMO, anything less than 32 on gravel is "challenging".
What's with all these drop bar fanatics? If it's not your bike, who cares?
What's with all these drop bar fanatics? If it's not your bike, who cares?
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,645
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7711 Post(s)
Liked 3,642 Times
in
1,915 Posts
Apparently, despite the huge range of handlebar styles which have been and still are used on bicycles worldwide, a certain vocal minority has decided that "real" bikes have drop bars.
Let's not laugh at them. They cannot help it, and maybe in time their minds might open enough to see a bit more of the world.
Pedal on, however it works for you.
Let's not laugh at them. They cannot help it, and maybe in time their minds might open enough to see a bit more of the world.
Pedal on, however it works for you.