Show Your Vintage MTB Drop Bar Conversions
#5576
Velominatus
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Lincolnshire Wolds, England
Posts: 375
Bikes: 1986 SBDU Raleigh, 1984 Raleigh Corsa, 1980 Allin Stan Butler Special, 2 x late 1960s Roberts, 1978 Philbook, 1964 Allin Belgique, 1959 Allin Stan Butler Special, 1951 Higgins Plus Parfait, 1951 Hobbs of Barbican, 1913 Centaur Featherweight.
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 195 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 37 Times
in
23 Posts
#5577
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 244
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 28 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Trek 950
Do Mustache bars count for this thread?
Here is a Trek 950 I bought at a garage sale for $15. I had it powdercoated along with my Anachronistic Schwinn Paramount which is in its own thread. The stem is extender is a cheap-o but I had it powdercoated too and it doesn't look so bad. Yes, those are Modolo Morphos shifters and they work fine with the LX 7sp.
Here is a Trek 950 I bought at a garage sale for $15. I had it powdercoated along with my Anachronistic Schwinn Paramount which is in its own thread. The stem is extender is a cheap-o but I had it powdercoated too and it doesn't look so bad. Yes, those are Modolo Morphos shifters and they work fine with the LX 7sp.
Last edited by JimboMartin; 09-08-18 at 07:27 PM.
#5579
Sempiternal Newb
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Panama City, FL
Posts: 637
Bikes: '92 Trek 750, '85 Univega Gran Turismo, '95 Stumpjumper,
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 232 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
11 Posts
Dirt drops really transformed this Univega Land Rover FS.
As found:
Some more photos are here in a Flickr album.
As found:
Some more photos are here in a Flickr album.
#5581
Senior Member
Whoa -- coupla nice posts today! Great color on the Trek, and I really love those 'all business' builds like you did on the Univega @tiredhands. What's not to like?
#5582
Senior Member
#5586
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 16
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
just wondering about xc pro thumb shifters on drops, is it only possible with the on-one midge(or just pry them open with a screwdriver and jam them on)? Never heard of those bars they are ~24.0 mm fit road brake levers fine
could I get those bars in a softride stem (any body tried)?
yes I'm an idiot. I don't like to break things, that stuff is expensive.
could I get those bars in a softride stem (any body tried)?
yes I'm an idiot. I don't like to break things, that stuff is expensive.
#5587
Senior Member
Dirt drops really transformed this Univega Land Rover FS.
As found:
Some more photos are here in a Flickr album.
As found:
Some more photos are here in a Flickr album.
#5588
Birotate Charioteer
#5589
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: New Bedford, Mass
Posts: 110
Bikes: 1972 Motobecane Le Champion, 1976 Motobecane Grand Record
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Heres a 1989(I think) Mongoose Sycamore. Old paint was white and blue, and faded. I had a rusted ross project but the frame was a 19" this one is about 23.5, im not that tall but it fits me better than the ross. The goal was to remake the ross but with a better frame, this one is Tange DB main triangle, so its a bit better than the straight gauge heap of before but I bet it evens out since its a bigger frame, lol
I stripped the paint, rusted it with some vinegar and salt, then shellacked it. (and no im not scared of purposely rusting my bikes, it wont instantly fall apart)
Fat Frank 26x2.35, Araya 7x, shimano 600 6208 brake levers, crusty brooks b72, older 1051 i think 105 derailleur.
Due to the large tubing, running downtube shifters is a issue so since the seat tube is smaller I mounted the shifter there without issues. I could have mounted thumbs on the barends but I wanted to do something different for the look of the bike so I guess im jockey shifting now.
rode 20 miles today on her, fun bike, I missed the large tires on the city streets where I live, every street is pretty much a danger zone for exposed tar chunks and pot holes! she has a few clanks and clunks but it will be sorted through
Clunker 2.0 by Ryan Silva, on Flickr
Clunker 2.0 by Ryan Silva, on Flickr
more photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryansi...57680495163550
I stripped the paint, rusted it with some vinegar and salt, then shellacked it. (and no im not scared of purposely rusting my bikes, it wont instantly fall apart)
Fat Frank 26x2.35, Araya 7x, shimano 600 6208 brake levers, crusty brooks b72, older 1051 i think 105 derailleur.
Due to the large tubing, running downtube shifters is a issue so since the seat tube is smaller I mounted the shifter there without issues. I could have mounted thumbs on the barends but I wanted to do something different for the look of the bike so I guess im jockey shifting now.
rode 20 miles today on her, fun bike, I missed the large tires on the city streets where I live, every street is pretty much a danger zone for exposed tar chunks and pot holes! she has a few clanks and clunks but it will be sorted through
Clunker 2.0 by Ryan Silva, on Flickr
Clunker 2.0 by Ryan Silva, on Flickr
more photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryansi...57680495163550
#5590
Newbie
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 36
Bikes: 3 Frankenbikes (Stumpjumper, Karakoram, Trek 930), Fuso, Tarmac Pro, '72 Fuji Finest, Soma Saga, El Diente, Cannondale tandem, 2 mountain bikes, more...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Recently picked this Bianchi Grizzly up for $20. Been wanting to do a dirtdrop, but haven't come across the right frame. I'm a little worried about how long the top tube is, anyone have any experience with this? Besides that for the most part, not being picky. Have a few routes I could go with the stuff I have laying around.
Stem length is going to be largely determined by your riding style, position, type of riding (terrain), and as others pointed out, the bars you choose. For mtb riding the bars will be much higher then if the bike will be used for gravel or road riding. As the bars move upward the effective reach is reduced. Over the years I've accumulated a lot of stems as the result of trial-and-error. My suggestion - start with what you have and see how it works. If you're using a quill stem, I suggest not putting tape the entire bars until you're was confident you've found right position - wrapping bars isn't one of my favorite activities.
#5591
Sempiternal Newb
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Panama City, FL
Posts: 637
Bikes: '92 Trek 750, '85 Univega Gran Turismo, '95 Stumpjumper,
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 232 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
11 Posts
Heres a 1989(I think) Mongoose Sycamore. Old paint was white and blue, and faded. I had a rusted ross project but the frame was a 19" this one is about 23.5, im not that tall but it fits me better than the ross. The goal was to remake the ross but with a better frame, this one is Tange DB main triangle, so its a bit better than the straight gauge heap of before but I bet it evens out since its a bigger frame, lol
I stripped the paint, rusted it with some vinegar and salt, then shellacked it. (and no im not scared of purposely rusting my bikes, it wont instantly fall apart)
Fat Frank 26x2.35, Araya 7x, shimano 600 6208 brake levers, crusty brooks b72, older 1051 i think 105 derailleur.
Due to the large tubing, running downtube shifters is a issue so since the seat tube is smaller I mounted the shifter there without issues. I could have mounted thumbs on the barends but I wanted to do something different for the look of the bike so I guess im jockey shifting now.
rode 20 miles today on her, fun bike, I missed the large tires on the city streets where I live, every street is pretty much a danger zone for exposed tar chunks and pot holes! she has a few clanks and clunks but it will be sorted through
Clunker 2.0 by Ryan Silva, on Flickr
Clunker 2.0 by Ryan Silva, on Flickr
more photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryansi...57680495163550
I stripped the paint, rusted it with some vinegar and salt, then shellacked it. (and no im not scared of purposely rusting my bikes, it wont instantly fall apart)
Fat Frank 26x2.35, Araya 7x, shimano 600 6208 brake levers, crusty brooks b72, older 1051 i think 105 derailleur.
Due to the large tubing, running downtube shifters is a issue so since the seat tube is smaller I mounted the shifter there without issues. I could have mounted thumbs on the barends but I wanted to do something different for the look of the bike so I guess im jockey shifting now.
rode 20 miles today on her, fun bike, I missed the large tires on the city streets where I live, every street is pretty much a danger zone for exposed tar chunks and pot holes! she has a few clanks and clunks but it will be sorted through
Clunker 2.0 by Ryan Silva, on Flickr
Clunker 2.0 by Ryan Silva, on Flickr
more photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryansi...57680495163550
#5592
Pedal to the medal
Clunker 2.0 by Ryan Silva, on Flickr
more photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryansi...57680495163550
#5593
Birotate Charioteer
Heres a 1989(I think) Mongoose Sycamore. Old paint was white and blue, and faded. I had a rusted ross project but the frame was a 19" this one is about 23.5, im not that tall but it fits me better than the ross. The goal was to remake the ross but with a better frame, this one is Tange DB main triangle, so its a bit better than the straight gauge heap of before but I bet it evens out since its a bigger frame, lol
I stripped the paint, rusted it with some vinegar and salt, then shellacked it. (and no im not scared of purposely rusting my bikes, it wont instantly fall apart)
Fat Frank 26x2.35, Araya 7x, shimano 600 6208 brake levers, crusty brooks b72, older 1051 i think 105 derailleur.
Due to the large tubing, running downtube shifters is a issue so since the seat tube is smaller I mounted the shifter there without issues. I could have mounted thumbs on the barends but I wanted to do something different for the look of the bike so I guess im jockey shifting now.
rode 20 miles today on her, fun bike, I missed the large tires on the city streets where I live, every street is pretty much a danger zone for exposed tar chunks and pot holes! she has a few clanks and clunks but it will be sorted through
Clunker 2.0 by Ryan Silva, on Flickr
Clunker 2.0 by Ryan Silva, on Flickr
more photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryansi...57680495163550
I stripped the paint, rusted it with some vinegar and salt, then shellacked it. (and no im not scared of purposely rusting my bikes, it wont instantly fall apart)
Fat Frank 26x2.35, Araya 7x, shimano 600 6208 brake levers, crusty brooks b72, older 1051 i think 105 derailleur.
Due to the large tubing, running downtube shifters is a issue so since the seat tube is smaller I mounted the shifter there without issues. I could have mounted thumbs on the barends but I wanted to do something different for the look of the bike so I guess im jockey shifting now.
rode 20 miles today on her, fun bike, I missed the large tires on the city streets where I live, every street is pretty much a danger zone for exposed tar chunks and pot holes! she has a few clanks and clunks but it will be sorted through
Clunker 2.0 by Ryan Silva, on Flickr
Clunker 2.0 by Ryan Silva, on Flickr
more photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryansi...57680495163550
#5594
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 81
Bikes: '73 Motobecane Mirage, '94 GT Karakoram, '14 Surly Pugsley
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 38 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
And it starts
Research Dynamics Coyote three frame, with a Spinner fork. I have had a hard time finding any information on this frame. It has internal cable routing for the rear brake. The part that I found intriguing is the top tube is fairly short (55cm). My thought was it would make a good candidate for a drop bar conversion. I was given the Nitto stem, and scored the Specialized BB-1 handlebars from a Forum member (via Facebook ). I have a full Mountain LX kit, that I'll probably end up using to finish it up.
Cheers,
Chris
[IMG]IMG_20170113_164716760 by Chris Wilson, on Flickr[/IMG]
Research Dynamics Coyote three frame, with a Spinner fork. I have had a hard time finding any information on this frame. It has internal cable routing for the rear brake. The part that I found intriguing is the top tube is fairly short (55cm). My thought was it would make a good candidate for a drop bar conversion. I was given the Nitto stem, and scored the Specialized BB-1 handlebars from a Forum member (via Facebook ). I have a full Mountain LX kit, that I'll probably end up using to finish it up.
Cheers,
Chris
[IMG]IMG_20170113_164716760 by Chris Wilson, on Flickr[/IMG]
Any idea what year this particular Coyote is? I saw one on craigslist that looks almost brand new and it's got the same purple with yellow lettering and black fork. I am very tempted.
#5595
Newbie
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Heres a 1989(I think) Mongoose Sycamore. Old paint was white and blue, and faded. I had a rusted ross project but the frame was a 19" this one is about 23.5, im not that tall but it fits me better than the ross. The goal was to remake the ross but with a better frame, this one is Tange DB main triangle, so its a bit better than the straight gauge heap of before but I bet it evens out since its a bigger frame, lol
I stripped the paint, rusted it with some vinegar and salt, then shellacked it. (and no im not scared of purposely rusting my bikes, it wont instantly fall apart)
Fat Frank 26x2.35, Araya 7x, shimano 600 6208 brake levers, crusty brooks b72, older 1051 i think 105 derailleur.
Due to the large tubing, running downtube shifters is a issue so since the seat tube is smaller I mounted the shifter there without issues. I could have mounted thumbs on the barends but I wanted to do something different for the look of the bike so I guess im jockey shifting now.
rode 20 miles today on her, fun bike, I missed the large tires on the city streets where I live, every street is pretty much a danger zone for exposed tar chunks and pot holes! she has a few clanks and clunks but it will be sorted through
I stripped the paint, rusted it with some vinegar and salt, then shellacked it. (and no im not scared of purposely rusting my bikes, it wont instantly fall apart)
Fat Frank 26x2.35, Araya 7x, shimano 600 6208 brake levers, crusty brooks b72, older 1051 i think 105 derailleur.
Due to the large tubing, running downtube shifters is a issue so since the seat tube is smaller I mounted the shifter there without issues. I could have mounted thumbs on the barends but I wanted to do something different for the look of the bike so I guess im jockey shifting now.
rode 20 miles today on her, fun bike, I missed the large tires on the city streets where I live, every street is pretty much a danger zone for exposed tar chunks and pot holes! she has a few clanks and clunks but it will be sorted through
#5596
Senior Member
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
Looks like he´s mounted the shifter on a clamp-on band with a boss, those things will sit pretty tightly.
#5597
Banned.
Glad to be a part of this well-aged thread. I'd like to do a similar conversion in the not-too distant future with the appropriate frame.
#5598
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 14
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Cannondale
Not sure if this is the right place for this post. But I am looking to do a conversion. I found this cannondale on my local CL and wanted to see what you guys think.
https://images.craigslist.org/01717_...g_1200x900.jpg
https://images.craigslist.org/01717_...g_1200x900.jpg
Last edited by crsho; 05-11-17 at 09:13 AM.
#5599
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: York, England
Posts: 6
Bikes: Gios Super Record, Merckx `82
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Two years later in England...
It`s been interrupted by too many events but at last I`ve put together my old Raleigh to make a tourer for the English lanes. Started out as a Raleigh Blueridge from about 1990. It`s not too heavy, having a Reynolds 531 frame which I had powder coated in almost Gios blue. Most of the parts came from bits collected over the years, but I opted for new brakes!
I`ll need to find some spd boots to allow different pedals but this will do for a start. This thread has been a great help in sorting out the options. Hope you like it, Julian
I`ll need to find some spd boots to allow different pedals but this will do for a start. This thread has been a great help in sorting out the options. Hope you like it, Julian
#5600
Eccentric Old Man
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: BelleVegas, IL
Posts: 719
Bikes: 1986 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1979 Schwinn Traveler III, Trek T100, 1995 Trek 970, Fuji America
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 248 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 173 Times
in
87 Posts
I like it!
It`s been interrupted by too many events but at last I`ve put together my old Raleigh to make a tourer for the English lanes. Started out as a Raleigh Blueridge from about 1990. It`s not too heavy, having a Reynolds 531 frame which I had powder coated in almost Gios blue. Most of the parts came from bits collected over the years, but I opted for new brakes!
I`ll need to find some spd boots to allow different pedals but this will do for a start. This thread has been a great help in sorting out the options. Hope you like it, Julian
I`ll need to find some spd boots to allow different pedals but this will do for a start. This thread has been a great help in sorting out the options. Hope you like it, Julian