MTB drop bar conversion questions
10-06-12, 12:08 PM
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MTB drop bar conversion questions
I have just picked up a Giant Boulder MTB that I want to do this conversion to. I have found a drop bar that has the same dimension as the bar on it now at a LBS.My question is can I leave the shifter and brake levers that are on it now and just use them up on the hood. I prefer to sit up when coming to a stop anyways.
10-06-12, 12:27 PM
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Your stem also may not be the correct clamp diameter for a road bar
10-06-12, 12:34 PM
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The drop bar that I have found has the same diameter as the bar that is on there now.
10-06-12, 12:36 PM
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10-06-12, 12:51 PM
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+1 If you think it will work, give it a try. Trekking bars are a good choice if you want to keep original controls.
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10-06-12, 01:14 PM
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Most drop bars are 23.8 mm diameter in the grip/control mounting area, while most drop bars are 22.2 mm diameter grip/control. There are exceptions but they are quite rare. It is more likely the diameter that matches on your mtb and new road bars is the stem clamp diameter.
Explanation near the bottom of this page: https://sheldonbrown.com/deakins/handlebars.html
Also, MTB controls are designed to work well and be easy to use with straight bars - if you mount mtb brake levers on a curved road bar they will likely not be nearly as easy to use.
THe easiest solution for controls on a mtb drop bar conversion is drop bar brake levers that will work with your brakes*, and bar-end shifters. Road STI levers ('brifters) don't work properly with mtb front derailleurs, and bar end shifters have front friction shifting which work with any front derailleur.
*Brakes: If you have V brakes (side-pull or direct pull cantilvers) or cable actuated disc brakes you need long-travel brake levers. If you have centre-pull cantilevers or caliper brakes then you need short pull brake levers.
Explanation near the bottom of this page: https://sheldonbrown.com/deakins/handlebars.html
Also, MTB controls are designed to work well and be easy to use with straight bars - if you mount mtb brake levers on a curved road bar they will likely not be nearly as easy to use.
THe easiest solution for controls on a mtb drop bar conversion is drop bar brake levers that will work with your brakes*, and bar-end shifters. Road STI levers ('brifters) don't work properly with mtb front derailleurs, and bar end shifters have front friction shifting which work with any front derailleur.
*Brakes: If you have V brakes (side-pull or direct pull cantilvers) or cable actuated disc brakes you need long-travel brake levers. If you have centre-pull cantilevers or caliper brakes then you need short pull brake levers.
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