Drop bar conversion brake levers/shifters
02-15-21, 10:37 AM
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Drop bar conversion brake levers/shifters
I'm considering converting my Trek 750 Multitrack from a flat bar (upright bars) to drops.
'm not happy with the feeling of this style bars. I've tried a bunch of different bars and I'm not happy with the ride. I've had this bike since 1991 and used it s a commuter for years. I no longer need it for commuting and want to start using it as a road/touring bike so I'm looking into a conversion. I'm using Microshift's thumb shifters (they are so smooth) 3x9 speed, with Shimano Derailleurs.
What are some lever brake combos that people find work well?
'm not happy with the feeling of this style bars. I've tried a bunch of different bars and I'm not happy with the ride. I've had this bike since 1991 and used it s a commuter for years. I no longer need it for commuting and want to start using it as a road/touring bike so I'm looking into a conversion. I'm using Microshift's thumb shifters (they are so smooth) 3x9 speed, with Shimano Derailleurs.
What are some lever brake combos that people find work well?
02-15-21, 10:54 AM
#2
Blamester
Microsoft 9 speed or shimano 9 speed. There is probably not a lot of choice unless you go used.
You might need a new stem as well. But that's a maybe
You might need a new stem as well. But that's a maybe
02-15-21, 12:39 PM
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Bar end shifters are another option. I'd suggest you do some measuring before you go further down the path. You already have a skyscraper stem even with the flat bars. With drop bars, add the length of the ramps forward of the stem. You are going to be stretched out an additional 70+mm with even short reach drop bars.
02-15-21, 02:27 PM
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You missed the 9 speed I guess. Once they got into 10 speed things diverged but previous to that you could mix and match (which is/was common on touring bikes and early gravel stuff before it was its own category) Certainly indexing at the front might be a little wonky in some cases but everything should work just fine.
02-15-21, 04:56 PM
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Here is a simple, rugged solution: https://www.gevenalle.com/product/audax/ Friction shifters are ideal for touring, no indexing to break or get out of adjustment. Work with practically any derailleurs.
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02-15-21, 06:54 PM
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Here is a simple, rugged solution: https://www.gevenalle.com/product/audax/ Friction shifters are ideal for touring, no indexing to break or get out of adjustment. Work with practically any derailleurs.
02-15-21, 07:30 PM
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You missed the 9 speed I guess. Once they got into 10 speed things diverged but previous to that you could mix and match (which is/was common on touring bikes and early gravel stuff before it was its own category) Certainly indexing at the front might be a little wonky in some cases but everything should work just fine.
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02-15-21, 07:36 PM
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02-15-21, 09:02 PM
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Would the Microshift SB-R493 work? Shimano 3x9 compatible road levers. The downside is external derailleur cable routing.
02-15-21, 09:22 PM
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02-15-21, 09:25 PM
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It took you thirty years to get fed up with it, huh?
Shimergo is my favorite.
Shimergo is my favorite.
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02-16-21, 04:59 PM
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The flat bars were good for commuting but I just don't like them anymore and I'm not commuting. I was looking at the Sora levers. Might just go that route.
I am planning to switch the stem too.
Bar ends are also something I'm considering but I've tried them on other bikes and my knees keep hitting them when I dismount.
I am planning to switch the stem too.
Bar ends are also something I'm considering but I've tried them on other bikes and my knees keep hitting them when I dismount.
02-16-21, 05:05 PM
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I had to repair some kickstand damage. Also, the front derailleur bubbled the paint, and the seatpost collar had a knifey edge which scraped some paint off, so all that had to be addressed.
That's funny, I think I talked you into the thumbies also when you were redoing this.
The flat bars were good for commuting but I just don't like them anymore and I'm not commuting. I was looking at the Sora levers. Might just go that route.
I am planning to switch the stem too.
Bar ends are also something I'm considering but I've tried them on other bikes and my knees keep hitting them when I dismount.
I am planning to switch the stem too.
Bar ends are also something I'm considering but I've tried them on other bikes and my knees keep hitting them when I dismount.
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02-16-21, 06:40 PM
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You're probably right. I changed to the 9 speed about two years ago.
02-17-21, 07:31 AM
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I'm doing a drop bar conversion on my 2016 Cannondale Quick 4, but I've also gone 1x at the same time using the Microshift Advent X system. I swapped the drivetrain first, using the $30 flat bar shifter and now I've got the Advent X brifters ordered so I'll be able to complete the project and have a 'new' bike ready for the spring. 11-48 cassette paired with a 42t chainring gives me a pretty decent gear range.
