Fahrenheit531 

Oh, I'm sure. Got there the hard way. Thanks for the link.

lotekmod

That bike is sweet! My Trek 750 hybrid drop bar, which is posted a few pages back, has turned out to be a great bike. It's pretty much the only bike I've ridden this winter and I consider it a long term keeper. Unless I found a 7900 like yours which I imagine would be even better than the 750.

kingston 

Here's my "before" picture. It's in "as-is" condition so I expect it will clean up very nicely.

I'll be using this mostly on the Des Plaines River Trail, which is a 56 mile more-or-less flat gravel path on the North side of Chicago.

I still haven't picked anything out, but I'm leaning towards a nitto technomic stem, dirt drop RM013 bars and silver bar end shifters. I'm also considering a dirt drop stem or a threadless adapter with the RM014 bars, so I'm interested in hearing any suggestions.

whatwolf

This bike has surpassed expectations! 650b and drop bar conversion on a 1989 trek 950. 20 miles of singletrack in the mountains yesterday.

orangeology

looking super! always loving the TA Cyclotouriste on a rigid mtb frame.

mattk42

That looks spiffy! I like that it's a lugged MTB.

I'm currently drop bar converting a Specialized Rockhopper Comp. I originally decided on the Nitto RM013 bars, but the ebay seller didn't ship me the right ones (I'm guessing they don't actually stock them.) I since decided on Nitto Randonneur B135s.

Johnny Mullet

Since the Heavy Duty Huffy Commuter is complete, I got some fresh pics.......

seely

If that's your saddle height, and the stem length is good as is with a flat bar for you, I would probably go with a Technomic. A Dirt Drop stem seems to be most useful when there's more of a saddle to bar height differential, and a short forward stem extension is needed (see my High Plains!). Basically... a good way to get vertical extension without going too far forward. Really like the bike, I'm always keeping an eye out for a Miyata MTB... I have a few other Miyatas I adore.

If you get a threadless adapter, you automatically lose your Miyata privileges and have to send the bike to me. Sorry, I don't make the rules.

arex

What size of wheels/tires are on that Huffy? I forgot.

People might sneer at a Huffy, but if you like the frame, it feels good, and you're enjoying yourself, then by all means, run what ya brung. I read your original writeup, and it's clear that you hold that bike quite dear.

Johnny Mullet

Those are Araya 700c wheels with 700cX35 tires. I don't like Huffy bicycles, but I do like this one since it was the bike that got me started riding.

Velocivixen

@kingston I have a Nitto Dirt Drop stem on my Rockhopper Comp conversion and like it a lot. I needed a 26.0 clamp size for the Soma Portola bars, and bought it from Rivendell (think they're only ones who sell the 26.0 dirt drop). Nice bike.
@mattk42 - can't wait to see your Rockhopper Comp. Mine is an '88. What year & color scheme do you have?

kingston 

I like the Portola bars a lot, but I can't find them for sale anywhere.

I should be able to make either a dirt drop or a technomic work with this bike to get the bars level with the saddle with the right reach. I also like the RM014, but it only comes with a 31.8 clamp area. Since there are no compatible quill stems, I would have to go with an adapter. Now that I know this will revoke my Miyata privileges, I'll have to rule that option out


I have the 42cm B135s on my Wabi fixed gear. I like them very much, but I think I would like something a bit wider for this project.

Velocivixen

@kingston - Soma sells their stuff online. One of my local co-ops happened to have one so I was lucky.

mattk42

Yea, I'm really excited for it to come together. It's the "black" (looking closely I think it's daaaark purple) with yellow lettering and purple splashes. Not sure on the year; it has some parts that are definitely late 80s, but some that are possibly early 90s. I'm waiting on a few more parts to arrive this week and then I'll throw it together (after my finals, yay! spring break). I also need to soak the top tube portion in some oxalic yet, the inside of the top tube is rusty from what little I can see.

blart

awesome looking mtb

kingston 

@Velocivixen: The soma store doesn't have any portolas available. I could get a black junebug, but the clamp area is 31.8 so I would have to go with a threadless adapter, which isn't really my preference.

GeorgeOwnwell

Converted my Hardrock with Gary 2s, Claris shifters, and travel agents for the V brakes. Liking it a lot so far. Still adjusting the cockpit.

mountaindave 

@GeorgeOwnwellHow do you like the Gary 2's?

GeorgeOwnwell

The ride nice. I'm thinking about cutting around 2 inchs of the drops off. The big reason I got them was that they were available ing 25.4 and silver.

Velocivixen

@GeorgeOwnwell - I really like the combination of your saddle color with the very rich red. Very rich and, if I may say, elegant. Very classy. Your saddle looks to be the Antique Brown with copper rivets. How's the paint?

Velocivixen

@kingston- Thanks for the information. I emailed Soma regarding the Portola bars and they responded,

"We have another run of Portola bars in production now. Not sure when they'll arrive, but likely in the next couple months if not sooner. I'd check with your local Soma dealer and online."

Nobody online actually has any. There's one place in Portland who I think might have them. I'll swing by tomorrow.

GeorgeOwnwell

Thanks! When I got the bike last year it had the original tires and was in perfect stock condition. I don't think it had a scratch on the paint. Not so much any more.. But as soon as I am happy with the bars I plan on using some antique brown leather tape and then silver full fenders when I get 2.0 tires. The saddle is the Brooks Team Pro in antique brown.

merida

I like this very much. Unlike so many other bikes in this thread the individual parts blend together and make it look like this is how it was ment to be. If the frame had been a tad bigger (taller) it would have been absolutely perfect. Congratulations on a beautiful conversion.

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seely

As a member of the long, long legs, short torso club, it looks perfect to me!

Pompiere

I hear ya! I went out last night for a shake down on my Schwinn Sierra and decided the seat was a little low. When I go to raise it, I hit the "MAX HT" line. That ended up being a bit too high, but I only have about 1/2" of margin.