Show Your Vintage MTB Drop Bar Conversions
12-28-23, 09:19 AM
#7476
Newbie
The wing shifters are nice but expensive! On the other hand, Suntour Command shifters cost almost as much NOS.
I have been toying with the idea of just sticking a thumb shifter right under the brake lever. I actually think the geometry of the throw would work ok. It would be a low effort experiment since I already have a set modified for mounting on drops. maybe next time I rerwap my bars I'll give it a try...
I have been toying with the idea of just sticking a thumb shifter right under the brake lever. I actually think the geometry of the throw would work ok. It would be a low effort experiment since I already have a set modified for mounting on drops. maybe next time I rerwap my bars I'll give it a try...
On the other hand, the Wing shifters offer microratcheting and THAT'S all the difference ! They shift so smooth, up to 11 speed !
Yeah, there has been experiments with alt. mounting of thumb shifters, I've seen a thread on that . . .
12-28-23, 11:27 AM
#7477
Must be symmetrical
You're right, they're expensive but not as much as the Suntour. Moreover the command shifter index to Suntour accushift RD . . . They are top from a design point of view, but not the function . . .
On the other hand, the Wing shifters offer microratcheting and THAT'S all the difference ! They shift so smooth, up to 11 speed !
Yeah, there has been experiments with alt. mounting of thumb shifters, I've seen a thread on that . . .
On the other hand, the Wing shifters offer microratcheting and THAT'S all the difference ! They shift so smooth, up to 11 speed !
Yeah, there has been experiments with alt. mounting of thumb shifters, I've seen a thread on that . . .
12-28-23, 01:33 PM
#7478
Newbie
Well, yes, so why didn't they implement it further ?
Nowadays, the only options if you want micro-ratchet is to opt for Dia-Compe ! Or maybe Rivendell silver ?
12-28-23, 05:47 PM
#7479
Senior Member
This one has been through several changes and shown here a few.
1990 Schwinn High Plains MTB built up with Shimano RSX drivetrain, Tektro canti brakes, Brooks Colt and a 7 sp wheel set off a 94 Schwinn MTB.
first shakedown ride is promising. Longer one and better pics this weekend.
1990 Schwinn High Plains MTB built up with Shimano RSX drivetrain, Tektro canti brakes, Brooks Colt and a 7 sp wheel set off a 94 Schwinn MTB.
first shakedown ride is promising. Longer one and better pics this weekend.
12-29-23, 01:37 PM
#7480
Junior Member
I know I have one, but the friction option is not very effective . . . it's the same as indexed, just softer . . .
Well, yes, so why didn't they implement it further ?
Nowadays, the only options if you want micro-ratchet is to opt for Dia-Compe ! Or maybe Rivendell silver ?
Well, yes, so why didn't they implement it further ?
Nowadays, the only options if you want micro-ratchet is to opt for Dia-Compe ! Or maybe Rivendell silver ?
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12-29-23, 01:49 PM
#7481
Newbie
I converted my Command shifters to true friction eight years ago and they're still going strong. I followed the instructions in this thread; never had the 'looseness' problem the OP mentions. It's true that the rear shifter doesn't micro-ratchet. I wish the Wing shifters came in black and were $100 cheaper.
12-31-23, 02:58 PM
#7482
I am potato.
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daywood At first I was like: "Brown...WTF?" But as soon as I saw the Cinelli cork on the shelf, I saw the wisdom of your words.
Brown Bar Tape by Richard Mozzarella, on Flickr
Brown Bar Tape by Richard Mozzarella, on Flickr
__________________
I shouldn't have to "make myself more visible;" Drivers should just stop running people over.
Car dependency is a tax.
I shouldn't have to "make myself more visible;" Drivers should just stop running people over.
Car dependency is a tax.
12-31-23, 06:36 PM
#7483
Senior Member
If I'm being honest, they are a big stop down in performance from the Deore XT dual pivot v-brakes that were on there before. I'd say they perform marginally better then the average Shimano or Avid cantis, but they are super light and look sweet.
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01-01-24, 09:21 AM
#7484
Newbie
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01-12-24, 12:16 PM
#7485
Newbie
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Fork Recommendations???
I'm in the process of converting a Trek Singletrack (26" wheels). It came with a suspension fork which is trashed and really heavy. I'd like to find a rigid replacement made of good quality steel (Tange, True Temper, etc). I'd even consider carbon. Most of what I've been able to find are forks weighing 1,100 g (2.4 pounds)!!!
I've looked on eBay but since the frame is 22", all of the used forks have steerer tubes that are too short.
Recommendations anyone?
I've looked on eBay but since the frame is 22", all of the used forks have steerer tubes that are too short.
Recommendations anyone?
01-12-24, 12:45 PM
#7486
Whippersnapper
What size is the steerer on the original fork? If it is threaded, do you want to stick with a threaded fork, or would you convert to threadless?
01-12-24, 01:01 PM
#7487
Senior Member
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I'm in the process of converting a Trek Singletrack (26" wheels). It came with a suspension fork which is trashed and really heavy. I'd like to find a rigid replacement made of good quality steel (Tange, True Temper, etc). I'd even consider carbon. Most of what I've been able to find are forks weighing 1,100 g (2.4 pounds)!!!
I've looked on eBay but since the frame is 22", all of the used forks have steerer tubes that are too short.
Recommendations anyone?
I've looked on eBay but since the frame is 22", all of the used forks have steerer tubes that are too short.
Recommendations anyone?
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01-12-24, 01:35 PM
#7488
tantum vehi
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I'm in the process of converting a Trek Singletrack (26" wheels). It came with a suspension fork which is trashed and really heavy. I'd like to find a rigid replacement made of good quality steel (Tange, True Temper, etc). I'd even consider carbon. Most of what I've been able to find are forks weighing 1,100 g (2.4 pounds)!!!
I've looked on eBay but since the frame is 22", all of the used forks have steerer tubes that are too short.
Recommendations anyone?
I've looked on eBay but since the frame is 22", all of the used forks have steerer tubes that are too short.
Recommendations anyone?
__________________
1970 Gitane TdF; 1973 Gitane TdF
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
01-12-24, 05:27 PM
#7489
Senior Member
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I'm in the process of converting a Trek Singletrack (26" wheels). It came with a suspension fork which is trashed and really heavy. I'd like to find a rigid replacement made of good quality steel (Tange, True Temper, etc). I'd even consider carbon. Most of what I've been able to find are forks weighing 1,100 g (2.4 pounds)!!!
I've looked on eBay but since the frame is 22", all of the used forks have steerer tubes that are too short.
Recommendations anyone?
I've looked on eBay but since the frame is 22", all of the used forks have steerer tubes that are too short.
Recommendations anyone?
might need to determine crown to axle length to ensure the replacement fork provides the correct geometry (?)
have not checked out a Trek rigid fork recently - but have checked out some early 90’s Schwinn Paramount forks … the weights of the four forks I weighed were 760 to 880 g … (steerer lengths varied - 5.5 “ to 6.75 “)
some of the aftermarket aluminum and carbon forks for 26” bikes are around the same weight
01-13-24, 06:26 PM
#7491
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01-14-24, 06:06 PM
#7492
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I'm in the process of converting a Trek Singletrack (26" wheels). It came with a suspension fork which is trashed and really heavy. I'd like to find a rigid replacement made of good quality steel (Tange, True Temper, etc). I'd even consider carbon. Most of what I've been able to find are forks weighing 1,100 g (2.4 pounds)!!!
I've looked on eBay but since the frame is 22", all of the used forks have steerer tubes that are too short.
Recommendations anyone?
I've looked on eBay but since the frame is 22", all of the used forks have steerer tubes that are too short.
Recommendations anyone?
I have used Carver cro-moly fork for a Hardrock.
Otherwise Soma, Surly, Origin 8, ...
01-14-24, 08:00 PM
#7493
Full Member
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01-15-24, 08:50 PM
#7496
tantum vehi
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__________________
1970 Gitane TdF; 1973 Gitane TdF
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
01-15-24, 09:44 PM
#7497
Junior Member
01-16-24, 10:39 AM
#7498
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Bikesnob had a Softride project a few months ago...
https://bikesnobnyc.com/2023/03/21/o...h-their-heads/
https://bikesnobnyc.com/2023/03/21/o...h-their-heads/
01-16-24, 01:08 PM
#7499
Must be symmetrical
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01-19-24, 02:31 AM
#7500
Senior Member
Yeah, I got lucky. Unfortunately when I squeezed the brake it pulled but didn't release one bit, so I'm sure all the cables are cooked, and probably anything else with grease. It got pretty toasty, but somehow the tires didn't melt.