Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Classic & Vintage
Reload this Page >

Vintage MTB To Upright Bar / Urban Bike Conversions

Notices
Classic & Vintage This forum is to discuss the many aspects of classic and vintage bicycles, including musclebikes, lightweights, middleweights, hi-wheelers, bone-shakers, safety bikes and much more.

Vintage MTB To Upright Bar / Urban Bike Conversions

Old 07-28-18, 01:36 PM
  #101  
Chukbacca
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 103

Bikes: 1988 Univega Alpina Pro

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 45 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times in 6 Posts
I'm a little curious how you all choose your handlebars (short of having a fleet of bikes to swap from ). I absolutely prefer a more upright ride; I slapped cheap beach cruiser bars on my beater Motive Duet tandem, which has done the job but is ugly as sin. I tried ordering a set of handlebars once and while they weren't horrible, they were not what I wanted. I'm a bigger guy, I think I'd prefer a wider bar that curled around just a bit. Does anyone feel like sharing their experience and of give me some insight?

Thanks a bunch!
Chukbacca is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 02:04 PM
  #102  
cambiker71
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Peterborough UK
Posts: 71

Bikes: lots, new old and in between!

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Liked 11 Times in 4 Posts
I have the red one which I use far more than I thought I would, built the blue one for my daughter last year too!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
DSC_4341.jpg (133.9 KB, 1871 views)
File Type: jpg
DSC_3002.jpg (121.5 KB, 1860 views)
cambiker71 is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 09:50 PM
  #103  
belacqua
Full Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 427
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 101 Post(s)
Liked 49 Times in 34 Posts
Originally Posted by Chukbacca
I'm a little curious how you all choose your handlebars (short of having a fleet of bikes to swap from ). I absolutely prefer a more upright ride; I slapped cheap beach cruiser bars on my beater Motive Duet tandem, which has done the job but is ugly as sin. I tried ordering a set of handlebars once and while they weren't horrible, they were not what I wanted. I'm a bigger guy, I think I'd prefer a wider bar that curled around just a bit. Does anyone feel like sharing their experience and of give me some insight?

Thanks a bunch!
I like the steel Wald touring bars. Cheap, strong, long straight sections, and I feel like they damp road vibrations. I think they look good, and with 2.5" of rise, I like that the rise can be in the bars and not necessarily in the stem.
belacqua is offline  
Old 07-29-18, 07:26 AM
  #104  
lacro
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 136
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by belacqua
I like the steel Wald touring bars. Cheap, strong, long straight sections, and I feel like they damp road vibrations. I think they look good, and with 2.5" of rise, I like that the rise can be in the bars and not necessarily in the stem.
Thanks for posting the Wald bars. They look perfect for me, and they are cheap! I like the 2.5" rise so i may be able to lower the stem which looks dorky sticking up so far. Also, they are Made in USA. Wish they were alloy, but steel does have better dampening. Just ordered them from Amazon...
lacro is offline  
Old 08-10-18, 05:25 AM
  #105  
cooperryder
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
cooperryder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,151
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 211 Post(s)
Liked 1,400 Times in 398 Posts
Originally Posted by lacro
I used to have a Trek 970! What did it cost for the powder coating?
Apologies for the delay in responding.
I have been on vacation.

There is a guy here locally in the North Central Texas area not far from Dallas that will powder coat a single color frame and fork for about 100 bucks.
Since the 950 has a quality frame I thought it was worth the investment.

He did a good job I think and I like the color.
It's called Comet Green but looks more like a deep metallic grey with a touch of green in the sunlight

I will take some pics the next day or two and post.

You really transformed the look of your GT.
It's fun to change these old mountain bikes over into a comfortable riding and rugged city or country bike capable of a variety of terrain depending on the tires one uses.

I'm glad you are enjoying yours.

Regarding handlebars with a good high rise, the Sunlite North Road bar has 3 1/2" of rise.

They sell a Chrome plated steel version for about 20 and a aluminum alloy version for about 30.

I like them for my purposes of getting the bars up higher and I have four of them now in the alloy version. I also have a Nitto Albatross on one bike and like it but these Sunlite bars are a better value for me as I try to do my build ups on a low budget.
cooperryder is offline  
Old 08-10-18, 05:58 AM
  #106  
cooperryder
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
cooperryder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,151
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 211 Post(s)
Liked 1,400 Times in 398 Posts
Originally Posted by katsup
You painted over the sour grape, I have been looking for a 950/970 in that color.
----
Here is my black '92 Trek 950. However, I plan to put the original bars back on this weekend. The north road were just temporary so I could ride while I heal from an injury.
Originally Posted by wschruba
Sadly, that is a 'best side' picture. The original paint was rusted/scratched/bubbling on the other side. It's hard to see from that shot, but the fork is not original to the frame, either--it came from a black one.
Is the pic of your repainted 950 in this thread or another thread?

Who did you use for replacement decals?

Thank you.
cooperryder is offline  
Old 08-10-18, 10:58 AM
  #107  
katsup
Senior Member
 
katsup's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,775

Bikes: 1995 ParkPre Pro 825 2021 Soma Fog Cutter v2 and 2021 Cotic SolarisMax

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 606 Post(s)
Liked 557 Times in 317 Posts
Originally Posted by cooperryder
Is the pic of your repainted 950 in this thread or another thread?

Who did you use for replacement decals?

Thank you.
wschruba's repainted bike is the beige one: Post 72
katsup is offline  
Old 08-10-18, 11:59 AM
  #108  
cooperryder
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
cooperryder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,151
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 211 Post(s)
Liked 1,400 Times in 398 Posts
Originally Posted by katsup
wschruba's repainted bike is the beige one: Post 72
I'm confused.

The beige one has Univega decals.

The dark one is marked 950 so I was guessing that one got repainted.

Would be great to see a good pic when you get a chance.
wschruba.

Thanks.

Last edited by cooperryder; 08-10-18 at 12:04 PM.
cooperryder is offline  
Old 08-10-18, 12:04 PM
  #109  
katsup
Senior Member
 
katsup's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,775

Bikes: 1995 ParkPre Pro 825 2021 Soma Fog Cutter v2 and 2021 Cotic SolarisMax

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 606 Post(s)
Liked 557 Times in 317 Posts
Originally Posted by cooperryder
I'm confused.

The beige one has Univega decals.

The dark one is marked 950 so I was guessing that one got repainted.

Would be great to see a good pic when you get a chance.

Thanks.
Are we looking at the same photo? The 950 has lugs as does the beige one. It also has the upright bars vs drops. I do not see any Univega markings.
katsup is offline  
Old 08-10-18, 12:44 PM
  #110  
cooperryder
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
cooperryder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,151
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 211 Post(s)
Liked 1,400 Times in 398 Posts
I see.

Sorry, he posted two pics, I was looking at top pic that has a beige or tan bike hanging in garage.

It's a B4 and after.

Got it now.
Sorry for confusion.

Thank you for taking the time to clarify for me.

Perhaps I should consider a contrasting color for my 950
cooperryder is offline  
Old 08-10-18, 06:06 PM
  #111  
wschruba
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 1,631
Mentioned: 32 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 499 Post(s)
Liked 63 Times in 48 Posts
Originally Posted by wschruba
Lugged 950 to cruiser mode:



Originally Posted by cooperryder
I see.

Sorry, he posted two pics, I was looking at top pic that has a beige or tan bike hanging in garage.

It's a B4 and after.

Got it now.
Sorry for confusion.

Thank you for taking the time to clarify for me.

Perhaps I should consider a contrasting color for my 950
Yes, it just happens that the person who owned the Univega has a thing for champagne paint jobs, ergo the re-paint color. I decided not to re-decal the bike, considering it was no longer being restored to original condition. If I remember correctly, the paint was Dupli-color, from an auto-parts supplier. 3 cans, one of each color and a self-etching primer were used to satisfactory results, as far as rattle-can jobs go. The most time-consuming part was masking around the lugs. If I were to do it again, I would probably paint the lugs first, mask them/cut around the lug for the mask, then paint everything else. I did it the other way, which was quite time consuming. I did the lining by hand with a 000 brush.
wschruba is offline  
Old 08-18-18, 08:34 AM
  #112  
swen0171 
Full Member
 
swen0171's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 453

Bikes: 1993 Bridgestone XO-3, 1981 Trek 613, 1988 Fisher Montare, 1986 Univega Alpina Uno, 2010 Surly Long Haul trucker, 2004 Rivendell Quickbeam. 1970s Gitane Mixtie (60cm), 1994 Diamond Back Axis TT

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 61 Post(s)
Liked 34 Times in 21 Posts
A recent project for a friend.


DB by Brynnar Swenson
swen0171 is offline  
Old 08-20-18, 07:01 AM
  #113  
balto charlie
Senior Member
 
balto charlie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Baltimore/DC
Posts: 2,942
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 170 Post(s)
Liked 156 Times in 99 Posts
Greetings, great topic! I loved how y'all adapted your old school mnt bikes. I use to ride this much harder and love the ride and it fit me well. I no longer ride the mnt trails with it and am converting it into a rails-to-trails/urban bike. I am currently looking to raise my bars so they are equal to my seat. What stems are you guys using. I will be swapping out my bar for either On-One MAry or the figure 8 trekking bars. I have both and will play with each to see what I like but first the stem. I would like it shorter and taller so any advice appreciated. New seat is in order as well. Eagerly awaiting your replies.



Trek 990, lugged steel frame, Phil Wood hubs
balto charlie is offline  
Old 08-20-18, 09:57 AM
  #114  
dweenk
Senior Member
 
dweenk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Maryland
Posts: 3,980

Bikes: Lots of English 3-speeds, a couple of old road bikes, 3 mountain bikes, 1 hybrid, and a couple of mash-ups

Mentioned: 53 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 887 Post(s)
Liked 335 Times in 225 Posts

Originally Posted by balto charlie
Greetings, great topic! I loved how y'all adapted your old school mnt bikes. I use to ride this much harder and love the ride and it fit me well. I no longer ride the mnt trails with it and am converting it into a rails-to-trails/urban bike. I am currently looking to raise my bars so they are equal to my seat. What stems are you guys using. I will be swapping out my bar for either On-One MAry or the figure 8 trekking bars. I have both and will play with each to see what I like but first the stem. I would like it shorter and taller so any advice appreciated. New seat is in order as well. Eagerly awaiting your replies.



Trek 990, lugged steel frame, Phil Wood hubs
I like these. I think you can find them from Sunlite/Origin8/Kalloy for very little money.
dweenk is offline  
Old 08-20-18, 10:01 AM
  #115  
DQRider 
Old Boy
 
DQRider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,390

Bikes: Mostly 1st-generation, top-of-the-line, non-unicrown MTBs/ATBs: All 1984 models: Dawes Ranger, Peugeot Canyon Express, Ross Mt. Whitney (chrome), Schwinn High Sierra, and a 1983 Trek 850.

Mentioned: 134 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 984 Post(s)
Liked 1,715 Times in 611 Posts
Originally Posted by dweenk


I like these. I think you can find them from Sunlite/Origin8/Kalloy for very little money.
Does that have the cable-stop for the center-pull/cantilever brakes?

.
__________________

Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.


USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
DQRider is offline  
Old 08-20-18, 10:10 AM
  #116  
balto charlie
Senior Member
 
balto charlie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Baltimore/DC
Posts: 2,942
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 170 Post(s)
Liked 156 Times in 99 Posts
Originally Posted by dweenk


I like these. I think you can find them from Sunlite/Origin8/Kalloy for very little money.
Originally Posted by DQRider
Does that have the cable-stop for the center-pull/cantilever brakes?

.
Thanks, Iwill check them out.

Cable stops would be nice as the original stem has it. The stem picture does not appear that it has it
balto charlie is offline  
Old 08-20-18, 10:24 AM
  #117  
dweenk
Senior Member
 
dweenk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Maryland
Posts: 3,980

Bikes: Lots of English 3-speeds, a couple of old road bikes, 3 mountain bikes, 1 hybrid, and a couple of mash-ups

Mentioned: 53 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 887 Post(s)
Liked 335 Times in 225 Posts
If you use this type of stem, you'll need to find a separate cable stop. I prefer the stops that mount at the bottom of the fork crown (if your fork is drilled).
dweenk is offline  
Old 08-21-18, 07:32 AM
  #118  
balto charlie
Senior Member
 
balto charlie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Baltimore/DC
Posts: 2,942
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 170 Post(s)
Liked 156 Times in 99 Posts
Originally Posted by dweenk
If you use this type of stem, you'll need to find a separate cable stop. I prefer the stops that mount at the bottom of the fork crown (if your fork is drilled).
Thanks, my fork is drilled so will have to go find one today. I will look for this type.
TEKTRO USA
balto charlie is offline  
Old 08-21-18, 05:27 PM
  #119  
cooperryder
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
cooperryder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,151
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 211 Post(s)
Liked 1,400 Times in 398 Posts


This is a more costly alternative stem plus adapter set up that has been my go to for my conversions of late. At current prices about $30 for stem and $15 for adapter which is a tall adapter which helps me get bars up high enough for my old back.

It's been working well for me along with a Sunlite North Road alloy upright handlebar with lots of rise.
3 1/2" of rise if I recall correctly.

Down side was around 2 week wait for shipping of adapter from Taiwan.
I ordered a couple so I'm ready for next project.


https://m.ebay.com/itm/SpeedPark-260mm-Stem-Insert-Conversion-Adaptor-for-22-2mm-Fork-to-28-6mm-Silver/112281777424?hash=item1a2483f510:g:iVcAAOSwnHZYiE0b

https://m.ebay.com/itm/Origin-8-Pro-Fit-Alloy-Ergo-Stem-Stem-Or8-Mt-rd-Aly-90x25-4-17d-Sl/362079107994?epid=1000130074&hash=item544d98bb9a:g:d-sAAOSwcj1aHCkr

Last edited by cooperryder; 08-21-18 at 05:34 PM.
cooperryder is offline  
Old 08-21-18, 05:53 PM
  #120  
2cam16
Senior Member
 
2cam16's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: San Mateo,Ca.
Posts: 4,349

Bikes: TRIMMED DOWN THE HERD

Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1088 Post(s)
Liked 928 Times in 594 Posts
Built this today for my daughter before school starts next month. 1989 Hardrock:

IMG_5018 by 2cam16, on Flickr
2cam16 is offline  
Old 08-22-18, 11:11 AM
  #121  
vp1337
Junior Member
 
vp1337's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Rotterdam
Posts: 135
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 47 Post(s)
Liked 112 Times in 33 Posts
My 1992 Diamond Back Axis conversion:

vp1337 is offline  
Likes For vp1337:
Old 08-22-18, 11:47 AM
  #122  
cooperryder
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
cooperryder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,151
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 211 Post(s)
Liked 1,400 Times in 398 Posts

Speaking of cable hangers I use all 4 types here.

They all work well for me but the one used as a headset spacer with quick release attached
sure makes it easy to pop a front wheel out.




cooperryder is offline  
Old 08-23-18, 10:11 AM
  #123  
simmonsgc
Senior Member
 
simmonsgc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NC High Country
Posts: 657
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Liked 14 Times in 8 Posts
Originally Posted by swen0171
A recent project for a friend.


DB by Brynnar Swenson
Cool build. Are those Soma Oxford bars, or Albatrosses? I always liked those fade/smoke paint jobs on the DBs.
simmonsgc is offline  
Old 08-23-18, 03:21 PM
  #124  
balto charlie
Senior Member
 
balto charlie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Baltimore/DC
Posts: 2,942
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 170 Post(s)
Liked 156 Times in 99 Posts
Originally Posted by cooperryder


This is a more costly alternative stem plus adapter set up that has been my go to for my conversions of late. At current prices about $30 for stem and $15 for adapter which is a tall adapter which helps me get bars up high enough for my old back.

It's been working well for me along with a Sunlite North Road alloy upright handlebar with lots of rise.
3 1/2" of rise if I recall correctly.

Down side was around 2 week wait for shipping of adapter from Taiwan.
I ordered a couple so I'm ready for next project.


https://m.ebay.com/itm/SpeedPark-260...cAAOSwnHZYiE0b

https://m.ebay.com/itm/Origin-8-Pro-...sAAOSwcj1aHCkr
Thanks, looks really nice. 2 weeks does kinda suck.
balto charlie is offline  
Old 08-23-18, 03:23 PM
  #125  
balto charlie
Senior Member
 
balto charlie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Baltimore/DC
Posts: 2,942
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 170 Post(s)
Liked 156 Times in 99 Posts
thanks, lots to choose from
balto charlie is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.