Bicycle Mechanics - Drops on a MTB?

Can someone give me the pros/cons of putting drop handlebars on an old GT Talera Mountain Bike, I am building the bike into a SS/Fixie.
Thanks.

You would have to swap stems as the clamp diameter of road bars is different then that of mountain bars.

Other then that, it should work fine.

Speaking of stems, your road stem mounted on a mtb frame should be mounted a lot higher and also should be quite a bit shorter because drop bars force you to reach out further and lower compared to mtb bars. Nitto's dirt drop stems with extra long quills, for example, are perfect for these drop bar conversions.
Here's a drop bar conversion I did on an early 90's Mtb.

George

You'll probably have to replace the stem anyway to get the positioning right but, if not, you can find drops with a 25.4 (mountain) diameter around. I know that both Scott and Nitto make them. You might want to try a mustache bar. I've got one on my town bike and like it alot.

-s

john tomac style back in 1992!!

CONs: Unless you have the parts (compatable stem, brake levers, shifters) it will cost about $200.00, about the same price as an old road bike on e-bay.

Also, the dropsouts (not condusive for a fix) may require a derailer of some sort to take up any chain lack.

I too have a 89' telera that I ride with 26x1 tires, I though of doing the same, but ended up going with a different bike al together.

john tomac style back in 1992!!Check out this thread...
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=10767&highlight=drop+bars+tomac

CONs: Unless you have the parts (compatable stem, brake levers, shifters) it will cost about $200.00, about the same price as an old road bike on e-bay.
I did it for around $150, and I've never seen a decent road bike (particularly one good for heavy commuting/touring) go for that much on ebay especially since you factor in $50-$90 shipping.

Tektro aero levers- $16 (new.lbs), Salsa bell lap bars- $40 (new.lbs), Nitto stem- $40 (new.lbs), Ultegra bar end shifters $35 (used.ebay) older lx canti's- $20 (nos.ebay)

I did it for around $150, and I've never seen a decent road bike (particularly one good for heavy commuting/touring) go for that much on ebay especially since you factor in $50-$90 shipping.

Tektro aero levers- $16 (new.lbs), Salsa bell lap bars- $40 (new.lbs), Nitto stem- $40 (new.lbs), Ultegra bar end shifters $35 (used.ebay) older lx canti's- $20 (nos.ebay)

Thanks for the ideas, I still plan on doing something with my old MtB.

Hey, Fixer-

Very cool ride in that pic! (moad bike?)

How was it to ride? (Comfort, etc...) Also, did you find it to be undergeared on the flats or descents? or was that even an issue?

(Hmmm... didn't I have an old rockhopper in storage...?)

-Erik

Also, did you find it to be undergeared on the flats or descents? or was that even an issue?I built this bike strictly as a tourer so I don't miss the high end.

I have a Trek 850 MtB that I fixed almost the same way as The Fixer's bike. I have mine fitted with fenders, racks, and lights. It has a 7 speed cassette that I resently switched from an 11-29 to an 11-19 and like the close ratio much better. I find the only time I may need a higher gearing is on a down hill, but I can cruse at 18-19 mph just fine on it. Most of the time I don't ride that fast unless I have a tail wind. ;) I hope to use it for a little touring, but for now it is the bike I commute on, when I can, and take out on sloppy days and night rides.
My break levers route the cable down the bars just like my STI and I have bar end shifters. I picked up the bars dirt cheep, bought the shifters from eBay, and the break levers used from a bike shop. I don't know if I would like to try and use this setup on trails, but it is much more comfortable, to me, than the flat bars and bar ends! I know AndersK who is a forum member has a MtB set up the same way, he gave me the idea! :D Thanks!