Bicycle Mechanics - Looking to replace road bars w/ straight Mtn. bars - on an old Murray Sebring 2x5 10s

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daveydave
09-10-10, 12:29 PM
169142
Background:
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I was given an old Murray Sebring 2x5 - 10 speed bike and would like to work on it as a project. I don't have the heart to throw it out.

This would be my beat-on bike for around town...get me to my train when I 'm late etc...

The 1st thing I want to do with this bike is convert the handlebars from road, to a straight Mtn. bike bar. The bike looks very similar to this Murray Sebring in style, age, and components.

http://oldtenspeedgallery.com/owner-submitted/bens-murray-the-dude-10-speed/

What I don't know is what stem to use to convert it. I've never worked on a bike this old. My experience is mostly with recent road bikes = threadless 1 1/8. This one looks to be a 1 inch headset / stem.

Questions:
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Would it be as simple as placing one of these (Delta 45 Degree Quill Stem):
http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10053_10052_509266_-1_10000__11501

or one of these (Nashbar Stem Adapter):
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Product_10053_10052_175545_-1___

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Best!

Dave

wrk101
09-10-10, 01:00 PM
Get a digital caliper, but my guess is that you have one of those .833 stems, found on bottom end bike, BMX bikes and some Schwinns. I hope I am wrong. In that case, the cheapest option is to find a suitable flat bar donor bike. I picked up a Huffy ten speed just for that purpose. Cost me $2.75 at a church sale. Stem, bars, grips and levers are going onto an older mixte I have that also has a .833 stem.
Torchy McFlux
09-10-10, 01:20 PM
I'd be very hesitant to put any money into a bike that low-end. Do you really need a different stem? I'd just raise it to its max mark, install a cheap steel bar with cheap Tektro levers and cheap rubber grips, and leave it at that. Use a cheap riser bar if you want more height.

sonatageek
09-10-10, 01:36 PM
Hey don't call my old bike a Sebring --- That bike decal proudly declared the name to be 'The Dude'.
Torchy McFlux
09-10-10, 01:44 PM
I assume that it abides?
daveydave
09-10-10, 01:45 PM
Hey don't call my old bike a Sebring --- That bike decal proudly declared the name to be 'The Dude'.

Sonata,

LOL!

No disrespect meant here. I almost mentioned that the color scheme on mine was white / black / redish, which really means it is a faded red, or was originally pink.

When I finish with the paint job, I might label my bike "The Tool" or "My other bikes cost more than your car - so shut up!"

If I can't find the right saddle for this project, I might just be calling you for that fine piece of cushion! :D

D