Bicycle Mechanics - Can i put drops on a Schwinn High Plains?

Hi gang -

I've acquired a Schwinn High Plains (Cro-Mo frame!!!!), but i'd really like to have drop handle bars on it......

I know the brake grips would need to be changed, but is there a way to do this without having to switch out shifters?

Thanks!

Not really. MTB shifters don't generally fit drop bars so your options are to get brifters, stem or downtube shifters. The GMC Denali had a mickey-rigged setup for its grip shift on a drop bar, but that's Denali.

Yeah, unless you want to cut and reweld your handlebars :twitchy:, consider using Shimano A050 shifters (http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Handlebar-Mount-speed-Shifter/dp/B001L5Y1GC). They'll mount to road bars and play nicely with the 7-speed rear you have on your Schwinn. :thumb:

You might want to peek at Thrifty Bill's thread on mtb drop bar conversions:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/828426-Show-Your-Vintage-MTB-Drop-Bar-Conversions?highlight=drop+bar+conversions

You might want to peek at Thrifty Bill's thread on mtb drop bar conversions:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/828426-Show-Your-Vintage-MTB-Drop-Bar-Conversions?highlight=drop+bar+conversions

Thats an *awesome* thread - thanks leftthread!

So, i'm seeing that if i'm committed to this conversion, then i'd better plan on;
1) buying a drop-handle bar
2) buying bar-end shifters (and necessary cabling)
3) buying new brake calipers (and necessary cabling)
4) some sweet handle bar wrap

Is this it?

Any suggestions on the following (less expensive is, at this stage, better!!!!);
1) a drop-handle bar?
2) bar-end shifters (and necessary cabling)?
3) new brake calipers (and necessary cabling)?
4) handle bar wrap?

Again, thanks sooooo much!!!!

There won't be any need to replace the brakes, since you'll be buying new levers either way, you can get drop-bar brake levers that are compatible with conventional cantilever brakes or with V-brakes depending on what your bike has. Either way, Dia-Compe make some good ones that won't break the bank.

As for shift levers, you'll almost certainly want Shimano ones, since they seem to be the only ones commonly available. If you get the 8-speed ones, they should index with a 7-speed or 8-speed Shimano cassette with a Shimano MTB derailleur, unless Shimano has messed with its indexing standards again...

I'll throw in another plug for the A050 shifters and be on my way. They're nice for keeping the shifting at the top of the bars. :thumb:

http://www.saferwholesale.com/v/roadbikes/closeouts/VilanoTUONOAluminumRoadBikewShimano6.jpg

If all you want is a more aero position to tuck into occasionally, consider drop bar ends. Shifters and brakes stay where they are, drop bar ends bolt on like regular bar ends. A bit of bar tape and you're all set.

Adding a couple of aero brake levers would be a modestly challenging task, probably involving some shimming.
And do look into "travel agents". They allow regular road brake levers to be used together with v-brakes. Depending on where you do your shopping, it might be a cheaper course than buying v-brake compatible drop bar levers.

And do look into "travel agents". They allow regular road brake levers to be used together with v-brakes. Depending on where you do your shopping, it might be a cheaper course than buying v-brake compatible drop bar levers.


I somewhat doubt they'll be cheaper, when these v-brake levers (http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tektro-tektro-rl520-aero-v-brake-levers-silver-prod14955/) are available for the same price as the Travel Agent.

Any suggestions on the following (less expensive is, at this stage, better!!!!);
1) a drop-handle bar?
2) bar-end shifters (and necessary cabling)?
3) new brake calipers (and necessary cabling)?
4) handle bar wrap?

Again, thanks sooooo much!!!!

The least expensive? Find a co-op, and look through their bins. I personally like the older friction Suntour barcons, they are readily available, and not too expensive. I have lucked into a few sets at very attractive prices (picked up one set at the LBS a couple of months ago for $5). They typically go on fleecebay for $30 to $50.

I have less than $20 into the conversion of my Univega in that referenced thread, which consisted of aero brake levers, drop handlebars, bar tape, barcons, and new SS cables. Its really just a matter of how resourceful you are on picking up used parts. $20 would be excellent, $50 to $75 more realistic.

I used Shimano bar end shifters on that bike, only because the rest of the components are Shimano, and I had a set. But I really prefer Suntour components. I will be converting my 1992 Trek 950 next.

Again, if you are anywhere near a co-op, start there first!

Many of my parts come in the form of a complete bike, one that might have a trashed out frame, or some other defect, but with a really low price. I'll strip it and repurpose the parts, or just donate them to the co-op. Either way, they end up putting bikes back on the road.

For the bar-end shifters, I recommend picking up a pair of Suntour Barcons. They are not indexed so they can be used with any derailleur/cassette setup. They have a ratcheting feature when you pull the cable to get a bit of overtravel for shifting, then settling down into a good spot. For relaxing the cable, they are pure friction. I've got them on two bikes and they work fine. You have to pick them up used; they haven't been made for years. I would check the Classic & Vintage For Sale listings and eBay. Expect to pay $30-60 for a pair of shifters.

EBay listings (http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=suntour+bar+end).

So much great info!!! Thanks everyone. I'll be checking into these solutions and hopefully find something that i can manage for my old 'steelie' High Plains.