rhlee

(I guess this goes in Mechanics, move to another subforum if needed.)

So this is my current bike. It has a mtb frame with road wheels from my old broken road bike. I put in the road wheels quite recently and I can go a lot faster with them compared to 26 slicks.

However there are two things I would like to change. The first is that I would like drop bars, as I take a very prone position at higher speeds. Secondly, I would like to put on a compact road double crankset, as I find I need a higher gearing on long flats.

So comes the much asked question: add components to make it more hybrid/road or get a cheap 2nd hand road bike?

I feel as if I am half-way there with the wheels. But then I need drop bars, sti's and a road crank. Even though I'm getting a compact crankset, it still might not clear the chainstays (correct me if wrong). So might have to play around with axle lengths, something I can do only with the older internal bearing bottom brackets, which are seem to be slowly disappearing. And there's the fact that compared to a road bike my mtb is slightly on the heavy side.

If I do go a 2nd hand bike, there is a question of sizing. I am relatively short at 5"6' . All of the bikes I have bought have been second hand and they were all mens bike. On the past two bikes the first thing I did was shorten the stem. It didn't occur to me I could have bought womens bikes until recently. There seems to be far more womens bikes in my size at my LBS. The guy there said that there are differences in geometry that makes it a bad fit to me to use a womens bike. But when I tried them out they were far more comfortable most other mens bikes that I rode. How much of what he says is true?

Thanks

striknein

Unless the guy told you after putting down his measuring tape, you should take any advice regarding bike fit with a salt lick. Bike geometry varies greatly, even among bikes that are marketed as "woman specific."

To that end, get yourself measured before you decide to go shopping for a new bike. I find I do a lot better on mountain bikes converted to road drops, as I have relatively short legs and a longer torso. YMMV.

bikemig 

Wait, you put 700c (or 27 inch) wheels on a mtb frame? That's impressive and quite possibly dangerous. You should post some pics of your project and you'll get some better advice. Drop bars on a mtb is a fine conversion but it may be cost prohibitive. You can save some money by skipping the STIs and using something like bar end shifters.

rhlee

Daman, I forgot to upload the picture. You'll have to excuse the strange dual brake layout. Originally I had bar ends, then found out I rode half of my time in them, so I put brakes in them. For the brakes themselves I used long reach calipers.

Regarding STIs, I tried them out for the first time at the LBS and I really liked them. I dont think I would get drop bars without them.

bikemig 

This is different. If that seat is at the right height, this bike is too big for you. I'd sell it and buy a new one. Frankly given the amount of gear you want to add to the bike, I think you may be better off with a new bike (or a 2d hand bike perhaps from a shop that has the components you want).

azgreg

There is a giant thread over in the C & V sub forum on drop bar mountain bikes that is full of info.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ar-Conversions

HillRider

The question, as it often is here, isn't can it be done but should it be done and is it anywhere near cost effective. In this case where the frame is already too large and the needed changes will be massive and expensive, I vote no. Get a true road bike the proper size and outfitted they way you want it.

azgreg

There is no question that there appears to be a fitment issue with the op's bike. However, there are a number of people who prefer the geometry of a drop bar mountain bike and there is great info in that thread about just that.

HillRider

Oh yeah. I realize that. In fact, a few years ago I "roadified" an older Trek rigid fork hardtail MTB with drop bars and a rear STI brifter. I used a front barend shifter so I didn't have to change the MTB front derailleur due to it's oddball cable routing. I didn't change the 26" wheels but did fit slick tires and kept the canti brakes. .

It was an interesting project and I used it as a bad weather/errand bike for a few years by adding a rack and fenders. That said, it was far different from a real road bike and I would never use it as a full time substitute.

zacster

I would put the MTB back to MTB components and wheels and get a road bike as well. I'm only 5'7" and I fit a small size men's road bike just fine. You should be able to get either a 50 or 51 roadie that would fit with the right stem and crank. A klugie bike will always be just that, klugie. Do yourself a favor and get a purpose built bike.

bradtx

rhlee, I can come up with a list of reasons where you're better off finding a proper fitting road bike. Save this project as a foul weather rider.

Brad

rhlee

Thanks for the replies guys. I think the verdict is pretty clear here.