Show Your Vintage MTB Drop Bar Conversions
#1051
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Ours usually run $90.00 if powder coated and a little more if they require chrome... being that have been in production for so long I'd say they are legit.
Unlike the Potts design that has it's top clamp above the headset, the Arvon stem fixes from within the steerer and is invisible.
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I think these were a Steve Potts design.
Ours usually run $90.00 if powder coated and a little more if they require chrome... being that have been in production for so long I'd say they are legit.
Unlike the Potts design that has it's top clamp above the headset, the Arvon stem fixes from within the steerer and is invisible.
Ours usually run $90.00 if powder coated and a little more if they require chrome... being that have been in production for so long I'd say they are legit.
Unlike the Potts design that has it's top clamp above the headset, the Arvon stem fixes from within the steerer and is invisible.
#1053
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
I have a small collection of 80's stuff that was locally made... when threadless systems took over folks here started filet brazing custom stems for their builds and also built conventional stems as it was needed.
There was a bike posted here a while ago that someone thought was a Potts but when I looked st the stem and some of the frame details knew it was an Arvon and he confirmed this.
This is a great video on how one makes an LD stem...
#1054
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Local content... dunno if I posted pics of the newly powdered Moulden here (memory ain't what it used to be) and if I did I apologize in advance.
I love this bike.
After powder... this shows some of the custom details better.
I love this bike.
After powder... this shows some of the custom details better.
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So I'm still debating what bike to make into my vintage drop bar MTB. I found another frame today, its an old 92-95 Barracuda A2B in pretty nice shape. Would that make a better drop bar conversion bike compared to the mid '90s Specialized Rockhopper that I already have? The A2b is a chromoly frame and fork setup.
#1056
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I think these were a Steve Potts design.
Ours usually run $90.00 if powder coated and a little more if they require chrome... being that have been in production for so long I'd say they are legit.
Unlike the Potts design that has it's top clamp above the headset, the Arvon stem fixes from within the steerer and is invisible.
Ours usually run $90.00 if powder coated and a little more if they require chrome... being that have been in production for so long I'd say they are legit.
Unlike the Potts design that has it's top clamp above the headset, the Arvon stem fixes from within the steerer and is invisible.
#1057
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
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That is one super tasty stem and I'm very interested in picking one up! How does it secure in the steer tube? Any height we need? Thanks! -D-
#1059
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
I don't have a good pic of the bottom of the stem so will have to take some... it gets set with a nut driver from the bottom of the steerer tube so tightens up in the same mechanical fashion but does it from below instead of up top.
This is done with a nut driver or ratchet with a small extension.
This is an Arvon Cygnet with a custom stem...
#1061
Thrifty Bill
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So I'm still debating what bike to make into my vintage drop bar MTB. I found another frame today, its an old 92-95 Barracuda A2B in pretty nice shape. Would that make a better drop bar conversion bike compared to the mid '90s Specialized Rockhopper that I already have? The A2b is a chromoly frame and fork setup.
Realize as long as you do the work yourself, all of the changes are pretty easily transferred to another bike, so you can always upgrade/change later.
Last edited by wrk101; 02-23-13 at 08:39 AM.
#1062
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Not familiar with the Barracuda, but that era Rockhopper was on the basic side (quick check, the Barracuda is kind of basic too). Are they identical in size? Paint and cosmetics?
Realize as long as you do the work yourself, all of the changes are pretty easily transferred to another bike, so you can always upgrade/change later.
Realize as long as you do the work yourself, all of the changes are pretty easily transferred to another bike, so you can always upgrade/change later.
They both appear to be pretty close in size too.
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Hey bobotech,
I can give you any specific info you need on your Barracuda, I'm a mod over on the Barracuda website, here is a link to the model hierarchy:
https://www.barracudabicycles.com/bikes.html
Your A2B frame will be straight Tange MTN CrMo tubing, not double butted unfortunately, but the stock rigid 'Cuda forks are great! I can tell you this, the 'Cuda riders are a pretty tight-knit crew and (in my opinion) are some of the nicest guys I've met on any forum. The original Barracuda company went away in mid-'96 when the owners sold the company to Ross Cycles in New York. If you have an A2B with a "TREE AMIGOS" sticker on the seat tube, then you have an original Barracuda. If you have the same Barracuda logo on the head tube and seat tube, then you have a Ross Barracuda. Barracudas are unique these days and Rockhoppers aren't, I'd build the 'Cuda for that reason alone but I prefer originality over conformity.
I recently built my 7 year old a rare 12" frame Barracuda, it'll be her first 26" wheel trail bike. I can't to start bombin' the trails behind our home on 'Cudas!
Also, there is a Barracuda pilgrimage to Durango planned for later this year... beers, trails, and ride with some of the old factory pro riders are a few things on the agenda. Just something to keep in mind if you snag the A2B for your drop bar build.
(I've attached a picture of the "TREE AMIGOS" sticker and a pic of my '93 A2Limited)
I can give you any specific info you need on your Barracuda, I'm a mod over on the Barracuda website, here is a link to the model hierarchy:
https://www.barracudabicycles.com/bikes.html
Your A2B frame will be straight Tange MTN CrMo tubing, not double butted unfortunately, but the stock rigid 'Cuda forks are great! I can tell you this, the 'Cuda riders are a pretty tight-knit crew and (in my opinion) are some of the nicest guys I've met on any forum. The original Barracuda company went away in mid-'96 when the owners sold the company to Ross Cycles in New York. If you have an A2B with a "TREE AMIGOS" sticker on the seat tube, then you have an original Barracuda. If you have the same Barracuda logo on the head tube and seat tube, then you have a Ross Barracuda. Barracudas are unique these days and Rockhoppers aren't, I'd build the 'Cuda for that reason alone but I prefer originality over conformity.
I recently built my 7 year old a rare 12" frame Barracuda, it'll be her first 26" wheel trail bike. I can't to start bombin' the trails behind our home on 'Cudas!
Also, there is a Barracuda pilgrimage to Durango planned for later this year... beers, trails, and ride with some of the old factory pro riders are a few things on the agenda. Just something to keep in mind if you snag the A2B for your drop bar build.
(I've attached a picture of the "TREE AMIGOS" sticker and a pic of my '93 A2Limited)
#1064
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Hey bobotech,
I can give you any specific info you need on your Barracuda, I'm a mod over on the Barracuda website, here is a link to the model hierarchy:
https://www.barracudabicycles.com/bikes.html
Your A2B frame will be straight Tange MTN CrMo tubing, not double butted unfortunately, but the stock rigid 'Cuda forks are great! I can tell you this, the 'Cuda riders are a pretty tight-knit crew and (in my opinion) are some of the nicest guys I've met on any forum. The original Barracuda company went away in mid-'96 when the owners sold the company to Ross Cycles in New York. If you have an A2B with a "TREE AMIGOS" sticker on the seat tube, then you have an original Barracuda. If you have the same Barracuda logo on the head tube and seat tube, then you have a Ross Barracuda. Barracudas are unique these days and Rockhoppers aren't, I'd build the 'Cuda for that reason alone but I prefer originality over conformity.
I recently built my 7 year old a rare 12" frame Barracuda, it'll be her first 26" wheel trail bike. I can't to start bombin' the trails behind our home on 'Cudas!
Also, there is a Barracuda pilgrimage to Durango planned for later this year... beers, trails, and ride with some of the old factory pro riders are a few things on the agenda. Just something to keep in mind if you snag the A2B for your drop bar build.
(I've attached a picture of the "TREE AMIGOS" sticker and a pic of my '93 A2Limited)
I can give you any specific info you need on your Barracuda, I'm a mod over on the Barracuda website, here is a link to the model hierarchy:
https://www.barracudabicycles.com/bikes.html
Your A2B frame will be straight Tange MTN CrMo tubing, not double butted unfortunately, but the stock rigid 'Cuda forks are great! I can tell you this, the 'Cuda riders are a pretty tight-knit crew and (in my opinion) are some of the nicest guys I've met on any forum. The original Barracuda company went away in mid-'96 when the owners sold the company to Ross Cycles in New York. If you have an A2B with a "TREE AMIGOS" sticker on the seat tube, then you have an original Barracuda. If you have the same Barracuda logo on the head tube and seat tube, then you have a Ross Barracuda. Barracudas are unique these days and Rockhoppers aren't, I'd build the 'Cuda for that reason alone but I prefer originality over conformity.
I recently built my 7 year old a rare 12" frame Barracuda, it'll be her first 26" wheel trail bike. I can't to start bombin' the trails behind our home on 'Cudas!
Also, there is a Barracuda pilgrimage to Durango planned for later this year... beers, trails, and ride with some of the old factory pro riders are a few things on the agenda. Just something to keep in mind if you snag the A2B for your drop bar build.
(I've attached a picture of the "TREE AMIGOS" sticker and a pic of my '93 A2Limited)
I will probably build it up using my 9 speed 105 brifters, Ultegra front derailleur, 48-40-28 crankset I have, and the original STX rear derailleur with wheels made up of Mavic rims and Deore hubs. Will be different thats for sure.
#1065
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That sounds like a fairly awesome build!
#1066
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Hey bobotech,
I can give you any specific info you need on your Barracuda, I'm a mod over on the Barracuda website, here is a link to the model hierarchy:
https://www.barracudabicycles.com/bikes.html
Your A2B frame will be straight Tange MTN CrMo tubing, not double butted unfortunately, but the stock rigid 'Cuda forks are great! I can tell you this, the 'Cuda riders are a pretty tight-knit crew and (in my opinion) are some of the nicest guys I've met on any forum. The original Barracuda company went away in mid-'96 when the owners sold the company to Ross Cycles in New York. If you have an A2B with a "TREE AMIGOS" sticker on the seat tube, then you have an original Barracuda. If you have the same Barracuda logo on the head tube and seat tube, then you have a Ross Barracuda. Barracudas are unique these days and Rockhoppers aren't, I'd build the 'Cuda for that reason alone but I prefer originality over conformity.
I recently built my 7 year old a rare 12" frame Barracuda, it'll be her first 26" wheel trail bike. I can't to start bombin' the trails behind our home on 'Cudas!
Also, there is a Barracuda pilgrimage to Durango planned for later this year... beers, trails, and ride with some of the old factory pro riders are a few things on the agenda. Just something to keep in mind if you snag the A2B for your drop bar build.
(I've attached a picture of the "TREE AMIGOS" sticker and a pic of my '93 A2Limited)
I can give you any specific info you need on your Barracuda, I'm a mod over on the Barracuda website, here is a link to the model hierarchy:
https://www.barracudabicycles.com/bikes.html
Your A2B frame will be straight Tange MTN CrMo tubing, not double butted unfortunately, but the stock rigid 'Cuda forks are great! I can tell you this, the 'Cuda riders are a pretty tight-knit crew and (in my opinion) are some of the nicest guys I've met on any forum. The original Barracuda company went away in mid-'96 when the owners sold the company to Ross Cycles in New York. If you have an A2B with a "TREE AMIGOS" sticker on the seat tube, then you have an original Barracuda. If you have the same Barracuda logo on the head tube and seat tube, then you have a Ross Barracuda. Barracudas are unique these days and Rockhoppers aren't, I'd build the 'Cuda for that reason alone but I prefer originality over conformity.
I recently built my 7 year old a rare 12" frame Barracuda, it'll be her first 26" wheel trail bike. I can't to start bombin' the trails behind our home on 'Cudas!
Also, there is a Barracuda pilgrimage to Durango planned for later this year... beers, trails, and ride with some of the old factory pro riders are a few things on the agenda. Just something to keep in mind if you snag the A2B for your drop bar build.
(I've attached a picture of the "TREE AMIGOS" sticker and a pic of my '93 A2Limited)
#1067
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Hey, I just noticed, these barracudeas are threadless? I'm surprised considering how old they are.
#1068
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My daughter's 12" frame 'Cuda came from Eric Sakadinsky in Durango, he was one of the Barracuda/Dos Equis XX team racers from 1993 to 1995.
The photo was taken at the 1993 Cactus Cup, you gotta dig the Barracuda/XX team bus!
Pictured from (l) to (r) Dave Southwell (owner), Scott Daubert (mechanic), Lisa Muhich, Greg Orovitz, Tammy Jacques-Grewal, Eric Sakadinsky, and Matt Smith.
Last edited by neo_pop_71; 02-23-13 at 11:02 PM.
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#1070
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Thanks for sharing the 'Cuda info neo_pop_71, those bikes were largely under my radar, and I've seen a few of them on offer locally. I'll be taking a much closer look if I see another.
#1071
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Good move Chris_in_Miami, smart to keep a sharp eye open for any Barracuda deals lurking about! They are out there, not long ago a 'Cuda website member (aka Cudaheads) picked up the top-of-the-line Yeti made Easton "Custom" for $80.00 in Tampa off Craigslist. That was a $3,000.00 + bike back in the early '90's!
On a different note, I've seen your avatar and I've never bothered to ask... so, why not now... is the gent pictured in your avatar Jerzy Balowski (Alexei Sayle), the landlord from The Young Ones comedy show on the BBC back in 1982?
Thanks!
-D-
On a different note, I've seen your avatar and I've never bothered to ask... so, why not now... is the gent pictured in your avatar Jerzy Balowski (Alexei Sayle), the landlord from The Young Ones comedy show on the BBC back in 1982?
Thanks!
-D-
#1072
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I grabbed the Cuda frameset tonight. I'm not going to complain, it was free. It had the original STX derailleurs and some unknown crankset that is fairly light but isn't a Shimano or Sugino that I recognize. I took all the components off of it and have been examining it. Mine is NOT threadless. It does have a 'Cuda logo on the head tube and the Tree Amigos sticker on the seat tube so I assume its an original and not a Ross.
The paint is not in the best of shape but I hope after washing and waxing it, it will look nice enough. I like the colors.
I tried mocking up my 48-40-28 crankset to it and it didn't fit. I will have to put a wider spindle in there. I just hope the chainline lines up. Because I'm forced to use an Ultegra front derailleur, I can't really use a crankset less than a 48 on there. I tried a 46-36-26 and the Ultegra just didn't like shifting that one bit. When I get some money, I will buy one of those derailleurs that I read about in this thread that work with road shifters but have a smaller cage for small MTB cranksets.
EVen though the 'Cuda has a top pull derailleur, I noticed that it has a bolt on the seat tube that I could put a pulley on and then I can use a standard bottom pull derailleur.
I'm just going to donate my Rockhopper frame to the co-op. Someone will like it!
The paint is not in the best of shape but I hope after washing and waxing it, it will look nice enough. I like the colors.
I tried mocking up my 48-40-28 crankset to it and it didn't fit. I will have to put a wider spindle in there. I just hope the chainline lines up. Because I'm forced to use an Ultegra front derailleur, I can't really use a crankset less than a 48 on there. I tried a 46-36-26 and the Ultegra just didn't like shifting that one bit. When I get some money, I will buy one of those derailleurs that I read about in this thread that work with road shifters but have a smaller cage for small MTB cranksets.
EVen though the 'Cuda has a top pull derailleur, I noticed that it has a bolt on the seat tube that I could put a pulley on and then I can use a standard bottom pull derailleur.
I'm just going to donate my Rockhopper frame to the co-op. Someone will like it!
#1073
Senior Member
Pretty sure sine thats a Cunningham, the maker of the stem is would be Charlie Cunningham.
To the best of my knowledge, in the 1980's LD stems were made available by; Steve Potts, Charlie Cunningham, and Scott Nicol.
Difficult to tell whose were whose unless you have the history of the stem or are up on the builders welds. Of course, like all bike stuff there were other versions done in the decades before and there are a few people making versions of this stem now.
To the best of my knowledge, in the 1980's LD stems were made available by; Steve Potts, Charlie Cunningham, and Scott Nicol.
Difficult to tell whose were whose unless you have the history of the stem or are up on the builders welds. Of course, like all bike stuff there were other versions done in the decades before and there are a few people making versions of this stem now.
#1074
Senior Member
It is cool people who have the ability are producing them again.
Nothing looks better on a dirt drop project than an LD stem (along with a Salsa P7/P10).
#1075
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I scooped up a couple of mountain bikes a few weeks ago: a Rockhopper and a Lotus Cherokee. I actually wanted the Cherokee most, but both parties responded to my lower offer, so I felt beholden to take 'em both. At any rate, once I got them home I decided to work with the one in worst condition and the Rockhopper won, hands down. I replaced: bottom bracket, seat post, saddle, pedals. Installed: stem, drop bars, Tektro levers, and Suntour barcons (by way of irvri). Before:
After:
It's still a work in progress. The brakes and the shifting both need some fine tuning, and the saddle is only a stand in for a Brooks, but my short test rides have been a blast.
After:
It's still a work in progress. The brakes and the shifting both need some fine tuning, and the saddle is only a stand in for a Brooks, but my short test rides have been a blast.