Show Your Vintage MTB Drop Bar Conversions
11-19-13, 12:55 PM
#2526
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Just finished up this 1988 trek 850. Here's the specs.
Started with a 1988 Trek 850 triple butted Tange frame that was broken at at the right rear drop out. A friend that's a certified oil-field welder repaired it and Glen Thompson spread the rear triangle to 135.
SRAM X9 derailleurs
Original Shimano brakes with 600 Shimano levers.
Origin 8 hubs and sun rims
SRT stem and SR seat post
Ritchey seat
Ichigear pista drop bars with cork wrap
Dia Compe bar end shifters
Started with a 1988 Trek 850 triple butted Tange frame that was broken at at the right rear drop out. A friend that's a certified oil-field welder repaired it and Glen Thompson spread the rear triangle to 135.
SRAM X9 derailleurs
Original Shimano brakes with 600 Shimano levers.
Origin 8 hubs and sun rims
SRT stem and SR seat post
Ritchey seat
Ichigear pista drop bars with cork wrap
Dia Compe bar end shifters
11-22-13, 08:35 AM
#2527
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1993 GT reloaded. I originally was running a 1x8 but wanted a bike I could ride anywhere so I put on a triple. I guess it's now monster cross.
11-23-13, 04:24 PM
#2528
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This has become my favorite thread. Here is my first drop bar MTB project. So far I have a Brooks saddle, Shimano RX canty's, derailleurs and recently order Origin8 Gary Bars 2's and NOS Gen 1 Dura Ace bar end shifters. I'm worried that the bar ends wont be compatible?? More to come shortly.
Next step is a rear rack and eventually new tires.
Last edited by Vonruden; 11-23-13 at 04:29 PM.
11-23-13, 04:52 PM
#2529
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Nice! I hope you like riding your conversion as much as I like riding mine.
11-23-13, 05:24 PM
#2531
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Thanks guys, almost all of the ideas came from this thread. I was suprised at the comfort of the ride, not as quick as I like, but very comfortable.
11-23-13, 05:37 PM
#2532
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I wouldn't change one item.
You've inspired me.
I really think I will do a few things to my Park Pre this winter.
I just can't stop tinkering.
11-23-13, 05:50 PM
#2534
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My only change would be Black Cables, however got a good deal with the yellow. I was looking for a stealth look, maybe remove some stickers.
11-23-13, 08:36 PM
#2537
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+1 Stumpy looks excellent Vonruden. Another great conversion for this thread.
I can't wait to finish my latest conversion, but we're actually getting some real rain these days, and I must wrench outside.
But I managed to press the headset cups and assemble the frameset.
I've picked an appropriate nickname for it, let me introduce "Giant Smurf."
Giant Smurf is Born by WNG555, on Flickr
I can't wait to finish my latest conversion, but we're actually getting some real rain these days, and I must wrench outside.
But I managed to press the headset cups and assemble the frameset.
I've picked an appropriate nickname for it, let me introduce "Giant Smurf."
Giant Smurf is Born by WNG555, on Flickr
11-23-13, 09:43 PM
#2539
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^ It's called Maui Blue. The frame's original paint was too damaged, so I elected to try to paint it myself. It looks good from 5 feet away. :-D
It reminded me of Volvo's Polestar factory race team color. Then I recalled the BMW E-46 M3 came in such a color, aka Smurf blue. And I had my nickname.
I have put aside some Deore DX and XT goodies for it. It will serve double duty with two sets of wheels, slicks for pavement and XC mtb tires for rocky trails out here.
It reminded me of Volvo's Polestar factory race team color. Then I recalled the BMW E-46 M3 came in such a color, aka Smurf blue. And I had my nickname.
I have put aside some Deore DX and XT goodies for it. It will serve double duty with two sets of wheels, slicks for pavement and XC mtb tires for rocky trails out here.
11-24-13, 03:55 AM
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^ It's called Maui Blue. The frame's original paint was too damaged, so I elected to try to paint it myself. It looks good from 5 feet away. :-D
It reminded me of Volvo's Polestar factory race team color. Then I recalled the BMW E-46 M3 came in such a color, aka Smurf blue. And I had my nickname.
I have put aside some Deore DX and XT goodies for it. It will serve double duty with two sets of wheels, slicks for pavement and XC mtb tires for rocky trails out here.
It reminded me of Volvo's Polestar factory race team color. Then I recalled the BMW E-46 M3 came in such a color, aka Smurf blue. And I had my nickname.
I have put aside some Deore DX and XT goodies for it. It will serve double duty with two sets of wheels, slicks for pavement and XC mtb tires for rocky trails out here.
11-24-13, 04:37 AM
#2541
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if you want a faster pavement tire, I can recommend Panaracer Tservs in the 1.75 size. Get them up to about 55 psi and it's hard to remember that you are riding a mountain bike. They are light, about 460 g.
11-26-13, 02:06 PM
#2542
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A few months ago I purchased an '86 Schwinn High Sierra for $80. It's in fabulous condition. This winter I'll strip it down, repack what can be repacked, boeshield everything (including inside the frame) and rebuild with drops. I have an old Miyata 210 (1984) that will donate the bars (narrow sakae champion randonneur bars with flare similar to but less pronounced than dirt drops) and maybe the stem. The only new things will be new cables and housing, and barcons for shifters. I love the existing derailleurs (suntour xc) and brakes (suntour roller cams). It also has midfork mounts for a lowrider rack. The bike is ivory with dark brown stays. I have a honey B17 Special on it, will match that color with the cable housing and bar tape. When it's all done I'll post some pics here.
11-26-13, 02:38 PM
#2543
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I went to Zion some years back. I don't think I've ever seen a place that compares. Except maybe for Sundance, and of course the Grand Canyon. Yeah, I've pretty much been everywhere, hehe.
I am trying to decide which of my three mtb's will get converted. Well the Haro is probably out since it has a suspension fork(older so no lockout). So, the choice is between my 88 Cannondale M1000(6 speed) and my 88 Schwinn High Sierra(7 speed) I have bar ends for the High Sierra, so unless I switch everything out between both bikes, it will probably mean the High Sierra gets the nod. Whichever one gets converted is the keeper, and I REALLY love both bikes. It's going to be a tough decision. The Cannondale "would" seem cooler and more exotic, and I have decals for it, so it can be powdercoated without losing too much originality. Both bikes have XT from different years.. I am thinking a drop bar 26 inch Cannondale with new paint and decals, and with the more modern 7 speed XT(the group is nearly immaculate), would be the obvious choice.
The 88 High Sierra isn't the smoked chrome. It would be a no brainer otherwise. Essentially I would put the High Sierra group on the repainted Cannondale, along with drop bars, and 7 speed indexed barends. Should be a sweet rider, and look amazing at the same time.,,,,BD
The M1000...
The High Sierra.
I am trying to decide which of my three mtb's will get converted. Well the Haro is probably out since it has a suspension fork(older so no lockout). So, the choice is between my 88 Cannondale M1000(6 speed) and my 88 Schwinn High Sierra(7 speed) I have bar ends for the High Sierra, so unless I switch everything out between both bikes, it will probably mean the High Sierra gets the nod. Whichever one gets converted is the keeper, and I REALLY love both bikes. It's going to be a tough decision. The Cannondale "would" seem cooler and more exotic, and I have decals for it, so it can be powdercoated without losing too much originality. Both bikes have XT from different years.. I am thinking a drop bar 26 inch Cannondale with new paint and decals, and with the more modern 7 speed XT(the group is nearly immaculate), would be the obvious choice.
The 88 High Sierra isn't the smoked chrome. It would be a no brainer otherwise. Essentially I would put the High Sierra group on the repainted Cannondale, along with drop bars, and 7 speed indexed barends. Should be a sweet rider, and look amazing at the same time.,,,,BD
The M1000...
The High Sierra.
11-26-13, 09:40 PM
#2544
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Christmas done came early this year! I picked this up from the local bike co-op today. I also got the slicks that's on it, NOS rims for my tourer/dynamo setup, that pre-patina'ed brass bell (only a buck!), and some GB rando bars all for a cool 70 USD!
I plan on running drops or moustache bars. I'm cleaning it as we speak. I'll post mock-up photos later in my build thread. I'm meeting a fellow from CL sat. for a set of studded tires.
This is how I picked it up (I threw on the tires and bell):
Here are a few mockups, I can't decide which one:
I plan on running drops or moustache bars. I'm cleaning it as we speak. I'll post mock-up photos later in my build thread. I'm meeting a fellow from CL sat. for a set of studded tires.
This is how I picked it up (I threw on the tires and bell):
Here are a few mockups, I can't decide which one:
11-26-13, 11:08 PM
#2545
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I dunno what you feel most comfortable riding, but the black saddle/salsa stem/moustache bars look the coolest to me.
11-27-13, 12:19 AM
#2546
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This will be my first endeavor into MTB, but I'm comfortable with drops all around and prefer them for distance riding. I'm fine with moustache bars for shorter rides plus they may add a bit of stability? My original plan was to do an XOish type build which is where the moustache bars come in, but then I discovered this thread so I added drops in the mix. Thanks for the input!
Last edited by vqstaphbeard; 11-27-13 at 12:23 AM.
11-27-13, 01:27 AM
#2547
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Just finished up this 1988 trek 850. Here's the specs.
Started with a 1988 Trek 850 triple butted Tange frame that was broken at at the right rear drop out. A friend that's a certified oil-field welder repaired it and Glen Thompson spread the rear triangle to 135.
SRAM X9 derailleurs
Original Shimano brakes with 600 Shimano levers.
Origin 8 hubs and sun rims
SRT stem and SR seat post
Ritchey seat
Ichigear pista drop bars with cork wrap
Dia Compe bar end shifters
Started with a 1988 Trek 850 triple butted Tange frame that was broken at at the right rear drop out. A friend that's a certified oil-field welder repaired it and Glen Thompson spread the rear triangle to 135.
SRAM X9 derailleurs
Original Shimano brakes with 600 Shimano levers.
Origin 8 hubs and sun rims
SRT stem and SR seat post
Ritchey seat
Ichigear pista drop bars with cork wrap
Dia Compe bar end shifters
Glad everyone likes the Trek!
-Andrew
11-27-13, 10:58 AM
#2548
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Christmas done came early this year! I picked this up from the local bike co-op today. I also got the slicks that's on it, NOS rims for my tourer/dynamo setup, that pre-patina'ed brass bell (only a buck!), and some GB rando bars all for a cool 70 USD!
I plan on running drops or moustache bars. I'm cleaning it as we speak. I'll post mock-up photos later in my build thread. I'm meeting a fellow from CL sat. for a set of studded tires.
This is how I picked it up (I threw on the tires and bell):
Here are a few mockups, I can't decide which one:
I plan on running drops or moustache bars. I'm cleaning it as we speak. I'll post mock-up photos later in my build thread. I'm meeting a fellow from CL sat. for a set of studded tires.
This is how I picked it up (I threw on the tires and bell):
Here are a few mockups, I can't decide which one:
I also like the moustache set up with the black flite (what was the original saddle btw? looks way older than the bike)
__________________
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
11-27-13, 11:46 AM
#2550
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I am partial to mustache bars my self, I put some on my latest conversion just to try them out before the drops went on and they have been there for several months now.