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Show Your Vintage MTB Drop Bar Conversions

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Show Your Vintage MTB Drop Bar Conversions

Old 07-25-14, 11:36 AM
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Originally Posted by cooperryder
A number of folks have mentioned the fairly light weights of their mtb's converted to drop bar machines.

Anyone's build turn out to be quite a tank?

I just finished one yesterday, a mid 80's Univega Rover Sport. Registering 31.7 on the scale.
It is straight gauge chromoly and has super heavy 26x2.35 1100g's each tires.

I will post some pics later.
This is about the 8th vintage mtb frame I have bought & I knew it would be heavier but I could not resist the allure
of an all chrome mtb frame.

I hope to lighten it up weight wise over time if I like how it rides, only been 3 miles so for.
Gonna go ride it some more now in the heat.

Also you ever had a build that seems to fight you on about every turn?
This one did that but I finally got it done.

Will post pics soon. For my likes I think it looks pretty decent. Just wish it weighed about 8 lbs less.
Safe pedaling.
if you switch tires to Panaracer TServ 1.75 slicks you could cut about 2lbs off of the weight (they are ~450 gms each). Depending on the pedals you have, you could potentially save ~1lb with a set of light platforms.
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Old 07-25-14, 12:18 PM
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I just got some Kenda Klimax 345 gram 1.95" tires. Haven't tried em in the gravel yet. Price point had them on sale for $20. Not a bad deal if you're riding dirt.
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Old 07-25-14, 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Paramount1973
if you switch tires to Panaracer TServ 1.75 slicks you could cut about 2lbs off of the weight (they are ~450 gms each). Depending on the pedals you have, you could potentially save ~1lb with a set of light platforms.
I'm using the T-Serv 1.75" tires on my dropbar Stumpjumper. The last I checked, the bike weighted ~ 26.5 lbs minus the rear rack. In addition to the weight savings of the T-Servs, they are comfortable, look good and don't cost a fortune. They are considerably less expensive than the Compass 26" tires. As I understand it, Both tires share the same casing and are made in the same Panaracer factory near Osaka.

I'm curious about how many other readers of this thread use the T-Servs besides Paramount1973 and myself.
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Old 07-25-14, 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Bicycle Addict
Hey guys a very pleasant update on my Specialized Hardrock build, I went to get the bike below last night after 2 weeks of purchasing.


We got robbed going on 2 weeks ago, I had won the auction 2 days before we were robbed and was planning to pick up the bike the day after we were robbed, I emailed the trader telling him what had happened he told me not to worry about how long I needed?? Awesome, so we go there last night, I go to give the guy the $40 and he refuses!?!? He tells me "After what you have been through, I would like you to keep the money" I just about fell over.
I could not walk away with the bike with out given him something and after thanking him for his thought, told him I would like to give him half, that way we both had a $20 note . . he politely refused, then his son who had relayed messages came to the door and introduced himself, he then turns to his dad and says "Dad, the guy really wants you to take the money" his dad still refused, so I gave his son the $20 Thanked them both and walked away.
I got the bike home and it is in very good condition, originally bought to supply parts for the '87 Hard rock I am building for this thread, I now find myself wanting to keep this bike together, which could be a pain as I mainly wanted the U Brake as I am finding it hard to source one!!!
So I wonder what you guys think I should do?
I have a modern Exposure U Brake but would like to go retro.
That's great, it restores my faith in humanity.
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Old 07-25-14, 08:33 PM
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Still a work in progress, by took my first little stroll with the new seat tonight, now I understand why they cost so much........ Just need to get the appropriate seat bag and matching handlebar bag, a front rack, and make the switch to metal fenders...........








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Old 07-26-14, 01:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Paramount1973
if you switch tires to Panaracer TServ 1.75 slicks you could cut about 2lbs off of the weight (they are ~450 gms each). Depending on the pedals you have, you could potentially save ~1lb with a set of light platforms.
Yes, that's the plan to find some lighter tires.
I had picked up these terra cotta colored 1100g tires on clearance at REI for $13 each a few months back & that's all I had on hand in a 26".

Now I am digging the color and so I am considering these Soma New Express in a similar color in 26x1.75.
Soma New Xpress 26" Tires
I don't see a weight listed on that site.

I rode it 42 miles this morning and am liking it even heavy. I look forward to lightening it up over time.
I will also switch out that rear wheel to a lighter one that takes a cassette as it has a 7 speed freewheel.
That freewheel itself weighs 520g's.

Here are a couple of pics from this morning's ride.
With those fat heavy tires you can even herd cattle with the thing.












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Old 07-26-14, 03:49 PM
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One thing that puzzles me about drop bar mtb conversions? Is it just that most have longer top tubes? I seem to require VERY tall stems, even on bikes that are similar to my road bike size?

Chrome mountain bikes are my new happy place. That Univega is looking good! I am SO tempted to do this one up drop bar style. Roland Racing. A local importer. These risermoose bars are pretty cool in their own way though.,,,,BD





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Old 07-26-14, 05:29 PM
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Those riser moose bars are a new one to me... anyone else ever see a bar like that?

It's the bastard son that no riser nor bullmoose bar from the 80's wants to take credit for spawning. Yet, like most things, I'm drawn to the odd ball as I appreciate a "unique" set up. Two stinkin' years I've been trying to land a chrome frame locally in my size. I'm diggin' it Bikedued, nice job!
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Old 07-26-14, 05:33 PM
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Originally Posted by neo_pop_71
Those riser moose bars are a new one to me... anyone else ever see a bar like that?

It's the bastard son that no riser nor bullmoose bar from the 80's wants to take credit for spawning. Yet, like most things, I'm drawn to the odd ball as I appreciate a "unique" set up. Two stinkin' years I've been trying to land a chrome frame locally in my size. I'm diggin' it Bikedued, nice job!
It was aftermarket. Can you see the discoloration on the chrome from welding? Looks like somebody welded on a riser.
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Old 07-26-14, 05:43 PM
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Originally Posted by cs1
It was aftermarket. Can you see the discoloration on the chrome from welding? Looks like somebody welded on a riser.
That's what I figured but I was hoping that someone else had the same bar or remembered a bar like that in the last 30 years.
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Old 07-26-14, 06:06 PM
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Originally Posted by neo_pop_71
That's what I figured but I was hoping that someone else had the same bar or remembered a bar like that in the last 30 years.
The riser bar part looks like it was taken from one of those bullmoose looking double clamp stem things.
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Old 07-26-14, 06:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Bicycle Addict
Hey guys a very pleasant update on my Specialized Hardrock build, I went to get the bike below last night after 2 weeks of purchasing.


We got robbed going on 2 weeks ago, I had won the auction 2 days before we were robbed and was planning to pick up the bike the day after we were robbed, I emailed the trader telling him what had happened he told me not to worry about how long I needed?? Awesome, so we go there last night, I go to give the guy the $40 and he refuses!?!? He tells me "After what you have been through, I would like you to keep the money" I just about fell over.
I could not walk away with the bike with out given him something and after thanking him for his thought, told him I would like to give him half, that way we both had a $20 note . . he politely refused, then his son who had relayed messages came to the door and introduced himself, he then turns to his dad and says "Dad, the guy really wants you to take the money" his dad still refused, so I gave his son the $20 Thanked them both and walked away.
I would have been the dickbag trying to get you to take the bike and let life smile on you.

Sorry for the robbery situation.

Thanks for that story,
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Old 07-26-14, 06:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Bikedued
These risermoose bars are pretty cool in their own way though.,,,,BD


The world needs more risermooses.
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Old 07-26-14, 06:50 PM
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Thanks @cs1 and @golden it was very very nice of him, but it would not have sat good with me, nothing free in this life, his son was stoked to have the $20, he has emiled me thanking me saying he was keen on a girl . . . waiting to get payed from his part time job to ask her out, with the $20 and a further $20 he worked for around the house(would not take the money from his dad for free?!? Awesome guy) so he asked her out to the movies and now has a girlfriend out of it, so life is kinda smiling on me and the son. Perfect.
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Old 07-26-14, 10:00 PM
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These mooserisers are original. I bought the bike from the guy who has owned it since new. It was painted black when stock, but it rusted from storage. He worked the rust off, and liked the look so he clearcoated it. I will be repainting it soon though.,,,,BD

An update, a little wrenching after work today.


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Old 07-27-14, 09:12 AM
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Originally Posted by cooperryder
That's a great looking bike!
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Old 07-27-14, 10:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Paramount1973
if you switch tires to Panaracer TServ 1.75 slicks you could cut about 2lbs off of the weight (they are ~450 gms each). Depending on the pedals you have, you could potentially save ~1lb with a set of light platforms.
Thanks for the info on the Panaracer TServs. I failed to include that in my response. I always appreciate info on other good tires out there.
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Old 07-27-14, 10:08 AM
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Originally Posted by Bikedued
One thing that puzzles me about drop bar mtb conversions? Is it just that most have longer top tubes? I seem to require VERY tall stems, even on bikes that are similar to my road bike size?

Chrome mountain bikes are my new happy place. That Univega is looking good! I am SO tempted to do this one up drop bar style. Roland Racing. A local importer. These risermoose bars are pretty cool in their own way though.,,,,BD


Thanks Bikedued.

Is your chrome bike a Univega? Which model?

I like the seat stay/seat tube treatment better on your bike than the tig welded on mine.
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Old 07-27-14, 12:13 PM
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Nope, it's a Roland Racing. Roland is a local bike importer that is still going strong even today. The model name? You got me. It doesn't have one that I know of. Come to think of it, I don't think any Roland bike I've ever seen has had a model name on it?,,,,BD

It does have a nice cloisonne headbadge in yellow and green.
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Old 07-27-14, 07:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Bikedued


Hey Bikedued, bi that a Cannondale frame? And is that a sign for Shiner TX?
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Old 07-27-14, 07:42 PM
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Yes, and yes..,,,,BD


And....The very last mention(or picture) of the risermeese. I promise Repainted them this afternoon. The heat here was UNBEARABLE today. They got baked just as they would have in a professional spray booth. Looks MUCH nicer!

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Old 07-27-14, 10:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Bikedued
Yes, and yes..,,,,BD


And....The very last mention(or picture) of the risermeese. I promise Repainted them this afternoon. The heat here was UNBEARABLE today. They got baked just as they would have in a professional spray booth. Looks MUCH nicer!

DRROOOL, Yum. They came out real good BD. Black and chrome . . . classic
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Old 07-29-14, 09:03 AM
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I've been off the bike all week recovering from surgery, so I took the time to clean up my stable. This bike continues to be my favorite. I'll be back in the saddle tomorrow; I can't wait!
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Old 07-29-14, 09:42 AM
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Is anyone changing the gearing on these conversions to something more road-like, or are you all leaving the gears as-is?
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Old 07-29-14, 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by arex
Is anyone changing the gearing on these conversions to something more road-like, or are you all leaving the gears as-is?
My Moulden has an mtb triple with a 22/32/44 and an 8 speed with an 11-27 which makes the shifting crisp and still offers lots of range.

My Kuwahara is set up for touring and I just built up a compact road triple I want to try out...
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