Show Your Vintage MTB Drop Bar Conversions
#3351
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: The First State.
Posts: 1,168
Bikes: Schwinn Continental, Schwinn Paramount, Schwinn High Plains, Schwinn World Sport, Trek 420, Trek 930,Trek 660, Novara X-R, Giant Iguana. Fuji Sagres mixte.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 22 Times
in
10 Posts
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.
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.
#3352
cowboy, steel horse, etc
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,804
Bikes: everywhere
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12636 Post(s)
Liked 7,528 Times
in
3,989 Posts
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.
#3353
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: North Georgia
Posts: 272
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I'm curious about how many other readers of this thread use the T-Servs besides Paramount1973 and myself.
#3354
Senior Member
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.
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.
#3355
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Boise
Posts: 702
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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...........
#3356
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,151
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 211 Post(s)
Liked 1,400 Times
in
398 Posts
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.
Likes For cooperryder:
#3357
Senior Member
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
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
__________________
So many bikes, so little dime.
So many bikes, so little dime.
#3358
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SoCal
Posts: 836
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
9 Posts
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'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!
#3359
Senior Member
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'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!
#3361
Senior Member
#3362
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,640
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2597 Post(s)
Liked 1,678 Times
in
926 Posts
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.
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.
Sorry for the robbery situation.
Thanks for that story,
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#3363
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,640
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2597 Post(s)
Liked 1,678 Times
in
926 Posts
The world needs more risermooses.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#3364
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 778
Bikes: Marin Bolinas ridge, Carlton Corsa 5, Falcon Olympic 12, 98 Shesh Rockhopper,
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 88 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#3365
Senior Member
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.
An update, a little wrenching after work today.
__________________
So many bikes, so little dime.
So many bikes, so little dime.
Last edited by Bikedued; 07-26-14 at 10:15 PM.
Likes For Bikedued:
#3366
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Posts: 564
Bikes: Brompton H6, Schwinn Mirada, Cruzbike Sofrider. Used to own: ICE B1, 2 F-frame Moultons, Koga Myata Elevation 5000 mtb, Challenge Hurricane, Riese & Mueller Birdy Silver, Actionbent Tidalwave 3
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
#3367
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,151
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 211 Post(s)
Liked 1,400 Times
in
398 Posts
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.
#3368
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,151
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 211 Post(s)
Liked 1,400 Times
in
398 Posts
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
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
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.
#3369
Senior Member
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.
It does have a nice cloisonne headbadge in yellow and green.
__________________
So many bikes, so little dime.
So many bikes, so little dime.
Last edited by Bikedued; 07-27-14 at 12:16 PM.
#3371
Senior Member
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!
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!
__________________
So many bikes, so little dime.
So many bikes, so little dime.
Last edited by Bikedued; 07-27-14 at 08:08 PM.
#3372
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 778
Bikes: Marin Bolinas ridge, Carlton Corsa 5, Falcon Olympic 12, 98 Shesh Rockhopper,
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 88 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
DRROOOL, Yum. They came out real good BD. Black and chrome . . . classic
#3373
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: So Cal
Posts: 707
Bikes: Cimarrons 1835, 0836, 1767, 3517, 0768, 3408, a LHT, and a couple others
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
8 Posts
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!
#3374
Abuse Magnet
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,888
Bikes: '91 Mtn Tek Vertical, '74 Raleigh Sports, '72 Raleigh Twenty, '84 Univega Gran Turismo, '09 Surly Karate Monkey, '92 Burley Rock-n-Roll, '86 Miyata 310, '76 Raleigh Shopper
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 151 Post(s)
Liked 172 Times
in
86 Posts
Is anyone changing the gearing on these conversions to something more road-like, or are you all leaving the gears as-is?
#3375
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
My Kuwahara is set up for touring and I just built up a compact road triple I want to try out...