Originally Posted by
striker_dj
On the front I imagine I can just remove the derailleur.
If you're leaving the rear mech connected as a tensioner, you might consider keeping the front too. The front derailleur makes chain retention failures less annoying.
Can I adjust it to a specific gear without a cable pulling on it?
Yes, by adjusting the limiter screws.
I guess I'd like to keep the rear one on for chain tension
If you have vertical dropouts, yes.
If you have horizontal dropouts, you could probably just ditch the derailleurs and use the wheel's position in the dropouts to tension the chain.
I am aware that brakes can be an issue as well. Is it right that I could put on these Tektro RL520 levers that are made for mtb v-brakes and be done with it?
Yes, RL520 is made specifically for this. I have a pair, and they seem to work great.
What would the cheapest way to keep the ability to shift on such a bike after drop bar conversion?
On your bike, I'd think bar-end shifters might be the simplest way to go.
ALTERNATELY: If you're willing to make a bigger initial investment and you want brifters, you could pick up some brifters that are compatible with your drivetrain and then use
these to make your brakes work.
It seems a shorter stem would be better to put a drop bar on.
Definitely.