PolarBear007

Hi gang -

I've acquired a Schwinn High Plains (Cro-Mo frame!!!!), but i'd really like to have drop handle bars on it......

I know the brake grips would need to be changed, but is there a way to do this without having to switch out shifters?

Thanks!

Myosmith

Not really. MTB shifters don't generally fit drop bars so your options are to get brifters, stem or downtube shifters. The GMC Denali had a mickey-rigged setup for its grip shift on a drop bar, but that's Denali.

ThermionicScott 

Yeah, unless you want to cut and reweld your handlebars , consider using Shimano A050 shifters. They'll mount to road bars and play nicely with the 7-speed rear you have on your Schwinn.

leftthread

You might want to peek at Thrifty Bill's thread on mtb drop bar conversions:

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ar+conversions

PolarBear007

Thats an *awesome* thread - thanks leftthread!

So, i'm seeing that if i'm committed to this conversion, then i'd better plan on;
1) buying a drop-handle bar
2) buying bar-end shifters (and necessary cabling)
3) buying new brake calipers (and necessary cabling)
4) some sweet handle bar wrap

Is this it?

Any suggestions on the following (less expensive is, at this stage, better!!!!);
1) a drop-handle bar?
2) bar-end shifters (and necessary cabling)?
3) new brake calipers (and necessary cabling)?
4) handle bar wrap?

Again, thanks sooooo much!!!!

Airburst

There won't be any need to replace the brakes, since you'll be buying new levers either way, you can get drop-bar brake levers that are compatible with conventional cantilever brakes or with V-brakes depending on what your bike has. Either way, Dia-Compe make some good ones that won't break the bank.

As for shift levers, you'll almost certainly want Shimano ones, since they seem to be the only ones commonly available. If you get the 8-speed ones, they should index with a 7-speed or 8-speed Shimano cassette with a Shimano MTB derailleur, unless Shimano has messed with its indexing standards again...

ThermionicScott 

I'll throw in another plug for the A050 shifters and be on my way. They're nice for keeping the shifting at the top of the bars.

dabac

If all you want is a more aero position to tuck into occasionally, consider drop bar ends. Shifters and brakes stay where they are, drop bar ends bolt on like regular bar ends. A bit of bar tape and you're all set.

Adding a couple of aero brake levers would be a modestly challenging task, probably involving some shimming.
And do look into "travel agents". They allow regular road brake levers to be used together with v-brakes. Depending on where you do your shopping, it might be a cheaper course than buying v-brake compatible drop bar levers.

Airburst

I somewhat doubt they'll be cheaper, when these v-brake levers are available for the same price as the Travel Agent.

wrk101

The least expensive? Find a co-op, and look through their bins. I personally like the older friction Suntour barcons, they are readily available, and not too expensive. I have lucked into a few sets at very attractive prices (picked up one set at the LBS a couple of months ago for $5). They typically go on fleecebay for $30 to $50.

Again, if you are anywhere near a co-op, start there first!

Many of my parts come in the form of a complete bike, one that might have a trashed out frame, or some other defect, but with a really low price. I'll strip it and repurpose the parts, or just donate them to the co-op. Either way, they end up putting bikes back on the road.

Doohickie

For the bar-end shifters, I recommend picking up a pair of Suntour Barcons. They are not indexed so they can be used with any derailleur/cassette setup. They have a ratcheting feature when you pull the cable to get a bit of overtravel for shifting, then settling down into a good spot. For relaxing the cable, they are pure friction. I've got them on two bikes and they work fine. You have to pick them up used; they haven't been made for years. I would check the Classic & Vintage For Sale listings and eBay. Expect to pay $30-60 for a pair of shifters.

EBay listings.

PolarBear007

So much great info!!! Thanks everyone. I'll be checking into these solutions and hopefully find something that i can manage for my old 'steelie' High Plains.

ukz

Did you use the A050 shifters shifters?

My shifters are shot and I need new ones. I also need new brake controllers. Did you replace your OEM ones or can anyone suggest replacements for a High Plains.

I am building it into a touring bike.

PolarBear007

I'm still running the original STI shifters. Well sort of..... I broke the plastic housing on one and a Forum Member here hooked me up with a replacement set. See my reply on your thread and I'll be sure to post more tomorrow.

As you can see in my Signature, I'm also planning on metamorphosizing my High Plain into a touring bikes as well.

cny-bikeman

Wow - I'm not in favor of something that puts one's hands so far from the brakes at any point, especially if it encourages remaining there. It's the same problem as was present with stem shifters. There is no position that gives one less steering control and grip on the bars. I'd want to at least put them further out.

Paramount1973 

I put drop bars on my High Plains:

P4170270 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr


P4170263 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr

More detail here:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...l#post15522956

Homebrew01

You mean brake levers, not calipers.

ukz

Amazing build!

what exact stem and handlebars you are running. Also was the stem an exact fit to the HP fork?

Paramount1973 

Handlebars are 42 cm Nitto randonneur bars. The stem is a Dimension 35 degree rise 90mm threadless stem on a Velo Orange quill-to-threadless stem converter. I got the handlebars for the incredible price of $5 at a bike swap. The bar end shifters are Suntour friction barcons.

ThermionicScott 

Heh, that post was 1.5 years old. But I still feel just as strongly that people who ride bikes are capable of learning the skills they need in a short amount of time.

We can't hold everyone's hands forever.

WK95

Try something like this.

Amazon.com: Origin 8 Bicycle Drop Bar Ends, Black: Sports & Outdoors

They're not real drop bars but at least they look the part. I don't know how they feel in use though.

javaride

Just wondering if you knew what year that particular High Plains in the pic is?

bikeman715

Back in the early 80's Cannondale did the same to one of their touring model I remember right it was the T1000 .

Paramount1973 

Yup, it's a 1991 model, the only year they offered the High Plains in opaque white.