Vintage MTB To Upright Bar / Urban Bike Conversions
#26
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@clubman that bike is inspirational! Really nicely thought out... um, except for those big pedals, which look like they have a large appetite for small furry animals.
Brent
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The price was low, I guess because of the rust in several spots.
I already sold the wheels, cockpit and derailers cheaply and recouped the low cost for the bike.
Most of the time I have decent parts to build up a half dozen bikes and often rotate those parts from one frame
to another.
If I see stuff on sale I might need for a future build I may buy it in advance.
One example is the silver braided cable housing I used.
I think the only thing I had to purchase was a $20 seat post as it came to me with a strait shaft post on it.
I had all the rest in my parts containers.
Also the $30 North Road bar for it is on the way to me.
So overall not too much outlay of dollars on this particular project.
Sometimes I will ride a bike a few months with lesser parts just to see if it's a keeper or not b4 I decide to upgrade any parts.
Those are Tektro 720 canti's on it that I have used on 3 or 4 bikes.
They work well for me and are pretty economical.
#28
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I've gone both ways.
Raleigh Olympian drop bar to northroad uprights and a Univega Alpina Trail from straight bars to drops.IMG_0548.JPG
Raleigh Olympian drop bar to northroad uprights and a Univega Alpina Trail from straight bars to drops.IMG_0548.JPG
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#29
Senior Member
I posted it in the "fenders" thread, but I think this is better suited.

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#30
Senior Member
Here's my Trek 820. I have swapped back to a MTB bar for the time being but the north roads are going back on soon. Probably tomorrow actually.

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1980ish Raleigh Marathon (Vintage Steel)
2006 Trek 820 (Captain Amazing)
2010 Specialized Tricross (Back in Black)
2008 Specialized Roubaix
"I'm built like a marine mammal. I love the cold! "-Cosmoline
"MTBing is cheap compared to any motorsport I've done. It's very expensive compared to jogging."-ColinL
Rides:1980ish Raleigh Marathon (Vintage Steel)
2006 Trek 820 (Captain Amazing)
2010 Specialized Tricross (Back in Black)
2008 Specialized Roubaix
#31
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Is that a Wald basket rigged up with some other hardware? If so I'd love to see some closer pictures, have been meaning to do something like that. Currently have one zip tied to a mini front rack, works but that's so much cleaner.
#32
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#33
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@ clubman: they're monkey lights, not spoke reflectors! also, the colors are period correct anodized purple, turquoise/celeste, and hot pink. the monkey lights are also programmed to shine neon pink and turquoise chevrons.

Last edited by smoothness; 11-12-17 at 09:14 PM.
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My wife wanted Sparrows on this one. More photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/fclFoAEkEsDeNoem2
As found
Attachment 588386
As found
Attachment 588386
#36
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You guys are posting some great looking bikes.
These bikes are so versatile.
It's fun to see what you all have come up with to customize yours.
I guess they are bit like a blank canvass to re-imagine into a bike that will work for your purposes and riding preferences.
Here's an early 90's Diamond Back Ascent a friend and I built up for him.
These bikes are so versatile.
It's fun to see what you all have come up with to customize yours.
I guess they are bit like a blank canvass to re-imagine into a bike that will work for your purposes and riding preferences.
Here's an early 90's Diamond Back Ascent a friend and I built up for him.
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This old Mongoose was one of my favorite bikes. It got stolen in 2016. I am still sad about that.
Looking at this thread and my old Mongoose has me thinking I need to convert my Diamond Back.
Looking at this thread and my old Mongoose has me thinking I need to convert my Diamond Back.
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Last edited by beicster; 11-13-17 at 01:47 PM.
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#42
Full Member
Lots of great conversions here!
This is an '85 Cimarron that was repainted by @fender1 a few years ago. Paint is starting to chip, so I'm considering a powdercoat or maybe that spray.bike stuff I see from time to time.

I swapped it out to drop bars a month ago, but that didn't last a day. The upright "cruiser" mode was just too much fun and comfortable for bumming around the neighborhood or running errands. Dynamo lighting and fenders makes this bike an option any time, day or night. I really feel like a 10 year old every time I hop on.
This is an '85 Cimarron that was repainted by @fender1 a few years ago. Paint is starting to chip, so I'm considering a powdercoat or maybe that spray.bike stuff I see from time to time.

I swapped it out to drop bars a month ago, but that didn't last a day. The upright "cruiser" mode was just too much fun and comfortable for bumming around the neighborhood or running errands. Dynamo lighting and fenders makes this bike an option any time, day or night. I really feel like a 10 year old every time I hop on.
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#43
High Plains Luddite
I'm working on a conversion similar to these for an inexpensive MTB I bought from craigslist to keep in my office for lunch rides in the city.
I thought this would be as good a place as any to ask this question: What upright bars will accept bar-end shifters and 22.2 mountain bike brake levers without modification? I understand some smaller-diameter bars can be reamed out to take the bar-end shifters, but I don't have the equipment, knowledge, time, or desire to pursue that. I'm looking for something that works out of the box, if possible.
So far I'm aware of the Velo Orange Porteur Bar (which I already own) and the Surly Open Bar. Are there any others?
Thanks.
Here's a sneak peek at my project while I was test-fitting some parts I already own.
I thought this would be as good a place as any to ask this question: What upright bars will accept bar-end shifters and 22.2 mountain bike brake levers without modification? I understand some smaller-diameter bars can be reamed out to take the bar-end shifters, but I don't have the equipment, knowledge, time, or desire to pursue that. I'm looking for something that works out of the box, if possible.
So far I'm aware of the Velo Orange Porteur Bar (which I already own) and the Surly Open Bar. Are there any others?
Thanks.
Here's a sneak peek at my project while I was test-fitting some parts I already own.

#45
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great thread. wonderful to re-purpose these bikes. i had a trek 930 i did this too for a friend years ago. unfortunately i dont have the pics.
#46
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[QUOTE=Squeeze;20017877] What upright bars will accept bar-end shifters and 22.2 mountain bike brake levers without modification?
So far I'm aware of the Velo Orange Porteur Bar (which I already own) and the Surly Open Bar. Are there any others?
Thanks.
Nitto Bosco
So far I'm aware of the Velo Orange Porteur Bar (which I already own) and the Surly Open Bar. Are there any others?
Thanks.
Nitto Bosco
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#47
High Plains Luddite
Thanks guys. The only problem is Nitto bars cost more than I paid for the whole bike! 
Of course, I realize the other side of that, and I know most C&V forum regulars can relate: an extra-cheap bike = more money to spend on customization!

Of course, I realize the other side of that, and I know most C&V forum regulars can relate: an extra-cheap bike = more money to spend on customization!
#48
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I had a friend who once said..."If you don't have more in components than you have in the frame....you're not doing it right!"

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Here's one I did for my Daughter-In-Law, 1989 Schwinn Probe.
Before:

After:

Before:

After:


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