Old folder, large rider
 

Hey so I bought an old raeleigh folding bike for £20. It rides ok but I feel the bike is a bit cramped as if I was riding a bike that was too small for me. Would converting it to bullhorns, drops or maybe even risers help reduce the problem? When I ride road bikes I tend to find that im too far stretched out so I was thinking of throwing some drop bars onto it to give me a slightly longer cockpit.

I'm 5 foot 10 inch.

Thanks in advance.

If it's a Raleigh Twenty you can probably do some tweaks to it. Raleigh also made a folder with 16" wheels that might be even more compact so we need more details. A tall stem like the Nitto Technomic (or similar) with long reach will probably help, and riser bars or drops on a stem like that might position you more favorably but drop bars will require new brake levers and cables. Things like this could run up the cost. You might also need a seatpost longer than the original to get the right leg extension. Good luck!
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4214739d78.jpg

Its a raeleigh 20". All steel seatpost and stem are steel so shouldnt be seized.

Also do folders have specific brakes or can I upgrade this bike to a modern dual caliper thats long reach?

Is there any ways that the SA shifter can be mounted on the flat of the drop bar?

You might need alloy BMX or freestyle calipers to get that much reach. An SA trigger should mount anywhere on the drop bar where there's room but the clamp may not open sufficiently for an alloy bar. Not sure on that. Search on "path racer" or "scorcher" photos to see trigger placement. The "For the love of English 3-speeds..." thread is littered with them.