Hello, I am new to the forums and to biking as well, so please forgive me lack of knowledge. I've been lurking the forums the past week trying to gain knowledge but I decided it's time to just post a thread about it.

Basically I've been looking for a bike to ride to school and possibly just recreational riding. I got this bike for 110.

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2627228794.html

The thing about the bike is that it has these handlebars that are uncomfortable as hell. I was hoping to switch to drop bars but would I have to change my brakes or I can leave them as is. I was also hoping to change the pedals as well. If I wanted to change to drop bars, does anyone know what type of quill stem and some good budget drop bars I could get? I'm assuming the quill stem is 1" based on what I've read and measured the circumference to be ~3.2 inches which seems right.


Thanks in advance and I hope to be using this forum more often

that's a pretty solid bike for 130, if everything is structurally sound. just get rid of that ugly stem and handlebar situation and go with the drops like you suggested. I've dealt wiith 2 of these bikes, but in different colors, i recall them weighing abour 23-24 lbs, why the hell is this one so heavy at 28 lbs.....

if you got the money, maybe get a nicer saddle and some black tires, white tires dont really go with that bike. This all depends on if you're looking for a commuter or you want to have a really nice decent bike, or a beater....

Apparently the pedals are weighted? I'm a little surprised that they would weigh so much but what do I know. And I want a decent looking bike but most important I just want to get from A to B in something I'm proud of. In regards to the breaks would I have to get new ones to accommodate the drop bars or I can keep what I have. If I were to get the ones that most people have on their drop bars what would I need to buy/replace. Thanks for your quick response!

You will need to undo what the seller had done to it to convert this road race bike to a hybrid.
Tradition quill stem in 1", extension depends on your body measurements.
A drop bar, and the clamp diameter depends on the stem model you desire. Road bike quill stems are usually 25.4 or 26.0mm. Get the matching bar.
Yes, you need to buy road bike brake levers. Those flat bar levers won't fit a road bar. Good thing is new aftermarket replacements can be found for under $20 pair. (Tektro R100/R200)
Those pedals appear to be Look-compatible clipless pedals. Not sure what is attached to them...looks like platform pedal adapters.
Better high res pics are needed to help determine advice.
It's a solid bike with shimano 600 components. Respectable bike in its day. Restore it and be proud riding a vintage Nishiki road racer.

Ok sounds good, thanks a bunch on the suggestion for the brake levers. I was comparing my bike to my friends and it seems to match up with a 58 cm windsor frame. Unfortunately there is no size on my frame for me to determine if the bike was really a 54 cm or not. Personally I feel comfortable riding the bike, I'll admit when I stand the top tube goes straight to my crotch but I can have both feet on the floor. I am 5'7-5'8 ish with a 30 inch inseam, long torso and arms. There is some pain between my shoulder blades after an hour of riding but I have found if I ride with my arms together near the stem I don't have that problem.

Although I am fine with my bike I want to make sure there are no long term hazards of riding a bike that may possibly be too big for me. I'm only mentioning this before I pull the trigger and buy all the parts to replace what the seller has done.

From the pics, it's definitely a 58cm. A 54-55cm would offer more wiggle room. The reach may be too much if you say you're getting sore riding on the current flat bar. The seat could be adjusted forward. A rough estimate is to be seated, with hands on the hoods of road brake levers, looking down...the top of the horizontal portion of the handlebar should block the view of the front hub.
This can help you figure out what road stem length to get. These days, there are drop bars with less forward reach, and shallower drops. This may also help in dialing in your comfort.

Thanks so much, your response instilled confidence in keeping my bike. I put my hands where the hoods of my drop bars would be if I had them (rough estimate) and the stem does cover the front hub. I guess my bike is just too tall for me but the length of the top tube is fine. I'll post pictures when I get the parts!