cs1

Nice looking build @BigSung.

hankaye

BigSung, Howdy;

This is a build that I'll be following.
The similarities between your early '90's Rockhopper and my '95 Stumpjumper are minimal,
geometry wise, I think, maybe, I dunno ... ya think?
I'm planning on doing the cantilever brakes and a set of "Miele Man style shift/brake levers".

How much difference does the 2 cm make as far as the "feel" of the fit make?

Thanks for your thoughts.

hank

BigSung

It's really not a 2 cm difference, but a 4cm difference. The Cowbell on my Salsa Vaya is 42cm wide. The wider width is naturally opening up my shoulders. It made me feel a bit stretched out (leaning forward), that I never felt with Cowbell. I think I will get used to it. However, I have been thinking for a while about raising the bar height a bit, so I plan to just get a new stem with higher rise. Current stem has 7 degree rise. I am planning to put a 35 degree rise which has the effect of shortening the length and raising the bar height.

Last night I got a bit time to work on the bike. I am still awaiting on parts, so it's not completed yet. But I did get the chance to swap out the Cowbell and swap in Cowchipper on my Salsa Vaya. I put the Cowbell on the RockHopper, and I also installed the Cane Creek SCR-5 Brake Levers. I am waiting on brakes and bar end shifters. Once that gets here, then I will cable it up and complete the build.

BigSung

Thanks cs1. It's taking its time, but hoping to get it done shortly.

hankaye

BigSung, Howdy;

Ok, when you'd said;
"I got the 46cm width one since I am pretty wide. On a hindsight 44cm width my have been a better choice."
My mind took it to mean you already had the 44cm. Sorry about that.

I take it that the Cowbells are more drop under I.D. of the curve then a Dirt drop that has Drop slightly
outside of the I.D. of the curve. Forgive my tech. speak inaccuracy, still a noob and learning.

hank

BigSung

Salsa Cowbell: Cowbell 3 Bar | Parts & Accessories | Salsa Cycles
12 deg flare

Salsa Cowchipper: Cowchipper Bar | Parts & Accessories | Salsa Cycles
24 deg flare

Cowchipper is more of dirt drop bar, while Cowbell is more of road drop bar with a bit more flare than regular drop handlebar.

I am new to these things as well, so all good. Let me know if you have any other questions...been researching quite a bit before making the transformations, 1st with my 87 Schwinn Cimarron (my regular CX ride) and now with 90 Specialized RockHopper.

hankaye

BigSung, Howdy;

Thanks for the links. So far I'm considering
On-one-midge-handlebar
Origin 8 Gray Sweep OS & their Gary 2.
Cowchipper, Woodchipper & Gator by Salsa
So many choices ...

hank

TenGrainBread 

The Gator is a Soma handlebar.
I would try out a dirt drop bar like the Gator or Midge or Gary before you buy. They are pretty unique and might not fit your body or your riding style.

BigSung

I have the On One Midge. I really like that bar. I have not tried others, but if you go with Salsa, then you should go with Cowchipper.

Jeff Neese

Sweet!

Here's my 1993 Rockhopper with WTB Dirt Drops.

mstateglfr 

I have the origin8 gary OS sweep and love em. Riding the drops is a bit like driving a bus due to the width, but it also ensures a stable steer on loose ground which is what makes it so great.

I can ride thendrops, hoods, ramps, and tops. Just make sure the drops are level with the ground. It seems odd, but its how they were meant to be used.

kingston 

Old-school cantis look a lot cooler. Vs have the look of something that was designed by lawyers and accountants to be idiot-proof and cheap. Just my opinion of course.

hankaye

Howdy All;

Need to get to the LBS to take some measurements and do a face to face chat with the
folks there as to my intentions. That way they don't try to out think me ... Plus ... it will
give me a chance to eyeball some things and put my hands on some other stuff so I can
feel how they might work towards my intentions.
Sure do appreciate the suggestions and related experiences.

hank

robl110

BigSung

I have cantis with Kool Stop MTB pads on my Schwinn Cimarron drop bar conversion that I use as cross bike. With my weight, on really steep downhills I am wishing for a bit more grab; therefore, I wanted to give the mini-v a try and see how they work.

I am even tempted to just try using mini-v in the front and use canti in the rear to test it out first.

kingston 

I'll be interested to hear a ride report. Off-road I can easily lock both wheels with cantis so I have never really understood the claim of the advantage of more stopping power at the brake with Vs.

Grand Bois

Truer words were never spoken.

Bicycle Addict

That's looking good Rob. Should be a lot more comfortable.

TenGrainBread 

1993 Trek 930.

From this:


To this:




I might try moustache bars on this guy soon but the Portolas are pretty cool for now.

robl110

Looks great!

robl110

Thanks BA!

Any recommendations for 26er gravel and hard pack dirt tire?
Currently it has Bontrager H2 that I bought to use on the bike trainer and pulling kids around.

Swarthy

Suhweet. Searching Craig's lust for one now. Thanks for the pointer.

hankaye

robl110, Howdy;

Looks good. I take it you intend to stay on the 'hoods' more than the drops?

hank

robl110

I do tend to stay on the hoods. Honestly just messing around until it feels right. This my first time setting up drop bars. Can I ask how you figured that from the pic?

Bicycle Addict

Basically what you have will work fine, you will need to watch loose stuff, I ride hard pack on semi slicks with no real issue, I'd say try it as is