Show Your Vintage MTB Drop Bar Conversions
07-24-16, 08:33 PM
#5151
Jedi Master
Because the saddle to handlebar drop is at least 6". You would have to be a snake to be comfortable in the drops with that setup. Normally on a dirt-drop the bars are level with the seat or higher.
07-24-16, 08:50 PM
#5152
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07-24-16, 09:12 PM
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robl110, Howdy;
The downward angle of the drops, if you were to find yourself on rough
terrain the bouncing would have a tenancy to vibrate your hands off the
drops causing you to grip harder and make for an uncomfortable and tiring
ride. Not from my own experience, but from one that has the experience
and is considered, by more than a few folks to be somewhat knowledgeable,
Mr.Guitar Ted. https://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2016/05/off-road-drop-bars-101-why-radius.html
Only some of the research I've been doing while waiting for parts to show up
both here and at LBS.
hank
terrain the bouncing would have a tenancy to vibrate your hands off the
drops causing you to grip harder and make for an uncomfortable and tiring
ride. Not from my own experience, but from one that has the experience
and is considered, by more than a few folks to be somewhat knowledgeable,
Mr.Guitar Ted. https://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2016/05/off-road-drop-bars-101-why-radius.html
Only some of the research I've been doing while waiting for parts to show up
both here and at LBS.
hank
Last edited by hankaye; 07-24-16 at 09:18 PM.
07-24-16, 09:40 PM
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That makes sense. I will have to play around some more. Thanks!
robl110, Howdy;
The downward angle of the drops, if you were to find yourself on rough
terrain the bouncing would have a tenancy to vibrate your hands off the
drops causing you to grip harder and make for an uncomfortable and tiring
ride. Not from my own experience, but from one that has the experience
and is considered, by more than a few folks to be somewhat knowledgeable,
Mr.Guitar Ted. https://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2016/05/off-road-drop-bars-101-why-radius.html
Only some of the research I've been doing while waiting for parts to show up
both here and at LBS.
hank
The downward angle of the drops, if you were to find yourself on rough
terrain the bouncing would have a tenancy to vibrate your hands off the
drops causing you to grip harder and make for an uncomfortable and tiring
ride. Not from my own experience, but from one that has the experience
and is considered, by more than a few folks to be somewhat knowledgeable,
Mr.Guitar Ted. https://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2016/05/off-road-drop-bars-101-why-radius.html
Only some of the research I've been doing while waiting for parts to show up
both here and at LBS.
hank
07-24-16, 10:31 PM
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They have threadless riser adapters that will raise the stem height. Something like this: Delta Threadless Riser Stem
07-24-16, 10:50 PM
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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.
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.
I have over 1000 miles on the Salsa Cowbell that came on the Vaya. I moved that over to the RockHopper, and it feels very natural. I am still waiting on bar end shifters and brakes. Once that gets here, I will complete the build.
07-25-16, 08:32 AM
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They have threadless riser adapters that will raise the stem height. Something like this: Delta Threadless Riser Stem
07-25-16, 08:52 AM
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BigSung, Howdy;
Thanks for re-posting the photos. Nice to get a 'visual' for the mind's eye to relate to.
I went to the LBS and took some measurements Sat. after doing some of
the math I always thought I'd never use in my lifetime I found the Head-tube
angle for my '95 Stumpjumper is 73.5º and the stem is a whopping 135mm long.
Now I can work with the calculator that was linked a few pages back by Pompiere;
Stem Comparison Tool | yojimg.net Couple that with the seat height then
I can get an idea of what I need. Maybe, ... sorta, ... kinda, ... I hope, ...
.
I think that the hunt for information, hunting down parts, the chase as it were for the
final solution is probably the best part of the whole experience of building anything.
After the enjoyment of riding or whatever the activity from whatever the resultant build
was is akin to the after sex smoke and the satisfied feeling that accompanies it.
hank
hank
Quick update. I swapped out the stem on my Vaya from 7 degree rise to 35 degree rise. Although same length, the effective rise brought the bar up higher and closer. The bar now sits a bit over the saddle height. This has made quite bit of impact on the feel, and I am starting to appreciate the 46cm width of the Cowchipper after the quick ride.
I have over 1000 miles on the Salsa Cowbell that came on the Vaya. I moved that over to the RockHopper, and it feels very natural. I am still waiting on bar end shifters and brakes. Once that gets here, I will complete the build.
I have over 1000 miles on the Salsa Cowbell that came on the Vaya. I moved that over to the RockHopper, and it feels very natural. I am still waiting on bar end shifters and brakes. Once that gets here, I will complete the build.
I went to the LBS and took some measurements Sat. after doing some of
the math I always thought I'd never use in my lifetime I found the Head-tube
angle for my '95 Stumpjumper is 73.5º and the stem is a whopping 135mm long.
Now I can work with the calculator that was linked a few pages back by Pompiere;
Stem Comparison Tool | yojimg.net Couple that with the seat height then
I can get an idea of what I need. Maybe, ... sorta, ... kinda, ... I hope, ...
.I think that the hunt for information, hunting down parts, the chase as it were for the
final solution is probably the best part of the whole experience of building anything.
After the enjoyment of riding or whatever the activity from whatever the resultant build
was is akin to the after sex smoke and the satisfied feeling that accompanies it.
hank
hank
07-25-16, 10:14 AM
#5159
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You can have the one I have for shipping? It came with the 29er frame and fork posted a page or two back. Not in perfect condition but perfectly functional.,,,,BD
Last edited by Bikedued; 07-25-16 at 10:21 AM.
07-25-16, 07:44 PM
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07-28-16, 08:40 AM
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Howdy All;
Found another more definitive article from Guitar Ted about bar height
and stuff. Granted from 2011 but, IMO, could be used as a "Rule-of-Thumb"
as far as how to get a reasonable fit for our bikes doing this type of modification.
Guitar Ted Productions: Drop Bar Mountain Bike Tips: Updated
hank
Found another more definitive article from Guitar Ted about bar height
and stuff. Granted from 2011 but, IMO, could be used as a "Rule-of-Thumb"
as far as how to get a reasonable fit for our bikes doing this type of modification.
Guitar Ted Productions: Drop Bar Mountain Bike Tips: Updated
hank
I am also working on my 2nd conversion, a Rockhopper. Waiting on 1 last part to arrive to get it completed.
07-28-16, 04:15 PM
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07-29-16, 08:32 AM
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I'd take GT's opinions with a grain of salt... Figure out what works for you. Not everyone who has the reputation as an expert deserves it.
Howdy All;
Found another more definitive article from Guitar Ted about bar height
and stuff. Granted from 2011 but, IMO, could be used as a "Rule-of-Thumb"
as far as how to get a reasonable fit for our bikes doing this type of modification.
Guitar Ted Productions: Drop Bar Mountain Bike Tips: Updated
hank
Found another more definitive article from Guitar Ted about bar height
and stuff. Granted from 2011 but, IMO, could be used as a "Rule-of-Thumb"
as far as how to get a reasonable fit for our bikes doing this type of modification.
Guitar Ted Productions: Drop Bar Mountain Bike Tips: Updated
hank
07-29-16, 08:43 AM
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ksryder, Howdy;
Ok, ... I'm not new to the web and web experts. Would you care to qualify your response? Some
reasons as to why I should "< take GT's opinions with a grain of salt"? What is your background
and knowledge base?
I'm not, repeat, not trying to start any kind of argument. Just would like to understand the reason
behind your last sentence, " Not everyone who has the reputation as an expert deserves it." and
some facts as to why you might be saying that.
hank
reasons as to why I should "< take GT's opinions with a grain of salt"? What is your background
and knowledge base?
I'm not, repeat, not trying to start any kind of argument. Just would like to understand the reason
behind your last sentence, " Not everyone who has the reputation as an expert deserves it." and
some facts as to why you might be saying that.
hank
07-29-16, 08:55 AM
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I think he means exactly that. I can make a website and claim to be an expert on something. It doesn't mean I am. It also doesn't mean that I'm not skilled to some degree? Find out what works for you. I only know I would not put my drops as high as a straight bar would be on my bikes. It wouldn't work for me, personally. The handling would go away the higher you went. On most performance related bikes, you want weight on the front wheel. The higher you go, the more weight transfers to the rear, and you start to get a "plow" effect in dirt/gravel.,,,,BD
Last edited by Bikedued; 07-29-16 at 10:03 AM.
07-29-16, 09:07 AM
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I ride a **** ton of gravel. That's my background.
I could go on for pages about it, but suffice it to say the guy states personal preferences as carved-in-stone fact and I happen to disagree. Especially with some of his ideas about tires.
I could go on for pages about it, but suffice it to say the guy states personal preferences as carved-in-stone fact and I happen to disagree. Especially with some of his ideas about tires.
07-29-16, 09:37 AM
#5170
Jedi Master
@hankaye, I don't know anything about guitar ted except that link you posted. Other than the fact that there's nothing particularly insightful about that post, anyone who writes "always, always, always" about anything related to cycling doesn't come across as very credible to me.
07-29-16, 07:45 PM
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Okay, I'm in. 1994 Stumpjumper. Deore mechanical bits. Not sure what it'll look like when I'm done, but I'm on my way. You've inspired me.
Is there a way to upload pics without a url? My pics are just on my phone.
Is there a way to upload pics without a url? My pics are just on my phone.
07-29-16, 07:57 PM
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35mm, since the "upgrade" loading from phones is difficult and the pics end up quite small, I write out my post on my iPad and Post Quick Reply, I then put my pics onto my Desktop, I then go into the Forums and go to the post and click on edit, in the edit screen click on Go Advanced, within this screen scroll down until you see Manage Attachments, in this screen click on Choose file, click on one of those and go to your pic page and select your pic, open it and then click upload after selecting the amount of pics you want.
Sounds confusing but it is actually quite easy.
Sounds confusing but it is actually quite easy.
07-29-16, 08:01 PM
#5173
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35mm, since the "upgrade" loading from phones is difficult and the pics end up quite small, I write out my post on my iPad and Post Quick Reply, I then put my pics onto my Desktop, I then go into the Forums and go to the post and click on edit, in the edit screen click on Go Advanced, within this screen scroll down until you see Manage Attachments, in this screen click on Choose file, click on one of those and go to your pic page and select your pic, open it and then click upload after selecting the amount of pics you want.
Sounds confusing but it is actually quite easy.
Sounds confusing but it is actually quite easy.
Nothing's easy, is it? Thanks for the info. I'll give it a try.
07-29-16, 09:38 PM
#5174
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ksryder, Howdy;
Ok, being human beings we don't all agree about everything all the time. Learned that one a long time ago.
What are your recommendations for bar height and make of bar to use and your reasons for those
suggestions. I'm open to any and most suggestions.
You've got experience in something that I don't, but am trying to learn with the shallowest learning curve that
I can achieve. Tires are, from what I can tell, a personal kind of thing and also where you find yourself has
a bit to do with that selection.
Thanks for your thoughts.
hank
What are your recommendations for bar height and make of bar to use and your reasons for those
suggestions. I'm open to any and most suggestions.
You've got experience in something that I don't, but am trying to learn with the shallowest learning curve that
I can achieve. Tires are, from what I can tell, a personal kind of thing and also where you find yourself has
a bit to do with that selection.
Thanks for your thoughts.
hank
07-29-16, 10:03 PM
#5175
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Bikedued, Howdy;
Thanks for your thoughts. I don't have the skills to build and maintain a website, somedays it's a struggle just
to get online and as far as being an expert about anything ... heck, I ain't even a expert about myself an I've
been livin' with me all my life.
The bit about having the drops at about the same height as the srraight bars is because, from what I've
been able to figure out, is due to the riders position being in the drops a majority of the time and not up
high on the top or the hoods. Those are alternate positions for this type of riding. Or so I'm beginning to
learn. When I see some of the pix from "back-in-the-day" of the start of MTB and then CX/Gravel the folks
that I see using the dirt drops, are in the drops and not riding tall in the saddle, so to speak.
So, you see, I'm new and trying to learn and that for me is asking a ton of questions.
Thanks again for your thoughts and any suggestions you might also have.
hank
I think he means exactly that. I can make a website and claim to be an expert on something. It doesn't mean I am. It also doesn't mean that I'm not skilled to some degree? Find out what works for you. I only know I would not put my drops as high as a straight bar would be on my bikes. It wouldn't work for me, personally. The handling would go away the higher you went. On most performance related bikes, you want weight on the front wheel. The higher you go, the more weight transfers to the rear, and you start to get a "plow" effect in dirt/gravel.,,,,BD
to get online and as far as being an expert about anything ... heck, I ain't even a expert about myself an I've
been livin' with me all my life.
The bit about having the drops at about the same height as the srraight bars is because, from what I've
been able to figure out, is due to the riders position being in the drops a majority of the time and not up
high on the top or the hoods. Those are alternate positions for this type of riding. Or so I'm beginning to
learn. When I see some of the pix from "back-in-the-day" of the start of MTB and then CX/Gravel the folks
that I see using the dirt drops, are in the drops and not riding tall in the saddle, so to speak.
So, you see, I'm new and trying to learn and that for me is asking a ton of questions.
Thanks again for your thoughts and any suggestions you might also have.
hank
