Gear levers on MTB drop bar conversion
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Gear levers on MTB drop bar conversion
What options are available for gear levers on MTB drop bar conversions?
#2
Senior Member
Gear levers? If it's an aluminum drop bar it should measure 23.8mm. That allows for integrated levers, Suntour Command, Kelly Take-Offs or bar end shifters. Even thumb shifter mounts are available in 23.8. The world is your oyster.
__________________
Bikes on Flickr
I prefer email to private messages. You can contact me at justinhughes@me.com
Bikes on Flickr
I prefer email to private messages. You can contact me at justinhughes@me.com
#3
Rides Majestic
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Westfield, MA
Posts: 1,339
Bikes: 1983 Univega Gran Turismo, 1970 Schwinn Super Sport, 2001 Univega Modo Vincere, Self-Built Nashbar Touring, 1974 Peugeot U08, 1974 Atala Grand Prix, 1986 Ross Mt. Hood, 80's Maruishi MT-18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Bar cons are a favorite of many. Next seems to be thumbshifters on the tops of the bars. Brifters are used occasionally. Stem shifters are the least used but work. There is a whole thread on vintage mountain bike conversions:https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ar-Conversions
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Bar cons are a favorite of many. Next seems to be thumbshifters on the tops of the bars. Brifters are used occasionally. Stem shifters are the least used but work. There is a whole thread on vintage mountain bike conversions:https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ar-Conversions
#5
Rides Majestic
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Westfield, MA
Posts: 1,339
Bikes: 1983 Univega Gran Turismo, 1970 Schwinn Super Sport, 2001 Univega Modo Vincere, Self-Built Nashbar Touring, 1974 Peugeot U08, 1974 Atala Grand Prix, 1986 Ross Mt. Hood, 80's Maruishi MT-18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Thumb shifters are usually put on either side of the stem. As for downtube shifters, if you had a steel frame MTB and clamp on shifters, you could most likely do it. The brazed on housing guides on the downtube could get in the way on some bikes though.
#6
Spin Forest! Spin!
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Arrid Zone-a
Posts: 5,956
Bikes: I used to have many. And I Will again.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
10 Posts
There is a fellow producing a stainless steel clamp-on down tube shifter bosses in several tubing sizes. Search ebay....that's where I saw them last.
If you have a 1" threaded steerer tube fork, you can also use a 1" quill stem shifters.
And there is a new option on the block, Retro-shift brake levers.
If you have a 1" threaded steerer tube fork, you can also use a 1" quill stem shifters.
And there is a new option on the block, Retro-shift brake levers.
#7
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SoCal
Posts: 834
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
One option not mentioned is to get a set of DKG Shift-Ease shifter pod mounts, this will allow you to get the shifters close to the brake levers and avoid the need to reposition your hands. This option is great if you have a large stash of parts, many on here do, everything needed aside from the DKG mounts was in my parts bins. As far as the additional parts, you'll need a pair of strap clamp towers off some old Suntour thumb shifters and some Shimano shift pods (specifically the integrated shift/brake lever with the attachment bolt) from the early 90's. DKG is still around, you might try contacting them to see if they have any Shift-Ease sets on hand.
A little side note, DKG designed the early seat post clamps for Salsa, you can still buy an original DKG for $10 or $15 cheaper than a new Salsa.
A little side note, DKG designed the early seat post clamps for Salsa, you can still buy an original DKG for $10 or $15 cheaper than a new Salsa.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bikelovers
Touring
10
03-30-14 07:42 AM