handlebar conversion on trek
#1
handlebar conversion on trek
I have a trek that has suntour accushift plus shifters,deraillers are suntour xcmaster...I want to put drop handle bars on it,get rid of the flat bar,what needs to be done...this is a 91 trek 750
#2
Extraordinary Magnitude


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 14,081
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From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
I think the first thing you would do would be to decide on what kind and what bars you want to use. Figure out what shape (or better yet, what model) of bars you want, and figure out if you need a stem with a different sized clamp diameter.
The next thing is brake levers- you'd need to find some drop bar brake levers.
Because flat bars are different diameter from drop bars (generally speaking), you'll need to figure out how you want to be shifting. You may, or may not be aware that Suntour's Accushift indexing is different from Shimano's SIS indexed (click) shifting. 6 speed is the same, but 7 and 8 have different spacing and cable pulls. If you go with bar end shifters, you'll have to find Accushift compatible shifters, OR friction shifters, OR change your derailleurs to Shimano if you want to use Shimano shifters.
I have not had any luck with pairing Suntour indexed shifters with Shimano rear derailleurs. I've heard of some people having the opposite experience.
This is an experience of figuring out what you like, and how you want to accomplish it.
Good luck!
The next thing is brake levers- you'd need to find some drop bar brake levers.
Because flat bars are different diameter from drop bars (generally speaking), you'll need to figure out how you want to be shifting. You may, or may not be aware that Suntour's Accushift indexing is different from Shimano's SIS indexed (click) shifting. 6 speed is the same, but 7 and 8 have different spacing and cable pulls. If you go with bar end shifters, you'll have to find Accushift compatible shifters, OR friction shifters, OR change your derailleurs to Shimano if you want to use Shimano shifters.
I have not had any luck with pairing Suntour indexed shifters with Shimano rear derailleurs. I've heard of some people having the opposite experience.
This is an experience of figuring out what you like, and how you want to accomplish it.
Good luck!
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#3
Extraordinary Magnitude


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 14,081
Likes: 2,135
From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
By the way- this was the "Rosetta Stone" of handlebars for me- as posted by ColonelJLloyd.
B135 45cm

B132a 44cm

B177 44cm
B135 45cm

B132a 44cm

B177 44cm
__________________
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
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#5
Still learning

Joined: May 2012
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From: North of Canada, Adirondacks
Bikes: Still a garage full
I believe your 1991 750 is a Multi-Track, a very nice hybrid. I have an upgraded Multi-Track 700 that I enjoy very much.
By the time you add up the costs of new bars, shifters, cables, housing, and brake levers, you'd probably be better off financially to seek out a used vintage road bike. You can even find Trek Road bikes for as little as $50 if you take your time.
By the time you add up the costs of new bars, shifters, cables, housing, and brake levers, you'd probably be better off financially to seek out a used vintage road bike. You can even find Trek Road bikes for as little as $50 if you take your time.
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 121
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From: Brooklyn, NY
Bikes: Lotus Legend (1982), Lotus Excelle Mixte (1984), Lotus Classique (1984)
https://blog.peterlombardi.com/index....itrack-update/
I know you are looking for drop bars and, I haven't seen the color...but I've always liked this conversion.
I know you are looking for drop bars and, I haven't seen the color...but I've always liked this conversion.
#8
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I'm not a fan of Treks at all
Thanks for posting the link to my site edsall78.
The mustache bars are great, I've never really felt a lacking in regards to drops on my 750.
But if you want an easy conversion to drops, I'd go friction bar end shifters and Tektro levers, which ever ones match the brake pull on your bike. It shouldn't be that hard, but you'll have to re-cable everything as well.
As stated before you'll need to swap stems as well, a dirt drop is best for the mustache, and your preference on the drop bar, I might suggest the technomic though.
Anyhow, it should be fun and I'm a huge proponent of anything bike project based
-peter
Thanks for posting the link to my site edsall78.The mustache bars are great, I've never really felt a lacking in regards to drops on my 750.
But if you want an easy conversion to drops, I'd go friction bar end shifters and Tektro levers, which ever ones match the brake pull on your bike. It shouldn't be that hard, but you'll have to re-cable everything as well.
As stated before you'll need to swap stems as well, a dirt drop is best for the mustache, and your preference on the drop bar, I might suggest the technomic though.
Anyhow, it should be fun and I'm a huge proponent of anything bike project based

-peter
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 121
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From: Brooklyn, NY
Bikes: Lotus Legend (1982), Lotus Excelle Mixte (1984), Lotus Classique (1984)
After seeing what you did with the 750 (and the 950)..I was convinced to try something similar. However, it seems like these 750/790's (1990-1992) are getting harder and harder to find for less than $200--also they are always smaller than i'd like. I feel like in several years that particular make and model will be considered a true classic. The moustache bars are a very nice touch.
#10
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks Edsall, but yeah, sadly these early 90's treks are finally getting their due, which sadly means that they're coming up in cost and availability is going down.... There are still deals to be had though
I just got a smaller 990 for my lady friend for about a $130 with a bunch of good stuff on it. Going to build it up as an Alfine 8 tourer for her so she can come along on rides. Going to go mustache on it as well.
I just got a smaller 990 for my lady friend for about a $130 with a bunch of good stuff on it. Going to build it up as an Alfine 8 tourer for her so she can come along on rides. Going to go mustache on it as well.
#12
Extraordinary Magnitude


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 14,081
Likes: 2,135
From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Have you considered "Trekking Bars?"
That would give you dozens of hand positions, there's all kinds of orientations for the bars, all kinds of grip and tape options AND you would be able to keep your flatbar components.


That would give you dozens of hand positions, there's all kinds of orientations for the bars, all kinds of grip and tape options AND you would be able to keep your flatbar components.

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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Last edited by The Golden Boy; 01-19-14 at 02:19 PM.





