kurtridesbikes

Hi everyone - this is my first post about my first bike, so bear with me!

I bought a 1980 Schwinn Mesa Runner on Craigslist about a month ago and have been using it to commute to work (9 miles each way) everyday it doesn't rain. I originally bought the bike because I'll be riding in the Bike MS: City to Shore Ride, but have fallen in love and looking forward to calling cycling a hobby for years to come.

With that being said, the City to Shore ride is at the end of September and frankly I don't think Ruby (my bike) is prepared. The route is 80 miles from Philadelphia to Ocean City, New Jersey, so I'm looking to make some upgrades to make her more comfortable and efficient to ride.The first change I made was replacing the original saddle with a WTB Pure V (not pictured) and my rides have been more comfortable since.



I'm looking to replace the handlebar next because the original one is not a good position or style for me. I was thinking of replacing with a bullhorn, but wanted to get opinions and suggestions since I'm very new at this bike stuff.

What handlebar would you guys recommend? And when I replace it, will I have to get new brakes and shifters?

I have a ton of other questions and changes I'd like to make, but this is the most practical right now. Thanks for reading and your help!

- Kurt

browngw 

Good looking bike and welcome to the forum. I have a WTB PureV saddle on my new Salsa and find it pretty good for longer distances. I guessing you don't want a drop bar bike or that's what you would have purchased. It's nice to be able to change your hand/wrist /body position on longer rides to prevent fatigue. A riser bar with bar ends of various sorts can do that easily. A nice clean drive train and a new chain makes for quiet easier pedalling. Quality metal pedals, preferably with clips or clipless will keep your feet in the right place on the pedals. A smooth rolling slick tire may be a good choice.
Good luck and a safe ride to you.

https://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...2&d=1408395539

wrk101

Drop bars or trekking bars, your choice. Trekking bar conversion would be cheaper. I'd also consider lighter/narrower tires (slicks).

kurtridesbikes

All great information. Thanks, browngw!

I'm not opposed to a drop bar bike, I didn't buy one because none of the ones on Craigslist either didn't fit me or weren't as nice as Ruby. I just hadn't listed as an option because I wasn't sure if a drop bar would look good on her or if it was a good fit.

kurtridesbikes

oh wow, I didn't know about trekking bars. Those look like the best fit. What makes you say the conversion would be cheaper? Keep in mind I'm very new, so in my mind replacing just means removing the current handlebar and putting the new handlebar in it's place.

Also, the next upgrade I was planning on doing is new tires. Any recommendations? I'd like to keep the white tires. I think it gives her that extra flare.