DosWheelsBtr

Hello,

I have a '94 Trek 920 fully rigid mtn bike. I am looking to add drop bars to it. How would I go about this? It is a 3x7 system.

Thank You!

bikemig 

There is a whole thread on drop bar conversions for mtbs. I've done it; so have many others. It can be a worthwhile change.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...nversions.html

One problem is getting the bar high enough; there are solutions but you'll have to figure out what works. Easier to do with a one inch stem since Nitto makes some great tall quill stems; it may a be tougher to do for a one and 1/8 stem which I believe the Trek has.

The other problem is the shifters. You can go bar end friction or you can source a used 7 speed shimano bar end (or brifters). Alternatively you could go 8, 9, or 10 in the back and get the appropriate bar end shifters or brifters. This will require a new rear wheel that is 8, 9, or 10 compatible.

This is precisely what I did with my 1988 specialized stumpjumper comp which is currently my primary commuter but would make a fine gravel bike as well. I bought new wheels and I am running 3 x 8 gearing. This is the original 6 speed deore xt derailleur though:

mack_turtle

Do you have a bike with a drop bar that fits you? What is the actual top tube length on that frame? What's the top tube on the Trek mtb?

Generally, a drop bar adds quite a bit of reach to the bike, so if you want to take a bike that was designed around a flat handlebar and add a drop bar to it, you will want to start with a frame that is "too small" for you.

I like riding drop bars, but I would consider flat bars with comfy bar ends or some sort of "alt bar" as a useful option as well.

bikemig 

Not necessarily. Older vintage MTBs often don't have as long a top tube relative to their seatpost length as to modern MTBs. Agreed that top tube length matters a lot in sizing a MTB for drop bar conversion but that is true in any bike as well.

kuroba

The Shimano A070 brifters come in 3x7 and are not that expensive :-)