spacefolder

Hi guys!

I assume this has been asked before, but could find an answer.
I´m planning to convert a Trek 750 1996 (7 speed, shimano stx) to drop bars with bar end shifters, assuming friction shifting both back and front will be the way to go for maximum compatibility.

I really don´t even know where to start. There are too many options.

1) Will any brand / model work while in friction mode, if it supports triple chainring?
2) Cable pull length issues, etc.?
3) Diameter, fit size. Will they fit modern drop bars?
3) Any recommendations of someone who has got it right and working?

Thanks for your time guys..
Cheers!

bikemig 

I went with 8 speed shimano click shifting with my drop bar mtb conversion. Hard to go wrong with friction and the dial compe bar end shifters are a very good design.

I'd pick up one of these on a black friday sale (Ben's is having a 20 percent sale):

https://www.benscycle.com/p-2434-dia-...-shifters.aspx

Also Bens has a great selection of nitto bars and stems for your conversion as well. This is my bike with a nitto randonneur bar and nitto technomic stem:

DorkDisk

1)Yup. Just make sure it has a friction mode. Some new models dont have one

2) No problem. Thats the whole point of friction - it just pulls or releases cable

3) No problem. The only different dimension on new bars is in the bar clamp area

A few thoughts:

Make sure the hub really is a 7 speed only model. By 96 most OEMs specced 8 speed hubs with a spacer.

If you have a seven sp hub you can still use a 10 speed shifter with 9/10 cogs. Another cheaper option would be to run an 8sp shifter and 7/8 cogs. A thin spacer might be needed. The advantage to these will be that you will retain indexing