Vintage MTB To Upright Bar / Urban Bike Conversions
#351
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My first love was a GT Palomar 1998. The bar was rusty, the stem too and it cracked. I sold it some months ago because the frame was a bit rusty, but i really miss this bike although i hated the handlebar.
#352
Junior Member
#353
Gorgeous Trek @cooperryder
what size is it? What’s the stand over? Year?
i almost went with the DTHs!
what size is it? What’s the stand over? Year?
i almost went with the DTHs!
#354
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Kips Bay, NY
Posts: 2,223
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Pink Stumpjumper on the Pink Bridge
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#355
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Gorgeous Trek @cooperryder
what size is it? What’s the stand over? Year?
i almost went with the DTHs!
what size is it? What’s the stand over? Year?
i almost went with the DTHs!
I have two and both are 22" 1989 lugged 950's.
The first one is pictured earlier in this thread.
https://www.bikeforums.net/20739318-post155.html
I liked the first one so much when a 2nd one popped up near me I couldn't resist.
https://www.bikeforums.net/20948416-post296.html
This most recent one is running the
Maxxis DTH tires and the first is running
Compass / Rene Herse Rat Trap Pass tires.
Due to economics I have RTP's on just the one.
I think the DTH function well for me as do
Tioga Power Blocks, but of course I give the edge to the RTP's.
I find the DTH and Power Blocks about equal on performance, both being well made folding, fairly supple, roll well and are about the same weight of about 550g's each and about the same price.
I'm always on the lookout for other good 26" tires in that weight range or less.
I measure right at 33 1/4" on the stand over.
I'm about to build up another 26"er and might try a comparable tire if reasonably priced.
These vintage 26" bikes built up like many in this thread hit a sweet spot for me on versatility, comfort and economics for my type of riding.
Last edited by cooperryder; 08-14-19 at 08:28 PM.
#356
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Kips Bay, NY
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I really like your bike, @cooperryder. Is that a half step plus granny setup?
#357
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Join Date: May 2013
Location: Kips Bay, NY
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#358
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I really like your bike, @cooperryder. Is that a half step plus granny setup?
Thank you DorkDisk.
Good eye on the unusual crank configuration.
I attached a pic for a better look.
I guess not many old mtbs have DA cranksets, especially in a triple with a 28T granny ring.
I bought a Willow triplizer ring which fits on a 130 bcd crank with holes drilled to allow attachment of a 74 bcd ring.
I think it's currently in a 42x39x28 configuration.
No real strategy for a half step but when I built up the crank those were the workable rings I had in my sack of spare rings.
I may eventually change it to a 44x38x28.
The triplizers I've seen are typically pricey but I found this one on sale for a good price several years back.
Darn it, I just noticed I lost the pedal end cap.
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#359
Junior Member
#360
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Thank you DorkDisk.
Good eye on the unusual crank configuration.
I attached a pic for a better look.
I guess not many old mtbs have DA cranksets, especially in a triple with a 28T granny ring.
I bought a Willow triplizer ring which fits on a 130 bcd crank with holes drilled to allow attachment of a 74 bcd ring.
I think it's currently in a 42x39x28 configuration.
No real strategy for a half step but when I built up the crank those were the workable rings I had in my sack of spare rings.
I may eventually change it to a 44x38x28.
The triplizers I've seen are typically pricey but I found this one on sale for a good price several years back.
Darn it, I just noticed I lost the pedal end cap.
![](https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/2000x1504/20190815_071900_bb0d56a2dbdb56509a8a0d5f349bd128ea03c414.jpg)
Good eye on the unusual crank configuration.
I attached a pic for a better look.
I guess not many old mtbs have DA cranksets, especially in a triple with a 28T granny ring.
I bought a Willow triplizer ring which fits on a 130 bcd crank with holes drilled to allow attachment of a 74 bcd ring.
I think it's currently in a 42x39x28 configuration.
No real strategy for a half step but when I built up the crank those were the workable rings I had in my sack of spare rings.
I may eventually change it to a 44x38x28.
The triplizers I've seen are typically pricey but I found this one on sale for a good price several years back.
Darn it, I just noticed I lost the pedal end cap.
![](https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/2000x1504/20190815_071900_bb0d56a2dbdb56509a8a0d5f349bd128ea03c414.jpg)
#361
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Likes For DorkDisk:
#364
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Wide tires help smooth out the rough streets in my area.
I think these Michelin's roll well for a fattish tire even though they are about 200g's heavier each over the DTH's which I will be using on an upcoming build.
After mounting the tires Saturday I rode 30 miles on the bike Sunday morning and they really smoothed out the ride.
I've had them around 4 to 5 years and have run them on 4 different bikes.
They would not fit all I tried them on.
I previously had them on my Rockhopper which I recently sold but switched out tires first.
Best guess would be I've ridden them in the range of 2000 miles, perhaps a bit more.
Any clearance issues I've had are always at the chainstays.
The pics don't show it but they clear fine on this Trek 950, perhaps 2mm on each side.
I will measure.
I tend to run as fat of a tire as I can fit on my bikes.
On a few bikes I've had to deflate a bit to clear cantilevers.
However, these vintage Suntour XC Pro Canti's
I have on this bike
allow plenty of clearance with no deflating.
They aren't a Rat Trap Pass quality tire but I like'em and they've served me well.
I have my '26 tire radar ' tuned for an eventual replacement.
They are 26×2.35.
#365
Not racing.
I like smooth fat rollers, too. I'm currently in love with my Big Apples, can't really justify the price for the Compass tires. They're basically triple the cost of the Schwalbe's. But I need to leave clearance for fenders, so I'm not sure a 2.35 would fit in.
Not surprised that the tight spot is the chainstays, that always seems to be the point. Sometimes it's the front derailleur trying to reach the inner ring. At any rate, they look good and I'm sure ride beautifully. A good fit for that bike.
Not surprised that the tight spot is the chainstays, that always seems to be the point. Sometimes it's the front derailleur trying to reach the inner ring. At any rate, they look good and I'm sure ride beautifully. A good fit for that bike.
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#366
Senior Member
A couple of pictures of the Miyata On/Off RoadRunner I picked up recently for my youngest son. I built new wheels for it using old Shimano Exage hubs I had lying around. Tires are Schwalbe Big Apples, 2.15" / 55mm wide. Bars and fenders are also new, otherwise I used the parts that were on the bike.
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#367
Junior Member
I have been thoroughly enjoying riding my Trek 950.
It's one of those builds that every time I hop on it and ride a ways I just think, "Dang! This is one great riding bike!."
Fit and everything else just came together for my type of riding to make this one of my favorites.
The Compass/ Rene Herse Rat Traps contribute to the enjoyment in my view.
Here's a fairly recent pic I took along a trail when this yellow leaf tree caught my eye and I stopped and used it for background.
![](https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/2000x1942/img_20181216_125532693_3_f1b7135155f7cb29859a94c89a2090372f27f307.jpg)
It's one of those builds that every time I hop on it and ride a ways I just think, "Dang! This is one great riding bike!."
Fit and everything else just came together for my type of riding to make this one of my favorites.
The Compass/ Rene Herse Rat Traps contribute to the enjoyment in my view.
Here's a fairly recent pic I took along a trail when this yellow leaf tree caught my eye and I stopped and used it for background.
![](https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/2000x1942/img_20181216_125532693_3_f1b7135155f7cb29859a94c89a2090372f27f307.jpg)
Do you use road bike levers with some kind of special mounting support ?
I am looking for something equivalent for my ongoing project. (see drop bar conversion thread)
I have some difficulties to find such leves to purchase.
Last edited by Manu431; 09-09-19 at 06:01 AM.
#368
Senior Member
A couple of pictures of the Miyata On/Off RoadRunner I picked up recently for my youngest son. I built new wheels for it using old Shimano Exage hubs I had lying around. Tires are Schwalbe Big Apples, 2.15" / 55mm wide. Bars and fenders are also new, otherwise I used the parts that were on the bike.
![](https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/2000x1504/img_1209_150e31af17ec5370bc1d0853903d8ffbdfae8940.jpg)
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#369
Senior Member
Yeah that's a pretty cool color. Fortunately my son also appreciates the coolness of these early 90s paint jobs.
#370
Senior Member
Thread Starter
May I ask you what kind of speed levers do you use ?? (I have read somewhere Sunrace, but wich models ?).
Do you use road bike levers with some kind of special mounting support ?
I am looking for something equivalent for my ongoing project. (see drop bar conversion thread)
I have some difficulties to find such leves to purchase.
Do you use road bike levers with some kind of special mounting support ?
I am looking for something equivalent for my ongoing project. (see drop bar conversion thread)
I have some difficulties to find such leves to purchase.
I either bought them at Riv Bike or off ebay.
I like them ok, but wish they had a friction option.
I actually prefer the vintage Shimano XT or LX 7 or 8 speed thumb shifters but they are harder to find in decent condition.
I run the vintage Shimano LX 7 speed thumb shifters on my 2nd Trek 950.
I was wondering if any of you that like to tinker have figured out how to modify the Sunrace for friction only.
I read on the Riv site you can actually accomplished that by using the left side mounting pod with the right side shifter portion but you still hear the clicks.
Whichever way you decide to go you might doublecheck the clamp size matches up with the selected handlebar.
#372
Senior Member
Thread Starter
A couple of pictures of the Miyata On/Off RoadRunner I picked up recently for my youngest son. I built new wheels for it using old Shimano Exage hubs I had lying around. Tires are Schwalbe Big Apples, 2.15" / 55mm wide. Bars and fenders are also new, otherwise I used the parts that were on the bike.
![](https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/2000x1504/img_1209_150e31af17ec5370bc1d0853903d8ffbdfae8940.jpg)
![](https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/2000x1504/img_1209_150e31af17ec5370bc1d0853903d8ffbdfae8940.jpg)
It looks 'like new' in the pics.
#373
Junior Member
Thanks a lot for your answer.
I am building a bike with drop bar for my wife and I am looking for various solutions.
These thumb shifters looks really great.
She doesn't want bar end shifters, and probably not shifters on the stem or frame. She comes from MTB with gripshift, but I can not mount them on drop bars .
she really feels more comfortable with the speed (3x7) on the top of the bar itself.
Even trigger shifter would be nice, but probably not possible to mount them
(triggers shifter microshift are cheap and nice, but I am not sure they would go thru the drop bar (for 25.4 stem) until the horizontal part)
as the bike is "cheap", I also don't want to put a fortune on these shifters.
Some kind of thumb shifters (maybe friction only )would be ideal, or some kind of Frame shifter mounted on a support, but "paul's" type support are too expensive for this project)
Has maybe anyone a 3d print version available of analog type of support for frame shifter mount on a bar ??
Thanks again.
I am building a bike with drop bar for my wife and I am looking for various solutions.
These thumb shifters looks really great.
She doesn't want bar end shifters, and probably not shifters on the stem or frame. She comes from MTB with gripshift, but I can not mount them on drop bars .
she really feels more comfortable with the speed (3x7) on the top of the bar itself.
Even trigger shifter would be nice, but probably not possible to mount them
(triggers shifter microshift are cheap and nice, but I am not sure they would go thru the drop bar (for 25.4 stem) until the horizontal part)
as the bike is "cheap", I also don't want to put a fortune on these shifters.
Some kind of thumb shifters (maybe friction only )would be ideal, or some kind of Frame shifter mounted on a support, but "paul's" type support are too expensive for this project)
Has maybe anyone a 3d print version available of analog type of support for frame shifter mount on a bar ??
Thanks again.
#375
What a beautiful, functional bike. And I love that you are repurposing a bike rather than using the resources to make a new one. I have been unsure about the right tires for a bike that will be used for a bit of everything. With the Pilot Sport tires discontinued, what would you use now? Your thoughts on tire types would be very welcome.