Show Your Vintage MTB Drop Bar Conversions
08-13-20, 07:01 AM
#6801
Full Member
Posting my 1988 Univega Alpina Uno in here again.
It went through a period with full fenders, racks and basket-- (first photo) but it started to see some singletrack so I stripped it down and put some tires on it that could handle the dirt a little better. I recently swapped the exage rear derailleur for a Suntour VX GT that I had in the parts bin. It's anachronistic, but it shifts better and looks way cooler. Swapped out the exage front cantis for some tektros.
Just picked up the Ruth Works Brevet bag which has the perfect capacity for the 30-60 miles rides I tend to take this bike on. Did a route the other day that had singletrack, gravel and pavement. Perfect.
It went through a period with full fenders, racks and basket-- (first photo) but it started to see some singletrack so I stripped it down and put some tires on it that could handle the dirt a little better. I recently swapped the exage rear derailleur for a Suntour VX GT that I had in the parts bin. It's anachronistic, but it shifts better and looks way cooler. Swapped out the exage front cantis for some tektros.
Just picked up the Ruth Works Brevet bag which has the perfect capacity for the 30-60 miles rides I tend to take this bike on. Did a route the other day that had singletrack, gravel and pavement. Perfect.
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08-13-20, 07:26 AM
#6802
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
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Bikes: 2017 Salsa Carbon Mukluk frame built with XT, 2018 Kona Rove NRB build with Sram Apex 1,2008 Salsa El Mariachi, 1986 Centurion Ironman
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08-13-20, 07:26 AM
#6803
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Posts: 1,257
Bikes: 2017 Salsa Carbon Mukluk frame built with XT, 2018 Kona Rove NRB build with Sram Apex 1,2008 Salsa El Mariachi, 1986 Centurion Ironman
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__________________
Don't complain about the weather and cower in fear. It's all good weather. Just different.
Don't complain about the weather and cower in fear. It's all good weather. Just different.
08-15-20, 11:00 AM
#6804
Full Member
Okay, she's done, for the most part! The brifters will need to be realigned (left is too low- should have checked before taping), but other than that, good to go.
Nishiki Meridian Drop-Bar Hybrid Project
Frameset- Nishiki Meridian, 18", refinished in Ford Magnetic Metallic Grey under 2K clear
Handlebar- Origin8 Gary 2
Stem- Sunlite 80mm 25 degrees, quill shortened 1"
Headset- Tange Passage
Seatpost- Strong Classic
Saddle- Fizik Rondine
Brifters- Campagnolo 8-Speed Ergo
Brakes- Tektro CR720 Cantilevers
Derailleurs- Suntour top-pull front, Campagnolo Mirage 8 medium cage rear
Crankset- Samox Pinnacle w/Shimano BB, 36/48 Sugino rings
Chain- KMC
Pedals- Velo-Orange Touring, no clips/straps yet
Wheelset- Shimano Deore hubs laced to Alex Rims, Shimano-spaced 7-speed Nashbar cassette
Tires- Panaracer GK Slick 700 x 38mm
Misc- Fizik bar tape, Rustines rubber bar plugs, Jagwire cable housing, Ciussi bottle cages
Ridewise, it's perfect for me. The effective top tube is 22"/55.8cm, making the Origin 8 Gary 2/Sunlite cockpit a great match. Doesn't stretch me out too much, and provides easier access to the drops. The GK slicks are a perfect all-round tire IMO for anyone who isn't racing. Back in the day (70s/80s), I rode 27" x 1.5" recreationally on the road, so a 38mm size is the logical replacement. There's enough clearance for 50mm tires if I want. Shifting Shimano 7 with Campagnolo 8 brifters and RD from my parts bin. No disrespect for vintage STI, but I want my cables under the tape, end of story. None of those aesthetic mods compromise the function for my riding.
Nishiki Meridian Drop-Bar Hybrid Project
Frameset- Nishiki Meridian, 18", refinished in Ford Magnetic Metallic Grey under 2K clear
Handlebar- Origin8 Gary 2
Stem- Sunlite 80mm 25 degrees, quill shortened 1"
Headset- Tange Passage
Seatpost- Strong Classic
Saddle- Fizik Rondine
Brifters- Campagnolo 8-Speed Ergo
Brakes- Tektro CR720 Cantilevers
Derailleurs- Suntour top-pull front, Campagnolo Mirage 8 medium cage rear
Crankset- Samox Pinnacle w/Shimano BB, 36/48 Sugino rings
Chain- KMC
Pedals- Velo-Orange Touring, no clips/straps yet
Wheelset- Shimano Deore hubs laced to Alex Rims, Shimano-spaced 7-speed Nashbar cassette
Tires- Panaracer GK Slick 700 x 38mm
Misc- Fizik bar tape, Rustines rubber bar plugs, Jagwire cable housing, Ciussi bottle cages
Ridewise, it's perfect for me. The effective top tube is 22"/55.8cm, making the Origin 8 Gary 2/Sunlite cockpit a great match. Doesn't stretch me out too much, and provides easier access to the drops. The GK slicks are a perfect all-round tire IMO for anyone who isn't racing. Back in the day (70s/80s), I rode 27" x 1.5" recreationally on the road, so a 38mm size is the logical replacement. There's enough clearance for 50mm tires if I want. Shifting Shimano 7 with Campagnolo 8 brifters and RD from my parts bin. No disrespect for vintage STI, but I want my cables under the tape, end of story. None of those aesthetic mods compromise the function for my riding.
Last edited by B17; 08-15-20 at 11:06 AM.
08-16-20, 07:43 PM
#6805
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: South Wales
Posts: 206
Bikes: 2016 Trek Emonda S6 frameset, custom build (road). 1995 Dawes Genesis Reynolds 531 Competition frameset, custom build (road). 1996 Orange C16R frameset, custom build (retro MTB). Coyote Dual hard-tail, custom build (MTB).
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Orange C16R 1996 Full rigid XC Mountain Bike 26er Drop Bar Conversion.
Images at bottom of list
Frameset: Series F8 Custom Double Butted Cromoly, 17" frame with Series F7 Custom Double Butted Cromoly forks, 1" steerer.
Handlebar: Selcof Sterrato Flared 31.8mm, 420mm W, 125mm D, 70mm R, black 6061 T6.
Stem: On One Hot Box, 7 degree, 80mm, 31.8mm clamp, 1.125" steerer fit. System Ex Quill Ahead Adaptor, 1" to 1.125", with 25mm spacer
Headset: Shimano HP-MC30 STX, 1" (NOS)
Seatpost: On-One Twelfty 350mm, 12mm lay back, 27.2mm diameter, 6061 T6
Saddle: Charge Spoon, brown, cro-mo rails
Brifters: Shimano Sora 3500 STI, 2 x 9.
Brakes: Tektro 992AG Oryx Cantilever front and rear. with Jagwire Road Pro cable set.
Derailleurs: Shimano Alivio RD-M4000, 9 speed rear. Shimano XT, FD-739, top pull 8 speed front with Jagwire Road Pro cable set.
Crankset: Stronglite Impact, 6061 Alloy, 110mm BCD, 5 Arm. Length: 170mm, JIS square taper, self extractor. Stronglite Dural 5083 Alloy, 46T and Shimano Sora FC-3550 Steel, SG-X 34T.
Pedals: Shimano PD-520 SPD.
Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN-72, 110mm axle, 68mm shell.
Chain: KMC X9-93, 9 Speed.
Wheelset #1 (Gravel / CX bias): Shimano Deore T610 hubset. EXAL Xtreme M-ZX19, 36 hole eyeletted rims (external W: 24mm, internal W: 19mm, depth: 21mm), 2mm DT Champion stainless straight gauge spokes. Shimano HG400, 12-36, 9 speed cassette.
Tyres #1 (Gravel / CX bias): Schwalbe CX PRO 35c-559 (26 x 1.35)
Wheelset #2 (Road bias): Shimano Deore T610 hubset. Mach 1 MX 6063 T6 alloy 32 hole eyeletted rims (external W: 23mm, internal W: 17mm, depth: 21mm), 2mm stainless straight gauge black spokes. Shimano HG200, 11-34, 9 speed cassette.
Tyres #2 (Road bias): Continental Contact Speed 32c-559 (26 x 1.30)
Inner Tubes: Schwalbe 25/40-559 (26 x 1.00/1.50) SV12A, 40mm Presta valve
Misc: Generic 2mm, punched, brown (double wrapped to the hoods) bar tape, Deda bar plugs, Jagwire Road Pro cable set (gear and brake), Cane Creek 27.2 mm to 29.6 mm, seat post shim, a2z 135mm OLN, 100mm OLN, alloy anodised orange, cro-mo spindles QRs, Zefal Aluplast 124 Technopolymer beam / Aluminium bottle cages, A2 Stainless steel M4 dome head hex cage boss bolts, in line adjusters on rear brake and front mech cables, Tektro 1277a fork mount alloy cable hanger, Tektro 1267A seat post clamp, with cable hanger, 31.8mm diameter, Crud Catcher (original, fitted as standard to the Orange).
Weight: Gravel / CX bias = 11.53 Kg / 25.42 lds. Road bias = 11.22 Kg / 24.74 lbs.
Cost of conversion: £623.01 / US$816.02 over 26 months. Offset against commuting cost savings of £378 / US$495.11 per annum. It will pay for itself in 1 year, 7 months and 23 days (ish)
Frameset: Series F8 Custom Double Butted Cromoly, 17" frame with Series F7 Custom Double Butted Cromoly forks, 1" steerer.
Handlebar: Selcof Sterrato Flared 31.8mm, 420mm W, 125mm D, 70mm R, black 6061 T6.
Stem: On One Hot Box, 7 degree, 80mm, 31.8mm clamp, 1.125" steerer fit. System Ex Quill Ahead Adaptor, 1" to 1.125", with 25mm spacer
Headset: Shimano HP-MC30 STX, 1" (NOS)
Seatpost: On-One Twelfty 350mm, 12mm lay back, 27.2mm diameter, 6061 T6
Saddle: Charge Spoon, brown, cro-mo rails
Brifters: Shimano Sora 3500 STI, 2 x 9.
Brakes: Tektro 992AG Oryx Cantilever front and rear. with Jagwire Road Pro cable set.
Derailleurs: Shimano Alivio RD-M4000, 9 speed rear. Shimano XT, FD-739, top pull 8 speed front with Jagwire Road Pro cable set.
Crankset: Stronglite Impact, 6061 Alloy, 110mm BCD, 5 Arm. Length: 170mm, JIS square taper, self extractor. Stronglite Dural 5083 Alloy, 46T and Shimano Sora FC-3550 Steel, SG-X 34T.
Pedals: Shimano PD-520 SPD.
Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN-72, 110mm axle, 68mm shell.
Chain: KMC X9-93, 9 Speed.
Wheelset #1 (Gravel / CX bias): Shimano Deore T610 hubset. EXAL Xtreme M-ZX19, 36 hole eyeletted rims (external W: 24mm, internal W: 19mm, depth: 21mm), 2mm DT Champion stainless straight gauge spokes. Shimano HG400, 12-36, 9 speed cassette.
Tyres #1 (Gravel / CX bias): Schwalbe CX PRO 35c-559 (26 x 1.35)
Wheelset #2 (Road bias): Shimano Deore T610 hubset. Mach 1 MX 6063 T6 alloy 32 hole eyeletted rims (external W: 23mm, internal W: 17mm, depth: 21mm), 2mm stainless straight gauge black spokes. Shimano HG200, 11-34, 9 speed cassette.
Tyres #2 (Road bias): Continental Contact Speed 32c-559 (26 x 1.30)
Inner Tubes: Schwalbe 25/40-559 (26 x 1.00/1.50) SV12A, 40mm Presta valve
Misc: Generic 2mm, punched, brown (double wrapped to the hoods) bar tape, Deda bar plugs, Jagwire Road Pro cable set (gear and brake), Cane Creek 27.2 mm to 29.6 mm, seat post shim, a2z 135mm OLN, 100mm OLN, alloy anodised orange, cro-mo spindles QRs, Zefal Aluplast 124 Technopolymer beam / Aluminium bottle cages, A2 Stainless steel M4 dome head hex cage boss bolts, in line adjusters on rear brake and front mech cables, Tektro 1277a fork mount alloy cable hanger, Tektro 1267A seat post clamp, with cable hanger, 31.8mm diameter, Crud Catcher (original, fitted as standard to the Orange).
Weight: Gravel / CX bias = 11.53 Kg / 25.42 lds. Road bias = 11.22 Kg / 24.74 lbs.
Cost of conversion: £623.01 / US$816.02 over 26 months. Offset against commuting cost savings of £378 / US$495.11 per annum. It will pay for itself in 1 year, 7 months and 23 days (ish)
Last edited by Bob the Mech; 08-18-20 at 12:27 PM. Reason: Additional data added.
08-18-20, 11:57 AM
#6806
bOsscO
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Location: Vancouver
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Posting my 1988 Univega Alpina Uno in here again.
It went through a period with full fenders, racks and basket-- (first photo) but it started to see some singletrack so I stripped it down and put some tires on it that could handle the dirt a little better. I recently swapped the exage rear derailleur for a Suntour VX GT that I had in the parts bin. It's anachronistic, but it shifts better and looks way cooler. Swapped out the exage front cantis for some tektros.
Just picked up the Ruth Works Brevet bag which has the perfect capacity for the 30-60 miles rides I tend to take this bike on. Did a route the other day that had singletrack, gravel and pavement. Perfect.
It went through a period with full fenders, racks and basket-- (first photo) but it started to see some singletrack so I stripped it down and put some tires on it that could handle the dirt a little better. I recently swapped the exage rear derailleur for a Suntour VX GT that I had in the parts bin. It's anachronistic, but it shifts better and looks way cooler. Swapped out the exage front cantis for some tektros.
Just picked up the Ruth Works Brevet bag which has the perfect capacity for the 30-60 miles rides I tend to take this bike on. Did a route the other day that had singletrack, gravel and pavement. Perfect.
08-18-20, 04:21 PM
#6807
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 92
Bikes: 1980 Peugeot PFN-10, 1989 Bridgestone MB-3, 1988 Univega Alpina Uno, 1974 Velosolex Saint Tropez, 1995 Trek 830, 1986 Lotus Odyssey, 1987 Schwinn Mirada, 1987 Raleigh Elkhorn
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08-21-20, 08:51 AM
#6808
bOsscO
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08-21-20, 10:10 AM
#6809
Full Member
Nice!
Posting my 1988 Univega Alpina Uno in here again.
It went through a period with full fenders, racks and basket-- (first photo) but it started to see some singletrack so I stripped it down and put some tires on it that could handle the dirt a little better. I recently swapped the exage rear derailleur for a Suntour VX GT that I had in the parts bin. It's anachronistic, but it shifts better and looks way cooler. Swapped out the exage front cantis for some tektros.
Just picked up the Ruth Works Brevet bag which has the perfect capacity for the 30-60 miles rides I tend to take this bike on. Did a route the other day that had singletrack, gravel and pavement. Perfect.
It went through a period with full fenders, racks and basket-- (first photo) but it started to see some singletrack so I stripped it down and put some tires on it that could handle the dirt a little better. I recently swapped the exage rear derailleur for a Suntour VX GT that I had in the parts bin. It's anachronistic, but it shifts better and looks way cooler. Swapped out the exage front cantis for some tektros.
Just picked up the Ruth Works Brevet bag which has the perfect capacity for the 30-60 miles rides I tend to take this bike on. Did a route the other day that had singletrack, gravel and pavement. Perfect.
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08-25-20, 10:00 AM
#6810
Full Member
Apparently we're a Mirada household now. I'd been waiting for one of these to show up at the co-op as a bar/grocery bike for my wife. 1985ish Mirada Mixte. Mix of Deore (derailleurs), XT (brakes & pedals) and 600 (levers) components, whatever was in the co-op parts bin, shifted by 8 speed Shimano bar ends. Bars are Nitto B115s covered in some real nice feeling leather tape that everyone had decided was too much hassle. The stem is a Tioga T-bone chromoly deal. Fenders are rusty steel from a Huffy on the scrap pile. I think the crank and the headset are the only things left from the original bike.
08-25-20, 10:33 AM
#6811
Cheerfully low end
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I’ve switched this bike back to SS and back to drop bars. I don’t really like this new picture because the driveway isn’t quite level with the door so it looks a bit odd.
Anyway it’s an ‘88 RockHopper that has seen probably 8000 or more miles on crushed stone trails and connecting paths since I got it about three years ago.
Otto
Anyway it’s an ‘88 RockHopper that has seen probably 8000 or more miles on crushed stone trails and connecting paths since I got it about three years ago.
Otto
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08-25-20, 02:05 PM
#6812
Junior Member
I’ve switched this bike back to SS and back to drop bars. I don’t really like this new picture because the driveway isn’t quite level with the door so it looks a bit odd.
Anyway it’s an ‘88 RockHopper that has seen probably 8000 or more miles on crushed stone trails and connecting paths since I got it about three years ago.
Otto
Anyway it’s an ‘88 RockHopper that has seen probably 8000 or more miles on crushed stone trails and connecting paths since I got it about three years ago.
Otto
08-25-20, 02:34 PM
#6813
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Greenville SC
Posts: 4,129
Bikes: 1975 Motobecane Grand Jubile, 2020 Holdsworth Competition, 2022 Giant Trance 29 3
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Well, well, well....what do we have here 
1998 Hardrock Sport. Not the fanciest bike, but it's at least DB chromoly and in really great shape. And the top tube is about 22.5", right where I like it for drop bar bikes
.
Oh, and it was free!
Trying to decide what route to go with it - either keeping the V-brakes and running drop bar levers with barcons or switch to cantis and run an 8 speed Campy Mirage triple group.
This will be my second experience with 26" wheels, the first being a 1985 Mirada that I did not get along with at all. This geometry looks a lot steeper in the front end so I think it will be a bit better feeling ride for me.
1998 Hardrock Sport. Not the fanciest bike, but it's at least DB chromoly and in really great shape. And the top tube is about 22.5", right where I like it for drop bar bikes
.Oh, and it was free!
Trying to decide what route to go with it - either keeping the V-brakes and running drop bar levers with barcons or switch to cantis and run an 8 speed Campy Mirage triple group.
This will be my second experience with 26" wheels, the first being a 1985 Mirada that I did not get along with at all. This geometry looks a lot steeper in the front end so I think it will be a bit better feeling ride for me.
08-25-20, 03:10 PM
#6814
Senior Member
Apparently we're a Mirada household now. I'd been waiting for one of these to show up at the co-op as a bar/grocery bike for my wife. 1985ish Mirada Mixte. Mix of Deore (derailleurs), XT (brakes & pedals) and 600 (levers) components, whatever was in the co-op parts bin, shifted by 8 speed Shimano bar ends. Bars are Nitto B115s covered in some real nice feeling leather tape that everyone had decided was too much hassle. The stem is a Tioga T-bone chromoly deal. Fenders are rusty steel from a Huffy on the scrap pile. I think the crank and the headset are the only things left from the original bike.
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08-25-20, 03:40 PM
#6815
small ring
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Apparently we're a Mirada household now. I'd been waiting for one of these to show up at the co-op as a bar/grocery bike for my wife. 1985ish Mirada Mixte. Mix of Deore (derailleurs), XT (brakes & pedals) and 600 (levers) components, whatever was in the co-op parts bin, shifted by 8 speed Shimano bar ends. Bars are Nitto B115s covered in some real nice feeling leather tape that everyone had decided was too much hassle. The stem is a Tioga T-bone chromoly deal. Fenders are rusty steel from a Huffy on the scrap pile. I think the crank and the headset are the only things left from the original bike.
__________________
59 Allegro Special -- 72 Bob Jackson -- 74 Motobecane Grand Jubile -- 74 Sekine SHS 271 -- 80 Nishiki International
85 Shogun 800 -- 86 Tommasini Super Prestige -- 92 Specialized Rockhopper -- 17 Colnago Arabesque
59 Allegro Special -- 72 Bob Jackson -- 74 Motobecane Grand Jubile -- 74 Sekine SHS 271 -- 80 Nishiki International
85 Shogun 800 -- 86 Tommasini Super Prestige -- 92 Specialized Rockhopper -- 17 Colnago Arabesque
08-25-20, 04:28 PM
#6816
Senior Member
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Apparently we're a Mirada household now. I'd been waiting for one of these to show up at the co-op as a bar/grocery bike for my wife. 1985ish Mirada Mixte. Mix of Deore (derailleurs), XT (brakes & pedals) and 600 (levers) components, whatever was in the co-op parts bin, shifted by 8 speed Shimano bar ends. Bars are Nitto B115s covered in some real nice feeling leather tape that everyone had decided was too much hassle. The stem is a Tioga T-bone chromoly deal. Fenders are rusty steel from a Huffy on the scrap pile. I think the crank and the headset are the only things left from the original bike.
08-25-20, 04:51 PM
#6817
Junior Member
Apparently we're a Mirada household now. I'd been waiting for one of these to show up at the co-op as a bar/grocery bike for my wife. 1985ish Mirada Mixte. Mix of Deore (derailleurs), XT (brakes & pedals) and 600 (levers) components, whatever was in the co-op parts bin, shifted by 8 speed Shimano bar ends. Bars are Nitto B115s covered in some real nice feeling leather tape that everyone had decided was too much hassle. The stem is a Tioga T-bone chromoly deal. Fenders are rusty steel from a Huffy on the scrap pile. I think the crank and the headset are the only things left from the original bike.
08-25-20, 05:19 PM
#6818
Full Member
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08-25-20, 08:54 PM
#6819
Cheerfully low end
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I’ve really enjoyed this as a drop bar bike. It’s my main bike in the winter and spring when our trails are either frozen or soft (or some of each).
If need be, I have a wheel set with Race Kings that I can put on if things are tending to be soft and slippery. Right now it has the wheels with smooth tires.
And it’s my main ride in summer if I’m going on a route with anything like bigger gravel or if I just want the big tires to baby me.
I even have an extra 26” wheel with a Continental Hometrainer for the month or so in the worst of winter where it might be cold enough or dangerous enough on the trails to tempt me to ride indoors, but I’m more likely to just do a strictly road ride as soon as the ice clears, because I’m not that into riding on an indoor trainer.
Otto
If need be, I have a wheel set with Race Kings that I can put on if things are tending to be soft and slippery. Right now it has the wheels with smooth tires.
And it’s my main ride in summer if I’m going on a route with anything like bigger gravel or if I just want the big tires to baby me.
I even have an extra 26” wheel with a Continental Hometrainer for the month or so in the worst of winter where it might be cold enough or dangerous enough on the trails to tempt me to ride indoors, but I’m more likely to just do a strictly road ride as soon as the ice clears, because I’m not that into riding on an indoor trainer.
Otto
08-26-20, 08:09 AM
#6820
Full Member
Apparently we're a Mirada household now. I'd been waiting for one of these to show up at the co-op as a bar/grocery bike for my wife. 1985ish Mirada Mixte. Mix of Deore (derailleurs), XT (brakes & pedals) and 600 (levers) components, whatever was in the co-op parts bin, shifted by 8 speed Shimano bar ends. Bars are Nitto B115s covered in some real nice feeling leather tape that everyone had decided was too much hassle. The stem is a Tioga T-bone chromoly deal. Fenders are rusty steel from a Huffy on the scrap pile. I think the crank and the headset are the only things left from the original bike.
08-27-20, 02:52 PM
#6821
bOsscO
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The front derailleur is almost always the hang up with this set up as it really depends on the crankset you are running. You can get away with a "mountain" (XTR, XT, LX, etc.) front derailleur if you are running a compact mountain crank. However, if you are running a chainring larger than 44T (typically), you will need a "road" (Dura Ace, Ultegra/600, 105, etc.) front derailleur because the length of the cage and the curvature of the cage can handle the throw of the chain without binding up on the larger diameter rings. It really doesn't matter if you are running a double or a triple crankset, the limit screws can be let out to handle either but the size of the cage is the sticking point. When I set up my '88 Cimarron LE with the Sugino Super Maxy double (48/38) crank I had to run a 105 front derailleur, this proved helpful later when I decided to run a STI brifter.
- use a compact crankset
- biggest chainring is 40 tooth
- Road FD does work but MTB FD may work
- Stick with linear pull caliper brakes like the IRD Cafam 2
Anything critical I'm missing?
08-27-20, 03:34 PM
#6822
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^^^ Linear pull calipers? Or did you mean linear pull(V) brakes? You'll be fine with cantilever brakes with brifters.
08-27-20, 06:06 PM
#6823
Senior Member
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Bikes: 2016 Trek Emonda S6 frameset, custom build (road). 1995 Dawes Genesis Reynolds 531 Competition frameset, custom build (road). 1996 Orange C16R frameset, custom build (retro MTB). Coyote Dual hard-tail, custom build (MTB).
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Quoting 7-y/o posts from this thread to see what's changed in the ability to use STI style brifters on an early 90's MTB drop bar conversion. Sounds like I should be able to run brifters if I;
- use a compact crankset
- biggest chainring is 40 tooth
- Road FD does work but MTB FD may work
- Stick with linear pull caliper brakes like the IRD Cafam 2
Anything critical I'm missing?
- use a compact crankset
- biggest chainring is 40 tooth
- Road FD does work but MTB FD may work
- Stick with linear pull caliper brakes like the IRD Cafam 2
Anything critical I'm missing?
My current drop bar conversion drive chain, with no functionality issues...
https://www.bikeforums.net/attachmen...1&d=1597628362
Brifters: Shimano Sora 3500 STI, 2 x 9.
Crankset: Stronglite Impact 110mm BCD, 46T / 34T. Was toying with the idea of 48T / 36T chain ring combo too.
Derailleurs: Shimano Alivio RD-M4000, 9 speed rear. Shimano XT, FD-739, top pull 8 speed front
Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN-72, 110mm axle, 68mm shell.
Chain: KMC X9-93, 9 Speed.
Brakes: Tektro 992AG Oryx Cantilever front and rear. with Jagwire Road Pro cable set.
Last edited by Bob the Mech; 08-27-20 at 06:11 PM.
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08-28-20, 04:25 PM
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bOsscO
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Vancouver
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Bikes: 2024 Spec Crux, 2015 Norco Search S1, 93 Mongoose IBOC COMP
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My current drop bar conversion drive chain, with no functionality issues...
https://www.bikeforums.net/attachmen...1&d=1597628362
Brifters: Shimano Sora 3500 STI, 2 x 9.
Crankset: Stronglite Impact 110mm BCD, 46T / 34T. Was toying with the idea of 48T / 36T chain ring combo too.
Derailleurs: Shimano Alivio RD-M4000, 9 speed rear. Shimano XT, FD-739, top pull 8 speed front
Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN-72, 110mm axle, 68mm shell.
Chain: KMC X9-93, 9 Speed.
Brakes: Tektro 992AG Oryx Cantilever front and rear. with Jagwire Road Pro cable set.
https://www.bikeforums.net/attachmen...1&d=1597628362
Brifters: Shimano Sora 3500 STI, 2 x 9.
Crankset: Stronglite Impact 110mm BCD, 46T / 34T. Was toying with the idea of 48T / 36T chain ring combo too.
Derailleurs: Shimano Alivio RD-M4000, 9 speed rear. Shimano XT, FD-739, top pull 8 speed front
Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN-72, 110mm axle, 68mm shell.
Chain: KMC X9-93, 9 Speed.
Brakes: Tektro 992AG Oryx Cantilever front and rear. with Jagwire Road Pro cable set.
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