Can you convert a 26" MTB to a retro drop handlebar tourer?

[cyberknight]

We're currently looking for frames: I found a nice lugged steel frame with the attachments we need and am unfortunate 1990's colour combination, but the cables un along the top bar meaning we need to get brifters. As the bike will cost about €140 I don't really want to spend hundreds on the Brifters but I can't find any that are an 'affordable' price. Any suggestions?

Can i ask why the cables running along the top tube mean you need brifters? surely you can just loop the cable from the shifter to the cable stops ?

 

[chriswoody]

If your after bar end shifters, there's a few on Kleinanzeigan. Heres one pair that caught my eye, a little scruffy but only €45. They all seem to be about €50. Doubt you'll find a second hand set much cheaper.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Can i ask why the cables running along the top tube mean you need brifters? surely you can just loop the cable from the shifter to the cable stops ?

If I'm honest, because it didn't occur to me to do what you suggested...

I think I'd prefer the cleaner looks of Brifters though...

 

[12boy]

Have you considered moustache bars? They look nice, can run bar end shifters and get your hands further back than drop bars, thereby making up for the longer top tube. They are wider than drops and offer at least as many hand positions as drop bars. Another option are flipped alloy North Road bars which will also compensate for the long top tube , if your son`s build is such he feels too stretched out on the drops. I`'ve seen some gorgeous scorcher with flipped alloy North Roads.

 

[iandg]

I've done it, need to work on getting the right bar set up and everything's cool