Converting a 90's MTB into a retro drop bar bike

[C R]

Thanks for the tips...

Yesterday I remembered why I'm doing this slightly loony project:

We stripped most of the bike down on the weekend, but the cranks and BB needed some tools I hadn't got, so we arranged that Elder Son would ask his boss to lend us a couple. He was a bit unsure about this for fear of making a mistake (Thanks schools system) but agreed to give it a go.

Yesterday evening he rang the bell and reported that he did have the tools, so I went downstairs to lend moral support. He'd already started, and looked up to say "Hi dad, I though you might like to see how this works" waving the mother of all BB spanners about. He took hold of the bike, instructed me to hold it "Like this" Swung the spanner, undid all the bolt while explaining how he did it, and finished job in five minutes.

Then he bounced up the stairs and announced to the world in general: "I can fix bikes..."

You can't buy that...

[Edited: Tenses mixed up.]

It is a lovely feeling that.

 

[roadrash]

Thanks for the tips...

Yesterday I remembered why I'm doing this slightly loony project:

We stripped most of the bike down on the weekend, but the cranks and BB needed some tools I hadn't got, so we arranged that Elder Son would ask his boss to lend us a couple. He was a bit unsure about this for fear of making a mistake (Thanks schools system) but agreed to give it a go.

Yesterday evening he rang the bell and reported that he did have the tools, so I went downstairs to lend moral support. He'd already started, and looked up to say "Hi dad, I though you might like to see how this works" waving the mother of all BB spanners about. He took hold of the bike, instructed me to hold it "Like this" Swung the spanner, undid all the bolt while explaining how he did it, and finished job in five minutes.

Then he bounced up the stairs and announced to the world in general: "I can fix bikes..."

You can't buy that...

[Edited: Tenses mixed up.]

priceless...

 

[raleighnut]

Good tools make all the difference is another lesson but Chapau to the lad

 

[cambiker71]

The Elder Son is nothing if not persistent in his quest. We now have a 90's vintage MTB.

Here's Mr. Ugly, aka the purple peril. currently a rolling museum of 1990's MTB technology with the singularly inappropriate name of 'Didgeridoo':

View attachment 434163

View attachment 434164

We're hoping this will eventually become a rather more attractive retro-styled drop bar tourer, albeit with such modern intrusions as v-brakes. Okay, it probably wouldn't be allowed on the l'Eroica, but it would be a nice reliable bike we'd enjoy riding while being pretty much unnickable.

It'll also give us both a lot of experience with more involved type repairs and maintenance and with Drop handlebar bikes, and more importantly, a project we can do together, possibly the last chance before Elder Son leaves home.

The plan is that this will become a shared commuter/touring bike and maybe, just maybe, make it to Japan when we next visit relatives, so we can go on a localish tour.

Back soon, with lots of questions...

That looks a lot like how mine started!

I don't have the downtube shifters on mine, originally used stem shifters, but have now changed it to 1 x 7 with a brake/shifter instead (no pics as yet!)

 

[Andy in Germany]

A very nice looking conversion. We'll need mud guards on ours as it'll be used in all weathers, poor thing.

 

[mcshroom]

As it already has the canti brakes, the simplest conversion might be to get some tourney Sti shifters.

Otherwise I'm another who's recommend bar ends. I've found them remarkably simple to get used to on my hybrid-drops conversion

 

[mcshroom]

You'll struggle getting drop bar brake levers for V-brakes at a reasonable price...

If there's no shifting involved then Tektro rl520 levers work well and are only about £20

 

[Drago]

I use the RL520s, excellent kit.

 

[chriscross1966]

You'll struggle getting drop bar brake levers for V-brakes at a reasonable price...

Campagnolo Corsa Record levers intended for use with Delta brakes have a long cable pull

 

[TheDoctor]

Campagnolo Corsa Record levers intended for use with Delta brakes have a long cable pull

I'll bet they're not cheap!
Must admit, I'd not come across the Tektro V drop levers - when I was looking at this, it was Dia-Compe or nothing.

 

[Andy in Germany]

I'll bet they're not cheap!
Must admit, I'd not come across the Tektro V drop levers - when I was looking at this, it was Dia-Compe or nothing.

I was a bit surprised to find them myself: I ordered them immediately even though we were not sure if we would try the project or not, on the basis I may not find them again.

 

[chriscross1966]

I'll bet they're not cheap!
Must admit, I'd not come across the Tektro V drop levers - when I was looking at this, it was Dia-Compe or nothing.

They're not as sought after as the Powergrade adjustable reach levers, recent Powergrades going for 60-100 quid on ebay, with the non adjustables for half that. NOS of either is a bit daft though.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Elder Son brought these back from work yesterday:

View attachment 437639

I'm assured these will work with the existing 8 speed MTB rear mech*, so now I've got to organise getting the bike to work to attach braze-ons.

*If you know otherwise please let me know before I do something irreversible...

 

[DCBassman]

Rear mechs, particularly of that age, much more compatible than bang up to date kit. Had no trouble putting 8-speed Alivio mech on Scott roadie, and the brifter worked well. It's the front mech that usually causes hassle, and I doubt that will be an issue with downtube shifters.

 

[chriscross1966]

I'll bet they're not cheap!
Must admit, I'd not come across the Tektro V drop levers - when I was looking at this, it was Dia-Compe or nothing.

Not too bad if you dont mind a used set, NOS in the box will attract the same scene tax all that era Campy stuff does.