Drop bar conversion

[JhnBssll]

I kicked off the work today to convert my hybrid 3x9 tandem to a drop bar 2x11 gravel tourer. Here are some parts id amassed over recent weeks...

This is the starting point, a fairly standard ridgeback velocity:

I've gone GRX mechs with a wolf tooth roadlink to get a wider range cassette to work nicely...

Unfortunately I couldn't finish the brake routing as I need a straight adapter for the rear caliper...

Also added a suspension seatpost for the stoker on the back...

Here's where I've got to so far...

 

[HLaB]

Im not sure how cable pull will affect cable discs. The cable pull of STI's circa half of flat bar levers and I needed Problem Solvers Travel Agents when I converted a rim brake bike.

 

[JhnBssll]

Yeah thats one of a few reasons I opted to switch to hydraulic brakes, with 105 hydraulic levers and Hope RX4 calipers. I've got these calipers on all of my road and gravel builds.

The chain just arrived, ill get that fitted in the coming days while I wait for the other bits and pieces

 

[JhnBssll]

Turns out I'd accidentally ordered a 114 link chain despite knowing it needed a 122 so I had to nip to halfords to get another one mid-fettle

Anyway, I got the brakes piped up and the drivetrain finished this afternoon The bars are taped, and the bike computer mount is fitted. I've swapped the new saddles on and adjusted the preload on the suspension seatpost, all ready for a test ride now

I'm tempted to ditch the mudguards, there's not a lot of tyre clearance. Haven't decided yet

 

[sevenfourate]

Nice work - looks great ! Interesting conversion. Love me some ingenuity and problem solving. Hope it rides as good as it now looks 😎