On Tue, 31 May 2005 21:30:54 Julian Simpson <julian.simpson@...>
wrote:

I recently converted an old mountain bike to touring, replacing bars, stem,
shifters, cables, and brake levers (and brakes, BTW). I agree that barcons
are great. Regular drop-bar levers work well with cantilever brakes, but I
understand that V brakes need more pull, and so you need an adapter.

I don't understand your finding a lack of lightweight touring bikes. My
project was because I wanted 26" tires, had the necessary parts (which made
the conversion cheap), and found a good old (~1990-92) and cheap mountain
bike. The result is not a lightweight bike, however, nor anything close to
one as light as I think I could buy new.

YMMV, of course.

Ken
----------------------------

> If you're serious about wanting a lighter touring bikes there are many
> options around 20lbs.
> If you're going to go with the drop bars I'd take Dennis up on his
> offer for the barcons. It's a good option.
>
> On 5/31/05, Dennis Rowell <rowelldennis@...> wrote:
>> --- In ultralightbiking@yahoogroups.com, "craigeckhoff"
>> <craigeckhoff@y...> wrote:
>>> I am rather disappointed with the weight of new bicycles. Cheap to
>>> middle price mountain bikes with full suspension alum. frames weigh
>>> around 50 lbs. Touring/road bikes are only a few lbs lghter unless
>> one
>>> goes to the high end prices. I have a 1992 mountain bike,
>> low-middle
>>> price, no shocks, steel frame, and set up for touring, about 28
>> lbs.
>> I
>>> will keep it as long as the frame last. Long frame without monster
>>> sized tubing as most steel or alum frames do. I use the "straight"
>>> handle bars. About the only change I may make is trying a drop
>> style
>>> handlebar. Has anyone tried this ? Does one need to change the
>> brake
>>> handles and shifters.? I have small, thumb style, friction shifters
>>> that look like they would work OK if somewhat limited. Any imput
>> will
>>> be great.
>>
>> craigeckhoff. I'm in the process of changing my Specialized
>> Crossroads
>> Trail over to a touring bike using drop bars. This requires changing
>> brake levers and shifters to road style. i'm using Shimano aero
>> brakes
>> and Shimano barcons (bar end shifters). I have an extra set of
>> barcons
>> in excellent condition (friction only) that I would sell to you for
>> $15
>> + $3.75 shipping. If you want them please contact me at:
>> rowelldennis@...