Transformation info

12-14-2003, 04:20 AM

I am rather new to cycling, and have an older Univega Alpina Country that I
won in a contest about 12 years ago. I think that particular model was at
the time considered a hybrid bike with the crowbar handlebars and the knobby
tires. I am wondering if I could reasonably turn this into a road bike by
replacing the knobby tires with road tires and replacing the handlebars with
the curved road bars, brake/shifter combination, etc. Would it be
cost-effective to do so? I just recently bought a Trek 4500 to accomodate
the all-around riding that I am presently doing, but want something
specifically for road use and faster speeds than the Trek I have. Thanks
in advance for any advice!

12-14-2003, 08:52 AM

In article <NsZCb.143189$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com >,
wwest <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com> wrote:
>I am rather new to cycling, and have an older Univega Alpina Country that I
>won in a contest about 12 years ago. I think that particular model was at
>the time considered a hybrid bike with the crowbar handlebars and the knobby
>tires. I am wondering if I could reasonably turn this into a road bike by
>replacing the knobby tires with road tires and replacing the handlebars with
>the curved road bars, brake/shifter combination, etc.

You could make that change, although it wouldn't really make it a
"road bike".

> Would it be
>cost-effective to do so?

No.

> I just recently bought a Trek 4500 to accomodate
>the all-around riding that I am presently doing, but want something
>specifically for road use and faster speeds than the Trek I have. Thanks
>in advance for any advice!

I would consider changing the tires and nothing else. The tires
are the item that will make the biggest improvement and cost the least.

--Paul

12-14-2003, 09:37 AM

"Paul Southworth" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:Sr1Db.39064$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].verio.net...
> In article <NsZCb.143189$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com >,
> wwest <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com> wrote:
> >I am rather new to cycling, and have an older Univega Alpina Country that
I
> >won in a contest about 12 years ago. I think that particular model was
at
> >the time considered a hybrid bike with the crowbar handlebars and the
knobby
> >tires. I am wondering if I could reasonably turn this into a road bike
by
> >replacing the knobby tires with road tires and replacing the handlebars
with
> >the curved road bars, brake/shifter combination, etc.

[snip]

> I would consider changing the tires and nothing else. The tires
> are the item that will make the biggest improvement and cost the least.

I agree with Paul. Tire change is cheap and easy. You could also put bar
ends on the straight bars, giving you a few more hand positions, another
easy and relatively inexpensive change. The rest is more trouble and money
than it is worth it.

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Warm Regards,

Claire Petersky
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12-14-2003, 11:26 AM

In article <Sr1Db.39064$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].verio.net>,
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Paul Southworth) writes:
> In article <NsZCb.143189$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com >,
> wwest <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com> wrote:
>>I am rather new to cycling, and have an older Univega Alpina Country that I
>>won in a contest about 12 years ago. I think that particular model was at
>>the time considered a hybrid bike with the crowbar handlebars and the knobby
>>tires. I am wondering if I could reasonably turn this into a road bike by
>>replacing the knobby tires with road tires and replacing the handlebars with
>>the curved road bars, brake/shifter combination, etc.
>
> You could make that change, although it wouldn't really make it a
> "road bike".

An interesting coincidence -- I was just looking at this page:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Brian DeSousa's account of his MTB -> touring bike conversion.
He gives much detailed description, complete with cost breakdowns.

cheers,
Tom

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12-14-2003, 01:53 PM

Claire Petersky wrote:
[snip]
>
> I agree with Paul. Tire change is cheap and easy. You could also put bar
> ends on the straight bars, giving you a few more hand positions, another
> easy and relatively inexpensive change. The rest is more trouble and money
> than it is worth it.

Trouble, yes, but not always expensive. I converted my Specialized
Crossroads from straight bars to 'priest' bars, and then to drop bars
with bar-ends. The final conversion cost about $25 for a used set of
barcons, plus some tape and cables. The bars and stem came from a free
donor.

Lots of fiddling, though. At least with barcons the left/front shifter
is friction mode, but even so, it was finicky to get it just right with
typice hybrid MTB derailers. And of course, no brake adjusters on either
canti brakes or road levers, so inline ones are called for. Not
installed yet, just called for.

I find I shift less with barcons than with twist grips, but often
enough. When I do shift, it's like a Honda 5-speed on a good day -
snicks right into gear as if telepathy were involved. Twist grips always
felt like brute force to me.