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Are you sure they're nice for long distances?
Nope. But it might be fun to try 🙂
From experience (most of my bikes are kinda like this):
#1. Bar-end shifters for the drops? You can run (most of) them in friction mode (if you want / need to, and they really will shift pretty much anything like that). They aren't especially attractive set-up on bar-cons, but you could do that too on your flat-bar set-up which might (!) save you having to fanny about with swapping gear cables at all when you switch bars. My choice is the Dura-Ace 9sp SL7700's (on friction).
#2. Maybe ... install cable-operated calipers anyway, they'd work fine (with the right levers) on flat or drop bars. BB7MTN need V-brake levers, the BB7Road will operate off normal road levers. I dunno the Tekro versions, but the Cane Creek Drop V levers are a nice match for BB7MTN.
#3 Moustache bars might be a decent half-way - I've recently stuck a set of Mungo's on my Peregrine and it feels great (so much so, I've done the same thing to/with my Fratello).
#4. Bontrager do a 17° stem in a range of lengths, you might find you'll need a bit more rise than you'd think to get comfortable.
#5. Salsa's new Cow-chipper 'bar looks like an interesting 'bar - Midge's are always a solid choice for this kinda thing.
[quote=IanMunro ]
What's the point of the drops at all? Well they are nice for long distances, and I'm wondering if drops would be nice for really long distance - slightly more aero could make it slightly more efficient.
Are you sure they're nice for long distances?Absolutely. I've done long rides with both "normal" drops and Woodchippers and could recommend either.
[quote=molgrips]still got my eye on the Tour Divide one day.Jay Petervary rode his El mariachi with flats, bar ends and TT bars.
But you make a good point about the front mech.. hmm..
Maybe take the front mech and shifter out of the equation. Use a down/top/seat tube or steerer mounted friction shifter that can just stay with the bike, how much front shifting will you really be doing?
Rear can be 10 speed STI for drops and trigger for flats with appropriate mech, hydraulic discs for flats, cable BB7 or cx77 discs, I assume you have IS mounts front and back so the adaptors live with the callipers meaning you shouldn't have to re-adjust them each time...
Yep it can be done... I like the idea.
Better yet something like this old suntour shifter:
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Could be transferred between bars without needing cable adjustment as it's a band on type fit...
Whats the salsa on page one , looks interesting ?
Frankenbike has midge bars on it, perfect for head down-arse up riding!
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Not too shabby for a mountain bike..