Author Topic: Oversize clamp for downtube gear levers?  (Read 1288 times)

Oversize clamp for downtube gear levers?
« on: 17 November, 2019, 05:31:35 pm »
Does such a thing exist?  ???
I'm thinking of converting my 1996 Marin Bear Valley from flat to drop bars. I don't fancy bar end shifters or Ergo / STIs.
Problem is that the downtube doesn't have bosses, only cable stops (very high up. close to the head tube)  and, more importantly, the downtube itself is oversize, about 34mm diameter, so a normal downtube clamp won't work.
I've plenty of spare, assorted levers, so just need the clamp.
I've tried the usual suspects, SJSC, Spa and Velo Orange.
Any ideas? Thanks.

IanDG

  • The p*** artist formerly known as 'Windy'
    • the_dandg_rouleur
Re: Oversize clamp for downtube gear levers?
« Reply #1 on: 17 November, 2019, 08:23:27 pm »
Problem Solvers do a 31.8 clamp, probably need to use an American supplier and at $40 it's not cheap.

https://problemsolversbike.com/products/shifters-derailleurs/downtube_shifter_mount_-_31244

Re: Oversize clamp for downtube gear levers?
« Reply #2 on: 17 November, 2019, 08:36:06 pm »
There's plenty of options to mount bottle cages without the braze on thanks to bikepacking fashion, you might find one suitable, though you'd need one for each lever.
Here's a selection
 https://bikepacking.com/index/add-cage-mounts-bike/
The DMR Hinged clamp looks the most robust.

Re: Oversize clamp for downtube gear levers?
« Reply #3 on: 17 November, 2019, 08:42:18 pm »
SJSC do Problem Solvers kit IIRC so if they haven't got it they might still be able to get it, if it exists. Have you asked or just looked at the website?

Looking at that Problem Savers clamp my first reaction was "3D printer" but it would likely end up very fugly and mahoosive if it was going to be strong enough (although would solve any problems of non-round tubes).

Re: Oversize clamp for downtube gear levers?
« Reply #4 on: 17 November, 2019, 09:38:43 pm »
What about stem mounted?

Re: Oversize clamp for downtube gear levers?
« Reply #5 on: 17 November, 2019, 09:51:02 pm »
What about stem mounted?

But use modern levers! The levers on old stem mounts (friction ones) don't pull enough cable for more than 6 cogs and sometimes it is difficult to stop the lever banging on the top tube in bottom gear. DAHIKT


Torslanda

  • Professional Gobshite
  • Just a tart for retro kit . . .
    • John's Bikes
Re: Oversize clamp for downtube gear levers?
« Reply #7 on: 04 December, 2019, 06:39:15 pm »
Crossbar mounted? Provided it's 28.6mm.

Or am I talking thru it again...?
VELOMANCER

Well that's the more blunt way of putting it but as usual he's dead right.