CRAZY Drop Bar Mountain Bike Project: Part One – Softride Powercurve

drop handlebar mountain bike conversion

This video is sponsored by FSA (Full Speed Ahead). Visit https://fullspeedahead.com for a comprehensive lineup of components for gravel bikes and more, including the company’s innovative line of AGX components. Cranksets, handlebars, seatposts, and more, for your gravel bike.

Crazy Drop Bar Mountain Bike Project: Part One

Alternative Video Link for those reading via email subscription.

In this video, JOM reveals plans for this fun project bike, the Softride Powercurve, that came to him courtesy of a local bike shop, namely Bikes and More of Gainesville, Florida. It pays to visit your LBS!

drop handlebar mountain bike conversion

Continued from Above:

“Softride was a manufacturer of bicycles located in Bellingham, Washington. They specialized in bicycles for triathletes. The bicycle frames were distinctive for their lack of seat tubes and seat stays. The idea was to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve ride comfort. The company no longer manufactures bicycles, and focuses on bicycle carriers instead.” – Wikipedia.org

drop handlebar mountain bike conversion

As this video proves, the company also produced mountain bikes, which were part of the suspension controversy during the 1990’s. Namely, a debate concerning suspending the rider versus suspending the bike. This is akin to what we’re seeing with gravel bike designs that feature suspension. Many riders question the need, whilst others embrace the concept. Admittedly, much of this isn’t new technology.

drop handlebar mountain bike conversion

The beam design “was developed by James Allsop and David Calopp, and became the most successful of the beam suspension systems. It was intended as a retrofit for traditional diamond frame bicycles, at first, but there were concerns about causing frame damage.”

drop handlebar mountain bike conversion

“The Softride Suspension System was launched at the Interbike 1989 bike show. The original SRS systems consisted of two foam-filled fiberglass boxes bonded together with a viscoelastic layer. Originally intended for the use in mountain bikes, Softride produced its first full-fledged mountain bike, the PowerCurve, in 1991. In 1996 Softride released its first aluminum frame road bike, the Classic TT. The Softride Suspension System is used almost exclusively for triathlon racing.”

Additional Photos

drop bar mountain bike conversion
Cantilever Brakes

drop bar mountain bike conversion

drop bar mountain bike conversion
Shimano STX 3x Crankset
drop handlebar mountain bike conversion
7-Speed Shimano STX Drivetrain

drop handlebar mountain bike conversion

drop handlebar mountain bike conversion

drop handlebar mountain bike conversion

drop handlebar mountain bike conversion

drop bar mountain bike conversion

drop bar mountain bike conversion
One of the original Suspension Stem designs

drop bar mountain bike conversion

drop bar mountain bike conversion

drop bar mountain bike conversion
USA Made Frame!

drop bar mountain bike conversion

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