FAKE Corner Bars - 90's Gravel Bike Conversion

[@oldshovel]

Thanks again to Ritual for sponsoring this video! I love their vitamins because of how simple and clear they are. Remember to click here ritual.com/OLDSHOVEL20 for 20% off your first month!

[@Sketchybackyardtrails]

@oldshovel what grease or cleaners would u recommend for a general tear down and clean of my bike

[@josipX]

It's just disgusting how cheap one can get 90s rigid frame bikes at your place. In Germany you can expect $250 and up for such a bike

[@0pvo0]

🥲

[@KulebyakMaster]

250$? Wow, you’re lucky!😂 For me it would be around 400-500 for that brand and age of bike

[@0pvo0]

@@KulebyakMaster this is not a completion who can piss further

[@nunce3813]

Nah just look better, I see great 90's bikes for sell everyday on Kleinanzeigen for really nothing. Just bought a 1996 Bianchi XC for 60 bucks 2 weeks ago in East Germany.

[@josipX]

@@nunce3813 share some good search terms. I feel like it's full of commercial listings and people who think they can match the prices of real restoration shops. Also probably worse in the south than east

[@felixr126]

"With the bars I needed to find a bike." my favorite sentence, building a project around one part...so awesome, I know that and it's so much fun.

[@davidwildstallionjohnson4458]

I just happen to have this bikes twin in my shed. I really like the way it rides. I purchased it from of all people a former professional mtb bike rider who was part of Team Specialized back in the day. He used the Crossroads Cruz as his " road trainer". I feel that there is all kinds of potential in these 90s "dad" bikes that is overlooked.

[@TheSandkastenverbot]

I bought the exact same bars because the originals from Surly were sold out everywhere. Installed them yesterday. Next stop: looking for people to convince me they won't break 😁

[@wilyamiyooo]

Meanwhile that 20 dollar Crosstrek will be sold at around 300-400 bucks here in my country because they're "vintage" or "classics" lol.

[@kevinfeeney5309]

I not only see those ads but $250+ for those Kent Roadtechs or gmc Denali road bikes too... talk about dreamers.

[@mountainsnmoore256]

Great video of Phase One. Digging the bars, with the numerous hand positions. When I ride, I have "position ADHD"...meaning I get bored really easy sitting in the same position, so I like to have options. I'm usually not hurting, I just get bored. Definitely enjoy seeing your paint videos. I know that there are some that get butt hurt over you painting these vintage bikes, but I think that is one of the things that sets your channel apart. I really enjoy seeing how they turn out. Can't wait to see the rest of the phases of this build.

[@janeblogs324]

Winteresting

[@jfaust97]

Just got my fake corner bars a week ago. Haven't built up the bike yet. Looking forward to getting them out for some mile!! Great Video as always!

[@michaellee3647]

Link?

[@bkquadstacker]

I ordered the same bar after seeing your Marin conversion.(In fact, basically copied that entire build on an old GT Arette, so thanks for the inspiration!) I thought someone had shipped me a sausage when I saw it in mailbox, and was slightly disappointed when I realized it was the handlebars I had ordered a month before! I've taken it on some rough enough trails, and it's still in one piece. Overall, quite satisfied!

[@guol1806]

Which width did you order? How well did it match what you expected?

[@DeeEight]

Ive had ENTIRE frames shipped that way from China. No box. Just 20 pounds of bubble wrap and tape. As it happens, I did a 29er-esque conversion of that EXACT model year Crossroads exactly 15 years ago for my then girlfriend. The original spec stock tires were Specialized Nimbus 700x41s but the frame will clear a 700x45 and the fork 700x50. Bontrager used to offer the Jones XR knobby tire in a foldable bead 29 x 1.8 size (which is essentially 700x45) which is what I used in my build for her. I used a Scott AT-2LF bar when I built it for her, and kept the gearing as 3x7 in order to re-use the original wheelset and crankset but updated it to V-brakes instead of cantilevers.

[@nosurfenougheddie]

Enjoyed the giving new life to that thrift store gem. I would appreciate in your video description the list of the new components used for this build. Also bust out the heat gun and get rid of that grubby chain stay guard. Keep em coming!

[@shannonreid5499]

I’ve just purchased a set of bars very similar to these to go on a 1991 stumpy I’m building as a gravel grinder, should be interesting

[@ronsmoore1]

Nice to have you back, Rob! I can't wait to get a quiet moment and watch this one. Thanks!

[@20LookInside12]

Ahhh look at all that tire clearance!! Up at 4am here on the West Coast. SO cool to see this pop up. Love these overhauls. Bars look great. Look forward to seeing how they feel offroad. Paint Job!? Flat black with gloss multi coloured (or stick with original pink accent) "Confetti" fade into frame from Steer Tube, Seat Tube, BB and Chain Stays. Could be fun. :)

[@oldshovel]

I like the confetti fade idea

[@raymondshaw1078]

Great build! I really dig the pink and black combo it currently has. Maybe a fresh flat black and hyper florescent pink. If it rolls, I like the components! Maybe spring for a decent saddle!

[@xoloitsquintli]

I like the colors as well, the blue on the grips goes well with the black and pink too. A couple more blue pieces would be nice.

[@timrice5342]

Ergon is a decent saddle?

[@4stroke4string]

Hey Oldshovel, I really like your videos. So slow, precise and with much respect for old quality and creative ideas how bring in new ideas - sometimes on sunday mornings, as I also love the noise, I even just have them running in the background like a soundtrack to start the good day 🙂 But of course I also watch them. And here in Switzerland, I often asked myself: what parts he works with, what products he uses for cleaning, polishing and preserving. I'd really estimate a list, if possible ,as clicking the Jenson Link there is none. Maybe sometime you'll provide one. Nevertheless: Many thanks for what you do. It's so different from all the loud rest on youtube. Regards Chris

[@jeremymitchell8470]

Since it’s a crossroads, what about a paint job that incorporates topographic contour lines or maybe a road map of your favorite area? Green, tan, brown and maybe some bright orange thrown on for accents would look awesome.

[@deanohit]

I added a topo effect to my bike with a DYEDbro stick on frame protection kit, it looks awesome and I don't need to worry about my paint job getting garked up

[@klotzey]

Received mein zniino corner bar in the mail like 2 weeks ago after harassing the guy who has the AliExpress shop to register for European/german recycling system to be able to send here, so he did, so i could buy! Haha. Can't wait to put it on the Panasonic MC-4500 (all STX) i scored for a 100 bucks in like new condition the other day. Can't wait to see you completing this project since I think the corner bars are great looking bars with plenty grip Options compared to a flat bar and also they look sweet on a steel bike! Thanks for your content.

[@carlsberg-gs6rl]

I have those ZNIINO carbon corner bars on my own MTB. They work great.

[@oldshovel]

awesome - good to hear. on my first ride they felt great with a good amount of supple.

[@kevinfeeney5309]

How long have you had them? I'm planning on getting some corner bars but haven't made up my mind. Genuine Surly or these ones I found out are made in the Philippines.

[@carlsberg-gs6rl]

@@kevinfeeney5309 I hade them for about 3 months. So far, so good. Very compliant set of bars but that helps with shock mitigation.

[@patoc2857]

No repaint just as it is in decent condition and the decals look good with the retro colour. Looks good just as it is. Lower rent build but nice and retro. Edit- $20. Get outta here with that. Amazing deal!

[@JohnPilling25]

Yes converting hybrid 700c size frames to gravel is a good idea because of the tyre clearances. Given the amount of rust in that frame I would suggest you get the frame grit blasted and honestly have it powder coated - if you are keeping the bike it's worth it. Vinyl or water slide decals stick and it can then be 2k clear coated to protect them. Add framesaver rust preventative inside the frame too. I have real surly corner bars and an adventX 1x10 on my Kona hybrid to gravel conversion. You will need bar tape. I cut down some sram grips to cover the ends of the corner bar protrusions which on the real corner bars are much longer and work like the hoods on drop bar bikes and are very comfortable to use when riding on "the hoods".

[@sveablu]

Hey John, check out some of Old Shovel's earlier videos. You may just learn a new trick or two about painting bikes....and about creating custom decals.😉 Cheers

[@janeblogs324]

Powdercoat is pretty garbage for bikes. It fades, can't be polished, a tiny chip let's water get under and it then rusts under the powdercoat. There's no zinc oxide in it either, literally nothing to prevent rust. Stick with 2k like every bike manufacturer has for the last 50 years

[@saguilar6599]

fist of all, congratulations, opting to adopt and resurrect that bike was very wise. Thanks fo the video sir.

[@dondonoplimo]

your videos are always soothing! can't wait for warmer days in your place so we see more rides and paint jobs.

[@christopherroberts4254]

If you have the frame stripped anyway. . . add the disc brake option. I have plans for a similar build with an 1991 Bridgestone MB-5. Looking forward to the next chapter.

[@garretthill6646]

I have a MB-5 I just put disk tabs on front and rear. Still working on putting it all back together.

[@gregrobertson9957]

I have 3 of these Crossroads Cruz bikes. Their forks are pretty svelte, really thin. Not sure they could take the torque twist of added disc tabs since they were not an option in that early era.

[@maxwellczekala3888]

I'm voting for it to be painted in "Bass Boat Blue," like the old Schwinn Homegrowns. I loved that frame color!

[@guol1806]

Seconded

[@ilovetodrift7557]

nice build just wanna ask an update how is the handle bar holding up as for quality?

[@edlauc]

What is the tire clearance of the Crossroads? Could it fit 50mm? 10:05

[@Bikeops2021]

Yes, I've got 29x2.00 Inch 50-622 on my CrossRoads Cruz & there's plenty of room left!

[@BruceChastain]

I got some oil slick MTB bars for my daughters bike from aliexpress, she's only 5 so she loves them, and they do look great. But one thing about them is the wall thickness is noticeably thicker then most other decent bars I've seen.

[@patchesthejaybird8431]

I would only consider a disc tab mod if having disc brakes was really warranted. If you ride in conditions that chew through the rim braking surfaces, or you ride hard enough that you need disc to get stopped quicker. I like the Oury grips, but would grip tape the rest of the bar surfaces for alternate hand placement. I have an old Peugeot with a mustache like bar. It has the factory black grips where your Oury are on the corner bar, I love the ergonomics of that bike. I need to ride it more this coming summer.

[@oscar2611]

Very good,giving New Life to the bike This handlebar is beautiful.

[@earlvinty4962]

what's the size of the new tires?

[@scrooge1913]

Love the build. Not sure what the tire clearance is like on this crossroads, but there are a few models that will fit a 29x2.25. Disc tabs would be very cool.

[@kami4542]

Where did you find that info about the 29x2.25 clearance ? I believe it's more like 29x2.00~2.10 I read that on reddit months ago about that exact Crossroads model

[@guol1806]

Great work turning it around. For painting it, 90's laser background would be pretty close to it's roots.

[@phil_deckrow]

Disc brakes! Go for it!

[@richardbridges7664]

Nice bike, did something similar myself. 2 things for me clip pedals and wrapped bars but that just personal preference

[@bicisdeluis4330]

One of my favorites built, for the frame, a really jewel, and the result even better, chao from Chile 🇨🇱 😊

[@shalomiyahyisrael]

Yes go disc. I have the same bike with a thread-less 1inch fork I will be going disc brake soon and would love to see how it looks for a future gravel build of my own. You first build looks great can you please tell me what size tires are you using? Thanks

[@SamanthaNickole02]

I bought some “imitation” corner bars on Amazon. I LOVE ‘em!!

[@szymonszym2082]

This time chain looks too short for me. Anyway pleasure to watch as usual.

[@adambrickley1119]

What size wheels did you use? You could buy carbon gravel forks and bolt on disk mount.

[@oldshovel]

700 c and I like what you’re thinking.

[@adambrickley1119]

@@oldshovel Id like to build a 90s gravel bike, thinking Klien attitude or Oranfe P7. Cross country all the way, back to my roots!

[@kevinfeeney5309]

To answer your question... if you do end up adding disc brake tabs repaint.... but I like how it looks now. Side note: I'm planning on getting corner bar copies from a maker in the Philippines. Bars are cheaper at $35 but the freight is horrendous... lol. Ends up same cost for genuine Surlys at $100.

[@GlennH92]

I have a 1994 Specialized Crossroads myself, build it with mudguards and lights. Really like the ride on it ! As for the paintjob i like the pink decals. The frame color i would go with a mettalic purple or bordeaux.

[@anthroxu]

If you do weld tabs on, can we have a welding party? I have three bike projects I want to do this for. Love the bars. I'm going to mimic your build!

[@plantbasedupinhere]

Old bikes are the way to go. I just got a GT Karakoram in a recent trade with 29” wheels. I was just looking at Surly Corner or Moloko bars for it.

[@ricardorivera6359]

Paint job , colors : green , yellow and blue , light red I have the original corner , and my set up is down shifters and i use tape bars . Nice for long ride and dont forget level the low part of the handel bars

[@markthomas3853]

On old bikes my fav brake setup is always mullet… disc in front and v in the back… not sure why other than it always worked so well for me lol

[@2scoops624]

Timely content, I've been looking at these exact bars.

[@carloslopez3113]

I bought that same corner bar. FANTASTIC. I have convert an old Trek hybrid 700 into a gravel bike. It’s awesome. steel and corner bar.

[@Bodaggnsalod]

I'm trying to get my hands on a Surly Corner Bar for weeks now, with no success :/. I thought about getting the Ali-Express clone too, but I'm sceptical - as of now, would you recommend it?

[@thinkpadBentnoseTheBlind]

As always, great video !

[@oldshovel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ahmedhasibshaokee2426]

Nice build. Was looking for a build video in hybrid bike. I also installed a Chinese corner bar in my Bianchi chameleon 2014.

[@ivanaraque]

The handlebar is indeed quite interesting, I’d like to see more of it on the road. I like what you do and have seen many of your videos. That said, I’d like to see you use a triple crank for once! I still prefer them to the “more modern” ones!! Finally, I know you prefer those, but the grips don’t seem to match the rest of the bike!! Thanks, happy trails. 🎉

[@maritimezombie7684]

That stock pink on black looks so nice, I vote do a modernized font and paint but use the same colour scheme

[@sagehiker]

A lot of love for your work and sharing. I want to see more disc conversion work but not interested in doing it myself. I never got beyond HS ag shop welding skills. I love quirky Surly and their design step outs.

[@michaelmann6482]

Crossroads for the win! One of my favorite 90s steel hybrids. OG 29ers 😉

[@anthonyclewis6996]

Show us how to weld disc tabs on steel frames and forks, and what we need please!

[@tedwingate]

I think brazing on disk tabs is a fantastic idea, if only for the channel content. I like the bike refreshes you do, but love the more complicated paint and problem solving some of your bikes get.

[@ArlotheSmall]

What shifter is that, or did you use some sort of adapter to insert it into the bar end?

[@williamfisher2780]

What wheels did you use for this build? Love the finished bike.

[@AndysTV]

How much and how heavy is the corner bar? What material is it made from?

[@michaelmclaughlin4324]

A non-handlebar question concerning switching from 7 or 8 speed to 10 speed. If you replace the free hub with a 10 speed hub, do you need a longer axle? Thanks

[@bennyjmarston]

What about doing some kind of weird modern take on a randonneur bike. The disc brakes, corner bars and 700c wheels would strike horror in a traditionalists heart (always a good idea in my mind) but the larger tires and solid frame would work on and off the road. Some kind of front rack for a rando bag (preferably bright colours to once again strike horror) and then the paint job could be some kind of map motif for a tip of the hat to the randonneur thing. I'd love to see you do some kind of decal overlay of your local trails. Just my 2 cents worth.

[@josevelazquez5310]

I had rebuild around 300 or so bikes in the last,4 years ,all kinds mountain ,road bikes ,bmx ,cruisers,it has been a hobby for me since I was a kid , and at 55 ,I still enjoy doing it, every year I do something different,can't stop, I do really enjoy mi time,I guess I'll do it till I die 😀😀😀...

[@christopherwebb3517]

I really liked the Super Blue finish with the plain steel graphics you did on that Lemond Street fighter bike. You should do that again.

[@MJA5]

Whatever more snowpack we get this year is bonus. I like your concept. Adding disc tabs might be worth the effort, especially if a paint job is in the future. That 90s color scheme is nostalgia but even back then I might have liked a different color than eggplant 😂

[@llewoel12]

Hello, Did you use the stuck wheels. I would like to covert mine to 1x10 or 11 if it works. Let me know. Thank you and appreciate your video's 😊

[@alexlikesoutdoors5825]

I think it would look pretty sweet with a gun metal paint job and black/neon green splatter!

[@johnnydoe66]

Disc tabs would be a nice addition, but not really necessary, in my opinion. With your artistic ability, maybe paint it to resemble a rock or gravel texture, it is a "gravel" bike. I hope to build a 26" wheeled "gravel" bike this year using my '98 Barracuda XC URT frame. I am thinking of either a camouflage or stone paint job myself

[@timrice5342]

Esi makes longer foam grips that would work on that bar. I put HS11's on my 1991 Schwinn Crosscut. Best brakes I've ever owned. Rim crushers! Haha

[@georgekrpan3181]

I got the aluminum Chinese knock off. It doesn't need shims and it doesn't slip in the stem clamp like the Surly's do.

[@ajacebal]

Fantastic video!!! I would like to ask you a question: I bought a 1990 Specialized Crossroads a few years ago, also for a gravel conversion. Although it came completely original, it did not bring the seatpost or the saddle. Could you tell me what is the seatpost diameter, please? Thanks a lot!

[@cfd3lsd]

How is the Chinese Carbon holding up? I'm considering these just to save weight over the Surly Steel.

[@01FozzyS]

Good bones on that Crossroads. I built my 1990 Crossroads in cherry color into my gravel with dropbars and brifters. It was a fun bike. As for paint job on yours, hmmmm....I'd go with something bright, Rob.

[@kami4542]

Nice ! Do you have any photos ?

[@01FozzyS]

@@kami4542 Sure do.

[@Taliber]

@oldshovel can I buy access to the file you used for the voodoo decal set? I'm building up a 90's Bizango but the paint is all but missing.

[@LifterAndy]

Please tell me why rub bearings with a metal brush?

[@oldshovel]

It was actually a plastic brush in this case but good question.

[@before1984soul]

Gives the bike a stealth look.

[@jorgepro8]

Hi, very nice conversion, very inspiring for a gravel project. For your answer, definitely bar tape and weld mounts for hydraulic disc brakes. Please remove the v-brake mounts in the fork and seatstays. For the paint job, you should do some flat mate color. army green or orange 021 U. What do you think? Have a nice day 😉😉😉

[@adammillsindustries.]

Great vid. What bottom bracket is that? Would it fit in my 1993 Marin bear valley? Also could do with a head set spacer under the stem? :)

[@jfbento]

Nice bike. I would not paint it. The bar could be better designed on the grips section. I wonder if that bend near the shifter and lever is confortable or not. Keep going with your good work. you are an inspiration for many, me included. Thank you. Cheers from Portugal.

[@bocksteinbikes]

Funny, I am doing the exact same thing with a Bridgestone MB2 frame. But I have taken it up a notch and am building 26“ carbon rimbrake wheels with closed rimbed, using Magura hydraulic rimbrakes. It's borderline stupid but I want to try this so bad. I will def use cushy bartape though. Seeing this makes me love your channel even more because i don't feel like I am the only one wanting to try things that seem odd. I run a bike brand with fancy carbon and titanium frames but I have a soft spot for revamping old bikes.

[@bocksteinbikes]

PS: hard to say what paintjob this build deserves. Keep the logo design at all cost though, love it.

[@bocksteinbikes]

PSS: I have the bars with integrated stem and the position suggest that your mounting is at the incorrect angle, tilted too much fwd. At least not how intended.

[@pectoral1227]

Hey just curious what width did you get for those handlebars?

[@claudio_calcagno]

interesting work, some time ago I also hypothesized that type of handlebar on my Specialized hardrock from the early 90s, did you notice if, using that type of handlebar, the handlebar support should be shortened or lengthened, or positioned higher than a straight handlebar classic or if it can stay on the same medium with the same setting? my fear of changing the type of handlebar is also changing the position in the saddle and having to find a compromise

[@andrewlin5972]

Any recommendations for wheels and best way to find them? Hard to come across 700c with 135 rear hub spacing

[@matwinner9708]

Just got the same bars but the newer version with longer stubs

[@czarna_polewka]

What handlebar width did you choose?

[@ChrisMcQueen]

My thoughts on the disc brakes is that it wouldn't be worth it. I think keeping the aesthetic of that era of bike is nice. I'm kind of torn on the handlebars. I like the shape of the bars themselves but the cables for the brakes and the shifters I think would drive me nuts. That's obviously a preference thing. As for the paint job, I do think it makes sense to have it look like the era of bike it came from. I had a hot pink KHS in the 90s and just loved it. Great build!

[@nathanwright6264]

Neon fade ala Klein, or a paint splatter design.

[@kitkat12326]

What size did you end up going with?

[@urlocalfingerboardertiloko]

Like a horizon effect color like a purple orange blend

[@PRH123]

So, 7 months later, how are.those bars doing...? Didn't break, didn't crack...? How much do they weigh by the way...? What key words to use to find them on Ali...? :)

[@martinslennon]

Great bike, thanks for the inspiration!

[@onebikestory9079]

I think to do the same conversion one day

[@oldshovel]

I highly recommend it

[@aktux]

Beautiful build!

[@wizaxed]

Are you holding a selfie stick for your camera? I find it interesting that the camera does not capture the stick - it looks like it's floating. What is this voodoo??? Thanks!

[@JohnPilling25]

it's an insta360 - it removes the selfie stick from 2 overlapping images in it's software - the shadow of the stick not at all.

[@DilbertMuc]

Could you tell us your feedback about corner bars vs. drop bars? Which one is better for touring? Corner bars have the advantage of using cheap shifters and brakes, worth to consider. Tip: You have to put a black spacer under the black headset to make it look good!

[@Lepercurtidoo]

And again, no answer...

[@GeekonaBike]

I'm curious if the Vee Brakes overpowered the skinnish tires? I like cantis myself & would have probably gone that route.

[@nickmassey9104]

Great idea Rob discs oh cable or hydraulic?

[@Z00L..ChUpAcUpS]

Would the forks withstand the braking of a disc brake?

[@Eduardo_Luis_gois]

Nice job on your 90s mtb!

[@jameszanghi3564]

What width bars did you go with?