MTB parts on S40

[Hubert]

Hello,

Sorry for my bad English knowledge. I read a lot here in the forum, and often google helped.

I am new to recumbent bikes and to Cruzbike. I would like to build an S40 because I have problems with my neck. I commute to the office every day and usually the whole year, except there is too much snow. There are some hills to climb, and as I am 59 years old I want to build the S40 with MTB parts, from shimano because there are two other bikes in the family with those parts.

Probably I will do this with 1x11 and a 11-46 cassette. The question is now, do I need another handlebar to use the flatbar shifter, or can I use the cruzbike handlebar. In an older thread I read that a Gator handlebar may be an option. And are there any other things I have to note? Unfortunately I dont' know anyone that own a cruzbike as they are quite seldom here.

Thank you for any answer!
Hubert

 

[Mathew Fy]

I recommend the Soma Gator drop handlebar. Flat bars put your hands too close to your chest.

 

[jond]

You can also mix road with mtb buy older cheaper tech say 10 speed. 11 -40 cassettes exist in ten speed. Eg praxis works. Long cage xo rear mech covers it so I’d imagine shimano would too. Or even consider a triple up front........... so many options but you might want bigger than a mtb 44 chainring and gear range to enjoy the s40 potential speed fully. 1 x systems.........limited but simply elegant.

 

[3WHELZ]

A WolfTooth Tanpan SH11 will allow you to mix Shimano road and MTB components. I created a thread on mashing up Ultegra and XT that may be helpful.

 

[benphyr]

@Hubert: If I understand you correctly - you want to use MTB shifter and brake levers on your S40. The stock Cruzbike S40 handlebar is a custom shaped Road bar for Road (wider diameter) components.

In order to fit your mountain bike (narrower bar diameter) components on the S40 it is possible to use a mountain bar but that places the hands too close to the chest.

So (@Mathew Fy's suggestion) the most similar setup is the Soma Gator handlebar that has a flared road bar shape with MTB diameter tubing for the "drops" allowing you to use your MTB shifters and brake levers

Here's an earlier thread on the same topic: https://forum.cruzbike.com/threads/handle-bar-roundup.12378/

And here post #37 explains the standard dimensions of road and mountain bike handlebars: https://forum.cruzbike.com/threads/has-anyone-tried-bars-like-this.11210/page-2

 

[Hubert]

Hello,

and thank you all for your answers.
I read the threads you suggested and I think, as Mathew Fy and Benphyr propose, I will try the Soma Gator handlebar. So I can use the same MTB shifters, Brake levers and also brakes I use on my other bikes. This is helpful, because so I can use the same replacement parts and working operation.
Indeed it would be the first time to try a 1x11 speed. On my other (upright) bikes I use a 105 2x10 and a XT 3x10. The 105 is no option for the future as I need to much power to do my daily route. And yes, the 1x11 is simply elegant, and for that I want to try this. With a 11-46 cassette and a 34t chainring it should be ok for my commuting. If I ever will ride again over the alps, I just change the chainring to a 30t. So far the theory...

With your help I know now that I should manage to build an S 40 according to my requirement. There is a bikeshop in France where probably I can order the frameset (I live in Germany). Unfortunately no other bikeshops here which have cruzbikes in their shop. Otherwise I will order directly from cruzbike.

Always a good and safe ride!

Hubert

 

[anotherbrian]

A WolfTooth Tanpan SH11 will allow you to mix Shimano road and MTB components. I created a thread on mashing up Ultegra and XT that may be helpful.

I'm using a Shimano XT rear derailleur with an 11-40T cassette and Dura Ace shifters with the WolfTooth. It's a little floppy when you get the wheel in and out, but it works great otherwise (I've used JTek Shiftmate adapters on prior bikes with similar results).

 

[Hubert]

I'm using a Shimano XT rear derailleur with an 11-40T cassette and Dura Ace shifters with the WolfTooth. It's a little floppy when you get the wheel in and out, but it works great otherwise (I've used JTek Shiftmate adapters on prior bikes with similar results).

Hello anotherbrian,

thanks for your suggestion, the same for 3WHELZ. I didn't know this adapter, and it seems to be very interesting. Indeed I think the more simple solution for me is another handlebar.

Best regards
Hubert

 

[anotherbrian]

Prior to owning a Cruzbike I thought the drop bar brifters was a hacked together, get-by-with-a-basic-road-gruppo solution.

Since owning my S40 I can’t imagine a better solution. I find brifters on the Cruzbike work even better than on a road bike; they’re so easy to simultaneously brake and shift.

Use what works for you, but after nearly 30 years of riding recumbents with bar-ends, Paul thumbies, and various flat bar options, I can’t imagine switching away from road brifters — at least with Cruzbike’s supplied handlebars.

 

[3WHELZ]

If you need pics of my install configuration, let me know, and I will post some. The Tanpan needs to be installed inline on a S40. There is insufficient clearance at RD. Other than working through initial cable stretch, it has operated flawlessly - no delayed shifting.

Dean