Is it possible to convert this flat bar to a drop bar?
Was going to drop by a local bike shop tomorrow to ask as well..but kinda wanted to know before having to make all the secret moves..
Really trying to make this special for my husband..i bought this one bc it was within budget, figured my husband would appreciate that as well..but his previous bike years ago had drop bars..
Also, he’s already looking at bikes (fb marketplace) and i don’t know how to stop him bc i have this bike hidden in the house…do i just surprise him now before christmas..we always joke how i can never wait lol..ahhhh 😫😅
*Few notes:
– I had a friend try out the bike for me when purchased..same size as my husband and avid rider
– my husband likes tinkering w things so i thought about buying the bars for him to put on ..he volunteered briefly at a bike shop in college
by odub1
6 Comments
It’s not difficult for someone that has worked on bikes before but it’s more than just swapping the bars, you need new shifters that match the rear derailleur/cassette and you’d need to redo the brake and shifter cables. Personally i’d give it to him with the flat bars.
Not easy. Need new bar, brakes and shifters. Quite a bit of work and expensive. For the bike you are showing, probably cheaper to buy a. Ew bike.
It’s difficult and expensive, requiring replacement of many major components. It’s almost always cheaper and easier to simply purchase a drop bar bike.
It’s still a great bike and I’m sure he’ll be happy to have it. Maybe give it to him with the understanding that he might sell it to fund an upgrade to a road bike.
I agree with what other people have said. It’s not difficult but does require you to replace brakes and shifters and then wrap the bars which is a lot of work and will be stressful to do for the first time. I think you have time to find an awesome drop bar bike on fb! There are always vintage drop bar bikes on there which are super cool. Most important thing just know how tall he is so you can get the right size. And if you end up just giving him the flat bar I’m sure he’ll love it and convert it himself if he wants!
If you already have a pair of drop bars and are having trouble changing them or unsure of what needs to be done then go into your local bicycle store and ask them to do the change over for you. Depending on your budget I’m sure they will definitely be able to help you based around specific costs.
Not hard. Not expensive if you go with used gear. Get the matching Shimano road parts – probably Sora 3×8 (9?) brifters. Drop bars. Cables. Tape. That’s it.
I have done it more than once.