Hello,
I got this tri bike for a great price so I couldn’t say no. However, I really want a road bike.
How could I make this a road bike?
Is it as “simple” as putting some new handlebars on and maybe gearing?
Thank you!
by Damdenan
Hello,
I got this tri bike for a great price so I couldn’t say no. However, I really want a road bike.
How could I make this a road bike?
Is it as “simple” as putting some new handlebars on and maybe gearing?
Thank you!
by Damdenan
8 Comments
So, to convert a triathlon bike to a road bike, you sell the triathlon bike and buy a road bike.
Seriously. You can try all you want to convert one to the other, but it won’t work well.
you will need:
– drop bars
-drop bar tape
– shifters (assuming it will be compatible)
– Cable + housing
– Labor
– Stem* not sure if you will but check with your LBS
= $650 for decent parts + beer for your mechanic who will love you for this.
The frame geometry is completely different between tri and road bikes. The only thing you could keep on this bike is the groupset minus the shifters and brakes. Just sell and buy.
Sell and buy. Tri and road geometry are drastically different. Tri bikes are designed to go fast in a straight line. Spending over a grand by to make this a road bike will not be worth it for ride quality alone.
You’re first mistake: asking on reddit. Just do it and have fun.
Tri bikes tend to be one function only. Road bikes on the other hand can be used in tri, on gravel, etc with proper tires and so on. If you are stuck on keeping this changing to a road handlebar will eb the first step, assuming the frame is the right size for you. I doubt you will need to change the gearing.
Another vote to either sell and buy, or trade for a road bike.
The problem you’ll find is that the handling is going to be off. A TT bike rotates the rider forward and onto the front handlebars. The head tube height is shortened to get you into the low aero position. To get a road position, you’ll need to undo all of that. Push your seat back, raise the bars, shorten the stem etc. however, you’ll still have a shorter wheelbase so you’ll be seriously affecting how the bike handles. Good luck.