I'm considering buying this bike second hand, it's mostly for commuting around the city, but I'd like to be able to take it out for weekend/week-long trips every now and then. Other than the rest of the kit I'd obviously need, would it be a good idea to swap the handlebars out for drop bars?
by EwokImposter
12 Comments
My wrists say yes. Yours might be different.
If it’s comfortable for longer rides how it is now I would just keep the flat bars
Drop bars often require different brakes and levers, which can get expensive. Why not start with what you already have? If you run into issues like numb hands, you can still switch to a curved handlebar later.
Maybe rent a dropbar bike to see if you like it.
Other than subjective wrist , neck and lower back issues, (everybody is different), dropbars reduce your field of vision (and thus safety) on just about every axis, except straight ahead.
I’ve toured quite a few countries and have been happy and comfortable with flat bars
Nope. For touring no. I haven’t seen any bicycle tourist who has been doing it for a while use drop bars unless they have a super light setup and stuff like that. You could get those horns or aero bars or whatever they call them that you can lean onto and relax your hands.
I’d get some alt bars with back sweep. Check out bikepacking.com for a list of alt bars. Drop bars are cool if your into it but personally I like to be more upright and feel I have more control off-road. All a personal preference. I like the off-road beach cruiser vibe
Are you comfortable on long rides now? The advantage of drop bars is you can have a variety of hand positions and you can get I’m a more “aero” position. You’re mileage may vary but when I’m riding my touring bike I’m almost never riding in the drops
I would say try out what you have, and always adjust for pragmatism not aesthetics, there’s a reason why “dad bike” builds are popular right now.
I rode across all of Michigan with flat bars just fine. Haven’t used drop bars on a touring bike in 12 years.
Unless it’s your absolute preference, stick to that you have.
Also keep in mind that a bike that is build with flat bars already may not be as comfortable with drop bars as you would need to also get a shorter stem to get an equal position.
The best touring bike is the one you already have. No need to buy anything to get started
You need a bike that fits you and is comfortable to ride. And in good nick technically. Other than that, any bike is good for touring. Any bike you feel comfortable with.
Edit:
I don’t recommend putting drop bars on this bike. It will affect the stearing and your position on the bike (and thus both comfort and the centre of gravity) negatively.
If you like this bike, use it as it is.
I prefer flats, by far. An option to get aero is good tho.
Those bars will be fine. They have ergonomic grips on them already so if you angle those properly, they will be very comfortable on long rides.