Converting from Dropbars to Straight - Worth it?
Discussion
I always thought I wanted a road bike, I finally got one to test the concept out, Turns out I don't like road bikes at all since I barely ever drive on tarmac and I don't like at all the position when using the bike.. I like the bike itself, it's rather light and nimble, however... the gear changes /brakes/position= sucks so bad 
I got the bike for £26 it was in fairly good shape however the components on it are just super basic- however all works and gears shift just fine.
I ''think'' I want a Hybrid bike now , to have something as light/nimble as a road bike but still fairly fast.
I had my eyes on Boardman Hybrid team ( roughly £250 for a good used one)..However I don't really want to spend any money now since I already got 2 bikes ( this one and a MTB) .. Or I could just convert this road bike to a hybrid myself?
So the plan was to take this bike and convert it to flat bars + new brake levers/gears + new tyres+ some new cables,new brake pads,new pedals.
-Is this a good idea to drop money on such a basic ''crap'' bike and try to convert it in something I can use? (we are talking about probably £40 investment) Or I should just sell it on and buy another bike which has much better stuff on it?
-What else do I need to convert it to a flat bar?
I will get a flat bar itself and this shimano ST-EF51 brake/shifter set
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shimano-7-Speed-Ez-Fire...
I might need some new cables , what else ?
I got the bike for £26 it was in fairly good shape however the components on it are just super basic- however all works and gears shift just fine.
I ''think'' I want a Hybrid bike now , to have something as light/nimble as a road bike but still fairly fast.
I had my eyes on Boardman Hybrid team ( roughly £250 for a good used one)..However I don't really want to spend any money now since I already got 2 bikes ( this one and a MTB) .. Or I could just convert this road bike to a hybrid myself?
So the plan was to take this bike and convert it to flat bars + new brake levers/gears + new tyres+ some new cables,new brake pads,new pedals.
-Is this a good idea to drop money on such a basic ''crap'' bike and try to convert it in something I can use? (we are talking about probably £40 investment) Or I should just sell it on and buy another bike which has much better stuff on it?
-What else do I need to convert it to a flat bar?
I will get a flat bar itself and this shimano ST-EF51 brake/shifter set
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shimano-7-Speed-Ez-Fire...
I might need some new cables , what else ?
What's uncomfortable about it? It looks as if that bike has been fixed up for someone who was too big for it. How does it actually fit you - particularly the stem length looks rather 'laid out'.
If the basic frame shape is OK for you, then you could make that into quite a nice hybrid with some fatter road tyres, shorter riser stem and flat bars. You may have to invest in a new fork if you want the bars higher.
If the basic frame shape is OK for you, then you could make that into quite a nice hybrid with some fatter road tyres, shorter riser stem and flat bars. You may have to invest in a new fork if you want the bars higher.
What size is that?
I'd love to find a bargain like that, as I have a 6700 Ultegra group, wheels, and finishing kit to find a use for, and an old steel frame that would be glad of some of the components off your bargain.
If you're anywhere near Farnborough, Hampshire, that bike is on the smaller side, and you want to punt it on, then I'd be happy to make you an offer...
I'd love to find a bargain like that, as I have a 6700 Ultegra group, wheels, and finishing kit to find a use for, and an old steel frame that would be glad of some of the components off your bargain.
If you're anywhere near Farnborough, Hampshire, that bike is on the smaller side, and you want to punt it on, then I'd be happy to make you an offer...
Seconding what everyone else has said - looks a bit small. Sell it on for a profit and get something like https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-se-road-bik...
Side note, it doesn't look like your rear brake is quite right - looks like the black bit that you flip up to increase the clearance for removing / refitting the wheel is partially open.
Side note, it doesn't look like your rear brake is quite right - looks like the black bit that you flip up to increase the clearance for removing / refitting the wheel is partially open.
It looks to me like someone has tried to slam the stem - the seat height looks a LONG way above handlebar height. If you can raise the handlebars, that will give you a more upright position, which will lessen the weight on your hands and wrists.
From what you have said, a flat bar bike would make more sense for you. Just be aware that most flat bar bikes really limit the amount of positions you can put your hands in, and on long rides that gets very uncomfortable.
From what you have said, a flat bar bike would make more sense for you. Just be aware that most flat bar bikes really limit the amount of positions you can put your hands in, and on long rides that gets very uncomfortable.
Are you sure you can't work with those bars? I remember the first ride I had on drop bars after mountain biking for years. Felt low, stretched and very, very twitchy. Didn't take long to get used to and now the mtb feels like a barge.
Also the hoods are too far forward/down. They really should form a horizontal line from the bars themselves (if that makes sense?). That's where my hands are around 90% of the time. Bring them back towards you and you'll end up with a more upright position. Get some spacers under the stem if that's not enough
The one thing drop bars are good at is giving you options of where to put your hands. With flat bars you have 1 position. 2 if you add bar ends.
Also the hoods are too far forward/down. They really should form a horizontal line from the bars themselves (if that makes sense?). That's where my hands are around 90% of the time. Bring them back towards you and you'll end up with a more upright position. Get some spacers under the stem if that's not enough
The one thing drop bars are good at is giving you options of where to put your hands. With flat bars you have 1 position. 2 if you add bar ends.
Gren said:
Are you sure you can't work with those bars? I remember the first ride I had on drop bars after mountain biking for years. Felt low, stretched and very, very twitchy. Didn't take long to get used to and now the mtb feels like a barge.
Also the hoods are too far forward/down. They really should form a horizontal line from the bars themselves (if that makes sense?). That's where my hands are around 90% of the time. Bring them back towards you and you'll end up with a more upright position. Get some spacers under the stem if that's not enough
The one thing drop bars are good at is giving you options of where to put your hands. With flat bars you have 1 position. 2 if you add bar ends.
It looks like the stem has been flipped. Remove, and turn through 180 degrees and refit.Also the hoods are too far forward/down. They really should form a horizontal line from the bars themselves (if that makes sense?). That's where my hands are around 90% of the time. Bring them back towards you and you'll end up with a more upright position. Get some spacers under the stem if that's not enough
The one thing drop bars are good at is giving you options of where to put your hands. With flat bars you have 1 position. 2 if you add bar ends.
This plus modifying the hood position should bring the front up quite a bit.
Doesn’t look like there is any spare stem to add spacers....
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