Am I nutz to convert my Litespeed road bike to a flat handlebar? - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

Radman · 01-04-2008, 02:54 AM

I'm short-waisted and never use the drops. I mainly ride in the hoods.

Jimbo · 01-04-2008, 02:54 AM

in my humble opinion that would be totally uncool, i would just keep the road bars because its a big hastle to change and you will get crap loads of grief from fellow riders, like me.

McG · 01-04-2008, 02:55 AM

Tell you what. Before you do that ride a flat bar bike. You may not want to do it.

First. You will have to change the bars and shifters/brake levers. The ones on your drop bars aren't compatible. The
change is expensive at least, a hassle at the most.

Second. You do not have many hand position options on a flat bar. At least with drop bars you have: on the hoods, in front of the hoods, on the bend, and the flat by the stem. "Walking the bars" with you hands does keep the numbness from your hands.

Finally for those rare occasions where you are into a wind, for instance, and you want the drop. On flat bars if you go for the drop you will faceplant the pavement.

Consider this decision very carefully before proceeding.

Edit: It wouldn't? LOL

DIFFO · 01-04-2008, 02:55 AM

Not nutz,a lot of people in my club ride flat bars as they prefer the more upright riding posision,and find it more comfortable for riding long distance,as the flat bar is wider as well and people with back problems sometimes prefer it,as you have been riding drops,it will take some getting use to,and maybe you won't like it,go for it,it might bring a new cycling fullfillment.As for myself,it's always the drop.Good cycling.

M R · 01-04-2008, 02:55 AM

Well, it's your bike, do as you please. But, if ya ride the hoods as most of us do what's the problem? The top of your bar still gives more hand positions than a strait bar. Also, the conversion is costly, bar, shifters, cables, stem...

Have you tried a short riser stem? Do you have any room to shim your stem up? (if you have a thread-less) Moving your bar up and closer may give you the drops as an option. Finally, have you looked at short reach, shallow drop bars? Made just for your body type. If you go with strait bars keep all your stuff in case you want to sell. Your Ti bike will be much more valuable with the road bar set up.

That's all I have...

EDIT: McG - ya beat me by 8 secs. (that wouldn't happen on a bike though!)