I decided to convert my road bike from a racing curly bar to a flat bar. I normally ride mountain bikes, so I’ve grown accustomed to riding with a flat bar. I also feel like I have better control over braking with a flat bar, and prefer the more upright riding style.
My road bike was originally equipped with a 10 speed Ultegra rear derailleur and an Ultegra triple front derailleur (52/39/30t).
To do the conversion, I had to purchase the following:
- Flat handlebar
- Flatbar shifters
- Brake Levers
- Grips
- I had to purchase a derailleur that was compatible with the flatbar shifters. I couldn’t find the triple version of this derailleur anywhere (FD-R773), so I had to order it from a company in England.
Here are the parts I purchased to do the conversion:
Ritchey Pro Rizer OS Bar — $31.49
Shimano 2010 STI 10-Speed Rapidfire FlatBar Bicycle Shifter Set – SL-R770 — $139.97
Shimano Front Derailleur for Flat Bar Shifters – FD-R773, triple 10-speed 28.6 and 31.8 mm 52T — $60.75
Forté Team Brake Levers — $11.69
Ergon GP1 SE Grips — $19.79
Brake/Shifter cables and housings — $30.00
Total: $293.69
Notes:
I cut an inch off of each side of the handlebars using a plumbing tubing cutter.
The Forte brake levers work perfectly with the Ultegra brakes that my bike is equipped with.
If you haven’t tried these Ergon handlebar grips, I highly recommend them. They are incredibly comfortable.
Robert Donovan’s posts that he put up regarding his conversion were very helpful to me:
http://www.robertsdonovan.com/?p=98
http://www.robertsdonovan.com/?p=500
Here are some photos of the finished product.
Before (stock photo):
After:
Comments
Hi Sam
Great information. Has helped alot as planning to do same on Giant TCX 1 for road tour trip with many hills. Flat bars and MTB gears – 3 set Chrankset 22T on 3rd and 32T on cassette. Will reassemble parts back to TXC for racing after trip.
Ian
I’ve been talking about doing this for a few years. People keep saying I’m crazy. Thanks for the cost breakdown. I think I’ll be pleased with the results once I go for it.
A very sincere thank you for posting this. I followed your “ingredients” to the letter to convert my bike to be like yours. It’s been a long search to find exactly what I was looking for. Thanks again!
Very nice professional job mate. I am looking to do the exact same thing in a couple of weeks time. I currently have the drop bars and like you I am not fussed about the brake levers being on the drops. I always have my hands on the tops, and for the daily commute to work, would be much better. Ah the speed of the road bike coupled with the handlebar comfort of a mountain bike. The perfect combo. Well done.
Thanks Sam,
I’m almost ready to do my conversion. I’ve been commuting on my mountainbike for a few months and that sluggish sloth is wearing me out on the road. I try to ride sidewalks and cut through parking lots as much as possible – which ain’t very smart with drop bars. Gonna add some bigger tires as well.
Peace,
Mark
I went to flat bars on my Lemond and couldn’t be happier. I also used downtube shifters instead of bar shifters. I like the look, and they are fairly easy to use also. I have had issues with too much reach on my drop bars to get to the brakes causing a sore neck. Thanks again. Great idea!
Yeah, this is awesome! I couldn’t find the flat bar bike I wanted, so I found a road frame that is close that I will be putting flat bars on, great article!
I am looking at getting a litter weight bike I want a road bike but need to convert to the flatbar because the other hurts my neck. It looks like you got the good stuff. went to bike shop and they could convert for 50 but they are probably putting junk on the bike…I am a female so they think I am stupid…..I am doing my research on this my bike is 20 years old….hope to hear widget