Converting from drops to flat bars

[fausto copy]

Hi folks, we've just been trying to set up Mrs. Copy's custom Longstaff touring bike ready for the summer.
It's some 17 years since she had it made and now sadly has hip and back problems.
We've been swapping stems, brake and bar end levers around, but no joy as she can't get comfy, or the bar end levers stick in her knees.

So, we've decided to convert to flat bars and require a whole new set up; bars, brake and gear levers.
The bike's got 3 x 8 speed XT derailleurs and we've been pondering what levers to get.
It looks like Shimano now do a brake and gear lever combined, but maybe lower spec?

Just wondering if anyone can recommend a suitable set up and is everything rapid-fire these days, rather than twist grip?

Thanks in advance,
fausto.

[Si]

I think you are best to let her have a go on all the options (do you have friends/clubmates who have them?) and pick the one that she prefers rather than just going for the one that is most available.

You can still buy rapid fire (either integrated or standalone), twist grip or even thumb shifters (my fave). You could even go for DT levers if you want a really crisp, reliable change.

I would go for brake levers that have adjustable reach if she has smaller hands. But, of course, you'll be limited depending upon what type of brakes are on the bike. there are lots more V brake levers around than caliper levers.

My preferred set up was DX thumbies and XT levers. that way I can drop into friction mode should I need it.
I've always found rapid fire more durable than twist shift. But I'm partly against twist shift as I've had to bikes where they twist in opposite directions which is really annoying.

[PH]

I converted my Hewitt tourer to straight bars a couple of years ago. I used thumbies, but as you already have the bar end levers you'd only need the converters and of course you already know it all works together. I can't find the brackets on their own, I'm pretty sure they're available and this is what you end up with
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/gear-shifte ... ifter-set/
Having separate gear and brake controls frees you up to use whatever brake you like, I'm assuming it has cantis? there's still a choice of flat bar levers to use with them, but I changed to V brakes and they are IMO a better option with flat bars.
If you wanted to go with twist shift, there some SRAM options that work with Shimano, but you have to be careful as there's others that don't!
It's clear on their website, this is one example of those compatible
https://www.sram.com/sram/mountain/prod ... t-shifters

[gbnz]

It looks like Shimano now do a brake and gear lever combined, but maybe lower spec?
.

When converting to a flat bar back in 2012(?), choosing the cheapest shimano combined brake / gear lever set up (Designed for use with a 8spd triple road set up) was necessary to keep the cost down (Much cheaper than buying seperate gear / brake levers).

I'm still using them daily, have never had an issue in using them

[fausto copy]

Thanks for the input.

I should have said that the existing brakes are Deore V-brakes and I do have a new pair of suitable levers.

Mrs. C has always found the bar end levers a bit stiff, so we won't be going down that avenue.

I've spoken to our LBS and we're taking the bike in on Saturday to check out all the options and book it in for an overhaul / refit.

fausto.

[hondated]

fausto

I tried this on my Roberts but I used butterfly bars rather than straights. Having a more upright position did feel a lot more comfortable but the bars I used seemed to feel too wide, I brought them from Spa. My Brooks b17 also seemed to feel more comfortable.
The other worry I had was that I was informed that the geometry of a straight barred bike is different to that of one designed for drops so in the end I converted back.
Just a shame we dont live closer because it would of been so easy to cobbled up the parts to see whether your wife liked the differense.

[mercalia]

have you discounted sti units instead of bar end, rather than the wholesale conversion to straight bars?

[colin54]

I use Deore Lx combined shift and brake lever, nice and easy to use, though the thumb shift to climb onto the biggest ring is

slightly ponderous ( against the spring).I have small hands and the brake levers don't seem a stretch.

There is a good second hand set for sale on the forum at the moment by 'misterjan',item 13.

Deore LX ST-M565

[fausto copy]

Mrs.Copy had butterfly bars on her previous bike and they were very w-i-d-e
Not sure I'd even get them through the camper van door.
Anyway, it's going to be flat bars. She's got the Thorn custom flats on her Rolloff bike and is more than happy with those.

I think if we get the right length stem to match the geometry of the bike, all should be well.

And I'll have a look at the LX combined shift and brake levers.

Thanks for all your feedback,
fausto.