Cycling UK Forum

My current touring bike has evolved from a hybrid, so it has flat bars. I don't know whether its replacement should have flats or drops, so I plan to experiment:

I want to change the flats on my hybrid to drops -

1, I think the existing stem will take drops.

2, I think I can buy drop type brake levers suitable for V brakes. (20mm pull)

3, I think Shimano bar-end shifters will work with my 27 speed Deore transmission.

I expect to pay £100 for this experiment, which will be a lot cheaper than buying the wrong bike.

Does all that sound reasonable? Have I forgotten anything?

Any advice gratefully received.

1. it might but it will make the reach much longer - do you want a stretched position when you could just get a shorter stem for £15 or so?

2. You are thinking of 287v levers I believe. Differing opinions on these, some people say that they are a second rate compromise, others say that they are great. You could alternatively use standard drop levers with Travel Agents but people have similar mixed views on these. OR you could use standard levers with canti brakes (do a search for threads on the better ones) - people have used this set up for yonks with no problems.

3. Yes, if you use 9spd barend levers they will work fine.

I've got a brand new, unused, in the box set of Dura Ace 9 speed bar end shifters complete with cables, down tube cable stops, under b/b cable guide and plastic shrouding for under the bar tape. Cost me 40 quid but as I cant use them now as I've settled on flats I'm willing to sell them for 25 quid plus the post. Interested ?

it will make the reach much longer

That's not something I'd considered. My existing stem is quite short, so maybe I'll just forget the whole scheme.

(so no thanks, Steve)

If you can get hold of an old stem and drops (bought some at LBS that does repairs for £5). I now have these to check but will not use apart from testing. You can remove both stem and bars not disturbing the cables to try the length of frame. I have done this to check different frames before the expence of purchasing new.
On my Dawes Sonaran I kept all the old cables attached to the straight bars so that I can swop them back using a front loading stem. This means I can swop back only having to adjust the cables (they mark where they clamp so give a good idea of where to adjust to).