Changing Handlebars

**Timbuk2**

At the moment my bike just has the standard 'T-Shaped' handlebars. I was looking to get road ones that have the drops.

However, I assume that changing handlebars is not just as easy as changing a saddle, for instance, as the handlebar is connected to the gears and the brakes.

Also, at the moment, I change gears by twisting the gear controls on the handlebar (if you know what I mean). Nearly every drop-bar handlebars I've seen have no gear controls on the handlebar, instead on the top tube or something. Would this make the change more difficult?

Is it possible to change the handlebars without too much hassle? Thanks

biker_joe

It all really depends if you are twisting the "handlebar grip" or not ? if you are and want to change to "racing drop" bars, it's not much work but expensive to buy STI levers to go with your "racer" setup ! and would also mean gear cable change and "maybe" a brake cable change too ...

Biker Joe.

SetOverSet

Here's a previous thread that you might find helpful OP.

**Timbuk2**

Thanks for the help everyone!

Is it acceptable to just go into a bike shop and ask them to convert the bike, and quote me a price beforehand, or is it a job that needs to be done by yourself?

penexpers

A bike shop should be able to do it for you.

**Timbuk2**

Would the bike shop provide the relevant parts or would you have to buy these separately (eg STI Shifters, brake levers and the drop handlebars themselves) and present it to the bike shop to assemble?

penexpers wrote: »

A bike shop should be able to do it for you.

**Timbuk2**

OK - I've decided that as an alternative to converting the handlebars, is it possible to get bar-end drops?

Do you know what I mean? Like things that will hook on (securely!) to the end of the straight bars I have and make the handlebars work and look like a road bike! Are these even available?

Raam

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

OK - I've decided that as an alternative to converting the handlebars, is it possible to get bar-end drops?

Do you know what I mean? Like things that will hook on (securely!) to the end of the straight bars I have and make the handlebars work and look like a road bike! Are these even available?

If you do, your creation is likely to end up on Bike Snob!
Save up for a road bike maybe? There really is no substitute.

**Timbuk2**

Well I already have a very old road bike that I got off my father. It's a Peugeot bike, not sure what type, but it looks a lot like this (except mine has full mudguards)


As you can see it has drop bars but I wanted to convert my other bike to drop bars as well (which I use much more often) but considering all the hassle it will involve, I might just leave it. Getting too worried about what type of handlebars you have can suck the fun out of cycling!

Lumen

It's often better to wait until you can buy what you want used and then sell what you have.

The only downside is that you're likely to need cash to bridge the gap before selling on.

BostonB

Why not use your dads bike instead?

**Timbuk2**

I do use it, just not often. I wanted the two bikes to be drop handlebars

I might just use it more. It's a good enough bike, it's just very old! I think it needs new tyres, the old tyre casings are worn and cracked, but otherwise, in good condition

BostonB

Maybe leave that into a shop for a service and give it new tyres.