Should I change to drops?

SubLuminal

Hi guys - I've never had a bike with drops before, but am considering fitting some to my current bike (pictured here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilpiersrobinson/4406123873/ )

My thinking is that i'll be more comfortable on the bike, I'll be able to go faster, that I might just 'like them' as it were. This may be a silly suggestion,I don't know, but I have a set of drops here and so all I'd need would be some different brake levers?

So what do you think guys, what would your advice be? Will I like drops more than straight bars? Will it make cycling 'easier' or make me a more efficient cyclist? What are the pros and cons? I really don't know, so thought I'd turn here for some advice!

IM0

Do it and then youll know, otherwise..

the main reason for drops is increasing free speed, and comfort for long rides
(different hand positions to alternate)

Unless you ride fast and/or long there isnt much pooint to it.

Lumen

What are you going to do about brake levers/shifters?

Integrated shifters are expensive.

SubLuminal

I do ride pretty fast. And I've been thinking about getting into cycling long distances - I originally got the bike just for travel, to get about town, etc, but I've been enjoying it so much I'm thinking I'd like to get into cycling as a hobby, so have been thinking of upping distances to do things like 50 mile trips etc..

Free speed?

SubLuminal

Lumen wrote: »

What are you going to do about brake levers/shifters?

Integrated shifters are expensive.

Shifter is already on the downtube - see pic link (bike used to be a racer, many moons ago..)

Lumen

SubLuminal wrote: »

Shifter is already on the downtube - see pic link (bike used to be a racer, many moons ago..)

Yeah, I saw your neat little annotations.

Well assuming you're happy with the "original" shifting, you just need some cheap brake levers, so I'd say go for it.

Now you just have to decide which shape drops you want. It sounds simple enough....

IM0

SubLuminal wrote: »

Free speed?

speed which requires no extra effort
in the drops you are lower so you go a little faster for free

SubLuminal

Hmm.

Thinking about it, I'll have to replace the brake cables too, won't I? Don't the brake levers on drops take a different kind of cable?

IM0

SubLuminal wrote: »

Hmm.

Thinking about it, I'll have to replace the brake cables too, won't I? Don't the brake levers on drops take a different kind of cable?

Yes they do. Though you dont HAVE to, you could just mount the brakes on the tops..of the drops, like hipsters

and cables cost beans --> not much so its no big deal expense wise.

SubLuminal

Was thinking that, about mounting the brake levers there. Is it not dangerous though, if I'm in the drops and I can't reach the brakes..?

IM0

SubLuminal wrote: »

Was thinking that, about mounting the brake levers there. Is it not dangerous though, if I'm in the drops and I can't reach the brakes..?

ah yes although I thought of thatI didnt think of the solution for it re people with fixies can use legs to brake, but I take it you dont have a fixie?
so I wouldnt recommend it in that case

SubLuminal

noo not a fixie. gears man, gears! Although only 6 of them. (*points at pic link again* )

abcdggs

If you're looking for brake levers.
They look appropriate for your build so far

ROK ON

@SubLuminal.

I use 5 different positions on my drop bars. But mostly on long journeys, with climbing and descending. On a commute on the same bike I would stay on the hoods or on the drops into a fierce wind.
Depends how long you are on the bike for.
If it is a run-around/short commute then its probably not worth the hassle.
If for longer commutes/journeys then yeah.

SubLuminal

Just went for a fun-spin 12k around phoenix park, am thinking it'd be good to at least try them, want to experiment with riding position etc..

blorg

No reason not to, it is a very cheap and easy change if your shifters are on the downtube. Get proper brake levers though, they are important as beyond the braking they also add a key ("on the hoods") riding position that is probably the most commonly used.

You probably want 26.0mm silver bars (but check this on your current ones); the likes of Rothar might be your best bet for picking up a vintage set. You can get 26.0mm commonly enough but most modern bars are black, getting silver ones (cheap) might be tricky.

abcdggs

For vintage bars i would suggest ebay if you're not in too much of a rush. picked up a pair for VERY cheap last week or so...