Flat bar conversion

Alanbt · 18-03-2023 1:56pm #1

Going to convert my condor fratello to flat bar for dad bike duties for a few years.

Have shifters and brakes that will work with the Ultegra derailleurs. Likely increase stem length slightly too.

What else do I need to take into consideration for the switch?

Citizen Six · 18-03-2023 3:17pm

Which flat shifters work with Ultegra?

CramCycle · 18-03-2023 3:24pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058288779/flat-bar-conversion

Not much really, once you have brakes and shifters that will work. I done the opposite and no real problems. The obvious question would be why would you bother switching? A personal opinion but if its on the road, I am never sure what benefit you would get.

Alanbt · 18-03-2023 4:47pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120372859#Comment_120372859

Really just for the upright position. Will have not so small one on mac ride on crossbar, so on the hoods is leaning on her a bit. Will be keeping the shifter for converting back in a few years.

Flat bar for casual family cycles and shop runs etc. have other bikes for normal road cycling

Alanbt · 18-03-2023 4:53pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120372836#Comment_120372836

These apparently https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/ie/en/shimano-rs700-flat-bar-rapidfire-shifter/rp-prod211461?gs=1&sku=sku867423&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=base&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwtWgBhDhARIsAEMcxeCxAJQa-1hw5ORqkeVGll7VouNMdGjKE6c7jjeXmkLNw_Y3MkuFVxUaAh0hEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

CramCycle · 18-03-2023 5:14pm

Should be a simple enough job, take out the cables, take off the handlebar, put on the new one, slide on the shifters and brakes, slide the cables back in, job done. You should be able to reuse all the housing and cables if they are in good nick.

Citizen Six · 18-03-2023 5:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120373122#Comment_120373122

I didn't know there was 11 speed flat bar stuff available. I went with Tiagra a few years back for flat bar stuff. Not sure there was anything higher level around at the time. Or maybe it was just pricier. But for my everyday, around town bike it was fine.

Alanbt · 18-03-2023 9:19pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120373357#Comment_120373357

Heavily reduced at moment (shifters). If wasn’t I probably would have left them

Citizen Six · 18-03-2023 11:01pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120374332#Comment_120374332

Huge difference when compared to standard Ultegra shifters alright.

8valve · 19-03-2023 12:51pm

have done this several times for customers, who wanted to move away ffrom drops.

get a pair of compatible shifters and flatbar brake levers, maybe renew your cables/housings, as flatbar cable housings are usually a little longer and it's a good excuse to give the whole lot a bit of a refresh.

consider a stem that is adjustable, so you can play around with stem angles to find what's more comfortable for you.

decide if you want straight bars, or something with a slight rise, or maybe some swept back porteur bars for ultimate comfort around town. pay attention to bar diameters when purchasing online.

a pair of good ergonomic flatbar grips and you're good to go.

Alanbt · 19-03-2023 7:40pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120375438#Comment_120375438

Thanks.

Have a few stems to play around with length. Went for cheap bars with slight rise on them, have room to play with on the height as new fork not cut down fully yet.

Will just use bar tape until happy with the set up then will look at ergo grips or bar ends.

Good point on the cables

Shotser · 20-03-2023 11:00am

I have these on my flat bar commuter and love them. The bar ends give you another hand position which is similar to being on the hoods.

https://www.ergonbike.com/en/product-details.html?anr=42410023&s=gptouring&a=griffe

Also consider the width of the bars. Flat/riser bars are usually quite a bit wider than drops, which can be annoying in traffic

Alanbt · 20-03-2023 9:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120378462#Comment_120378462

Bars are about 720mm wide. Once do the switch will get a feel for them and then chop them down. Don’t want super wide

Flat bar conversion

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