changing handlebars

[elk]

I just bought a set of Nitto Albatross bars that I want to switch with the flat bar on my Globe....It has a "pop top" stem...and I was thinking I could just switch them myself.

Is it a feasible and safe undertaking?

elk

[VeloVT]

Not sure what you mean by "pop-top" stem -- is it a threadless stem? Anyway, it's pretty easy to switch out bars -- but you should be aware that if they are a different size than your old bars, the cable length may be wrong for the new bars and it may be necessary to run new cable.

[KnottedYet]

Do you have a good relationship with your LBS? Mine will explain to me how to do something, then after I've done it they will check my work and adjust cables and such.

I feel much more confident doing something new, knowing that someone will check to be sure I did it right.

[DebW]

If you've got brake levers for flat bars, and the cables don't go under the bar tape (you have grips but not tape?) then you should have plenty of leeway on cable length. You might even be able to swap the brake levers and gear shifter without disconnecting the cables.

[elk]

Yes...threadless stem....if I loosen 2 bolts, i can pull the front off and take the bar out, replace it and bolt it back in.

I think I will be able to tell if the cable is long enough before I do it; if I have to mess with that, I'll take it in. And definately have someone check it.

I did find a set of videos that are helpful (and very sweet) on working w/a mt bike...I have the same kind of bars....just a set of grips.

http://www.expertvillage.com/videos/...es-removal.htm

I wasn't sure if sliding my shifters and brake levers off would change the tension or settings. I don't have the new bars yet...but I feel pretty confident now that I can do it...if I have enough cable slack.
thanks!

elk

[elk]

No go.
My cable isn't long enough to just swap out the brakes and the shifter (I have internal gears)
I am going from a flat bar to a pretty curvy albatross...

I took the whole thing apart , had to cut one of the grips off only to realize....damn!

Called the closest BS, and one that's been around forever, but doesn;t have the swamp of customers that others have - asked how long it would take to get new cable... I'd have to leave it for the day....they said something about "cutting" the cables.

Since I cut the ugly grips off, and really pared down all the doo dads, I was looking at the old handlbar (which I reinstalled) and holding up a pair of tan leather grips to it and I thought....hmmmm... niiiice. With my tan B67, looks pretty hot....( in an old fashioned way... )
Maybe i should just save the switch for the dead of winter when I know I won't be riding for at least a day or so...I do want to sit up a little straighter....maybe just a shim for now?

!. If I put the leather grips on my old bar ...will I have to cut them off when the bars DO get switched? Or does a mechanic have a way to save them?

2. HOw involved IS adding longer cables?

3. I am totally mystified by ths threadless stem...where the heck would the shim go?? And what kind?

oh tia, my patient friends...
elk