Upright bar to drop bar?

**roguedog** · 03-20-2007, 09:53 PM

How much would it cost to convert a bike that currently has upright bars and rapid fire shifters to drop bar and sti? Is it easier to convert to bar end than sti?

I'm not really familiar with bar end shifting but maybe if it saves some bucks..

tks

**Eden** · 03-20-2007, 10:14 PM

I don't know about easier, but cheaper yes. A set of STI shifters would run you $300 minimum, maybe a little less if you could find a used set. A brand new set of Dura Ace bar end shifters are maximum $80 - I got mine for my TT bike for $65

**snapdragen** · 03-20-2007, 10:29 PM

I just did this, I've rounded everything up.

Nitto Stem - $42.00
Nitto Noodle Bars - $42.00
Shimano R600 Brifters - $260.00
Shimano Canti Brakes - $99.00
Bike Shop Labor - $120.00 (Includes cable hangers, bar tape and a new tube)

**salsabike** · 03-20-2007, 10:36 PM

I did this on my old Sirrus and just a word of caution---the top tube length was fine for flat bars but it turned out to be too long for good position on drops. Hurt my back going up a hill and ended up buying a properly fitting road bike anyway. So just do make sure you check out the change in posture to make sure it'll work for you.

**Triskeliongirl** · 03-21-2007, 03:32 AM

I did exactly what Snapdragon did to my terry classic for a similar price. However, it is cheaper to do bar end not only due to the price of the shifters, but it won't require a brake change. There is a mis-match between the amount of cable pulled by a straight bar click shifter and an sti shifter, so I swapped out the side pulls for a special canti designed by shimano to work with sti shifters (as did snapdragon). But, you could also handle the problem with travel agents (although they don't work as well), or if you use bar end shifters they are compatable with v-brakes (assuming that is what you now have) and you won't have to mess with the brakes. For me, I have no regrets that I spent the extra money on the sti shifters and cantis. But, be sure the frame is worth the upgrade. In my case, shortly after the conversion I decided the frame was too worn (rust holes started appearing) so I bought a new frame for a great price on ebay and transferred the parts.

**Trek420** · 03-21-2007, 05:57 AM

Originally Posted by snapdragen

I just did this, I've rounded everything up.

......

May I say again, that is one puhrty bike

Especially the Brifters

**roguedog** · 03-21-2007, 11:07 PM

how hard is it to adjust to bar ends? i've never tried 'em.

**KnottedYet** · 03-22-2007, 07:16 AM

Let me know how you like the Nitto Noodles. I've got my eye on them for Flossie. (someday, probably far off in the future)

**snapdragen** · 03-22-2007, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by Trek420

May I say again, that is one puhrty bike

Especially the Brifters

Why thank you. Yes, you may say it again, and again, and again.....

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