Hybrid flat to drop conversion advice [duplicate]
This question already has an answer here:
Can I convert flat bar to drop bars on a hybrid bike
2 answers
I have a Whyte Portabello hybrid, I wanted to swap to an adventure bike with drops. I thought as an alternative it might be easy to convert my existing bike instead, and save a bit of money.
It has hydraulic disk brakes but most brakes on drop bars seem to be cable operated?
The rear derailleur is a Shimano, so would I just have to get some Shimano road brake/ shifters and fit some cable operated calipers instead? Or is it a bit more complicated than that?
thanks
disc-brake conversion gravel
asked Feb 28 at 8:29
Andy StannardAndy Stannard
3108
marked as duplicate by mattnz, Criggie♦ Mar 1 at 23:11
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
add a comment |
This question already has an answer here:
Can I convert flat bar to drop bars on a hybrid bike
2 answers
I have a Whyte Portabello hybrid, I wanted to swap to an adventure bike with drops. I thought as an alternative it might be easy to convert my existing bike instead, and save a bit of money.
It has hydraulic disk brakes but most brakes on drop bars seem to be cable operated?
The rear derailleur is a Shimano, so would I just have to get some Shimano road brake/ shifters and fit some cable operated calipers instead? Or is it a bit more complicated than that?
thanks
disc-brake conversion gravel
asked Feb 28 at 8:29
Andy StannardAndy Stannard
3108
marked as duplicate by mattnz, Criggie♦ Mar 1 at 23:11
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
It is more complicated and most likely more expensive than just selling the bike than you have and buying a purpose built drop bar bike. With 9-speed drivetrain and mechanical brakes it would have been more doable with some problems, but current systems seem to go out of their way to make things incompatible. There are many, many compatibility questions on this site if you are really interested.
– ojs
Feb 28 at 9:02
Hydraulic brifters are a thing now, but you're not going to find them cheap. Consider the old adage of "N+1 bikes" in the long term its cheaper, and you have a spare bike.
– Criggie♦
Mar 1 at 23:10
add a comment |
This question already has an answer here:
Can I convert flat bar to drop bars on a hybrid bike
2 answers
I have a Whyte Portabello hybrid, I wanted to swap to an adventure bike with drops. I thought as an alternative it might be easy to convert my existing bike instead, and save a bit of money.
It has hydraulic disk brakes but most brakes on drop bars seem to be cable operated?
The rear derailleur is a Shimano, so would I just have to get some Shimano road brake/ shifters and fit some cable operated calipers instead? Or is it a bit more complicated than that?
thanks
disc-brake conversion gravel
asked Feb 28 at 8:29
Andy StannardAndy Stannard
3108
This question already has an answer here:
Can I convert flat bar to drop bars on a hybrid bike
2 answers
I have a Whyte Portabello hybrid, I wanted to swap to an adventure bike with drops. I thought as an alternative it might be easy to convert my existing bike instead, and save a bit of money.
It has hydraulic disk brakes but most brakes on drop bars seem to be cable operated?
The rear derailleur is a Shimano, so would I just have to get some Shimano road brake/ shifters and fit some cable operated calipers instead? Or is it a bit more complicated than that?
thanks
This question already has an answer here:
Can I convert flat bar to drop bars on a hybrid bike
2 answers
disc-brake conversion gravel
disc-brake conversion gravel
asked Feb 28 at 8:29
Andy StannardAndy Stannard
3108
asked Feb 28 at 8:29
Andy StannardAndy Stannard
3108
asked Feb 28 at 8:29
Andy StannardAndy Stannard
3108
asked Feb 28 at 8:29
Andy StannardAndy Stannard
3108
asked Feb 28 at 8:29
Andy StannardAndy Stannard
3108
3108
marked as duplicate by mattnz, Criggie♦ Mar 1 at 23:11
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
marked as duplicate by mattnz, Criggie♦ Mar 1 at 23:11
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
It is more complicated and most likely more expensive than just selling the bike than you have and buying a purpose built drop bar bike. With 9-speed drivetrain and mechanical brakes it would have been more doable with some problems, but current systems seem to go out of their way to make things incompatible. There are many, many compatibility questions on this site if you are really interested.
– ojs
Feb 28 at 9:02
Hydraulic brifters are a thing now, but you're not going to find them cheap. Consider the old adage of "N+1 bikes" in the long term its cheaper, and you have a spare bike.
– Criggie♦
Mar 1 at 23:10
add a comment |
It is more complicated and most likely more expensive than just selling the bike than you have and buying a purpose built drop bar bike. With 9-speed drivetrain and mechanical brakes it would have been more doable with some problems, but current systems seem to go out of their way to make things incompatible. There are many, many compatibility questions on this site if you are really interested.
– ojs
Feb 28 at 9:02
Hydraulic brifters are a thing now, but you're not going to find them cheap. Consider the old adage of "N+1 bikes" in the long term its cheaper, and you have a spare bike.
– Criggie♦
Mar 1 at 23:10
It is more complicated and most likely more expensive than just selling the bike than you have and buying a purpose built drop bar bike. With 9-speed drivetrain and mechanical brakes it would have been more doable with some problems, but current systems seem to go out of their way to make things incompatible. There are many, many compatibility questions on this site if you are really interested.
– ojs
Feb 28 at 9:02
It is more complicated and most likely more expensive than just selling the bike than you have and buying a purpose built drop bar bike. With 9-speed drivetrain and mechanical brakes it would have been more doable with some problems, but current systems seem to go out of their way to make things incompatible. There are many, many compatibility questions on this site if you are really interested.
– ojs
Feb 28 at 9:02
Hydraulic brifters are a thing now, but you're not going to find them cheap. Consider the old adage of "N+1 bikes" in the long term its cheaper, and you have a spare bike.
– Criggie♦
Mar 1 at 23:10
Hydraulic brifters are a thing now, but you're not going to find them cheap. Consider the old adage of "N+1 bikes" in the long term its cheaper, and you have a spare bike.
– Criggie♦
Mar 1 at 23:10
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
Simple advice: don't do it.
You'll need to replace a lot of components because the derailleurs and brakes used on flat-bar bikes aren't compatible with the levers typically used on drop-bar bikes.
You'd end up with a bike that doesn't handle very well because you're moving the handlebars to a completely different place and the rest of the bike geometry doesn't match that.
Sell the bike you have and buy the bike you actually want. If that doesn't fit in with your finances, a second-hand bike is almost certainly a better option than trying to convert your existing bike.
answered Feb 28 at 10:22
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13k33466
add a comment |
Hydraulic road brakes are available on 105 and up. I think road and MTB levers and calipers are compatible.
Your 10 speed Deore derailleur will not be compatible with 10 speed road shifters. Shimano derailleur pull ratios diverged when MTB drivetrains reached 10 speeds.
As David said, the main problem is hybrid bikes have different frame geometry than drop-bar bikes. They are longer (greater reach) because flat bars do not extend so far forward as drop bars. The Portobello also seems to have a large stack (height of the top of the steerer tube above the BB). You'd have to use a very short stem to get a usable hand position, which will negatively affect the steering.
A set of hydro road shifters is not cheap, you'll either have to learn how to bleed hydro brakes (and buy a bleed kit) or have a LBS do it for you; and you are taking a risk that you'll end up with something unridable, or at least very compromised. Selling the bike and getting a new one is a better option.
answered Feb 28 at 13:19
Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus
36.9k23891
add a comment |
Assuming it also has Shimano brakes, probably it's enough to change the brakes and shifters. A short search would indicate this:
https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-st-rs685-hydraulic-disc-brake-stis-br-rs785-disc-brakes-post-mount-75654.html
at a price of some 160 GB pounds so less than 200 eur for the brake/shift levers.
You would also need to mount them, connect the brake tubes (they are probably long enough), bleed the brakes, find the brifters (STI) with the correct number of speeds.
Also, the pull ratio (how much the gear cable must shorten for a gear change) might differ from MTB to road gear shifters, in which case you probably need new derailleurs (road).
I've checked and the 2018 version has Shimano Sora (road) groupset, so you could either go with combined hydraulic brake/shift levers for Shimano road 9 speed, or change the brakes to a cable/hydraulic or full cable combo (if available).
EDIT: the 2019 version seems to have Shimano Deore rear derailleur, so MTB not road. Not sure of your exact year/version and derailleur.
answered Feb 28 at 9:03
Calin CeterasCalin Ceteras
1874
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Simple advice: don't do it.
You'll need to replace a lot of components because the derailleurs and brakes used on flat-bar bikes aren't compatible with the levers typically used on drop-bar bikes.
You'd end up with a bike that doesn't handle very well because you're moving the handlebars to a completely different place and the rest of the bike geometry doesn't match that.
Sell the bike you have and buy the bike you actually want. If that doesn't fit in with your finances, a second-hand bike is almost certainly a better option than trying to convert your existing bike.
answered Feb 28 at 10:22
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13k33466
add a comment |
Simple advice: don't do it.
You'll need to replace a lot of components because the derailleurs and brakes used on flat-bar bikes aren't compatible with the levers typically used on drop-bar bikes.
You'd end up with a bike that doesn't handle very well because you're moving the handlebars to a completely different place and the rest of the bike geometry doesn't match that.
Sell the bike you have and buy the bike you actually want. If that doesn't fit in with your finances, a second-hand bike is almost certainly a better option than trying to convert your existing bike.
answered Feb 28 at 10:22
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13k33466
add a comment |
Simple advice: don't do it.
You'll need to replace a lot of components because the derailleurs and brakes used on flat-bar bikes aren't compatible with the levers typically used on drop-bar bikes.
You'd end up with a bike that doesn't handle very well because you're moving the handlebars to a completely different place and the rest of the bike geometry doesn't match that.
Sell the bike you have and buy the bike you actually want. If that doesn't fit in with your finances, a second-hand bike is almost certainly a better option than trying to convert your existing bike.
answered Feb 28 at 10:22
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13k33466
Simple advice: don't do it.
You'll need to replace a lot of components because the derailleurs and brakes used on flat-bar bikes aren't compatible with the levers typically used on drop-bar bikes.
You'd end up with a bike that doesn't handle very well because you're moving the handlebars to a completely different place and the rest of the bike geometry doesn't match that.
Sell the bike you have and buy the bike you actually want. If that doesn't fit in with your finances, a second-hand bike is almost certainly a better option than trying to convert your existing bike.
answered Feb 28 at 10:22
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13k33466
answered Feb 28 at 10:22
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13k33466
answered Feb 28 at 10:22
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13k33466
answered Feb 28 at 10:22
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13k33466
13k33466
add a comment |
add a comment |
Hydraulic road brakes are available on 105 and up. I think road and MTB levers and calipers are compatible.
Your 10 speed Deore derailleur will not be compatible with 10 speed road shifters. Shimano derailleur pull ratios diverged when MTB drivetrains reached 10 speeds.
As David said, the main problem is hybrid bikes have different frame geometry than drop-bar bikes. They are longer (greater reach) because flat bars do not extend so far forward as drop bars. The Portobello also seems to have a large stack (height of the top of the steerer tube above the BB). You'd have to use a very short stem to get a usable hand position, which will negatively affect the steering.
A set of hydro road shifters is not cheap, you'll either have to learn how to bleed hydro brakes (and buy a bleed kit) or have a LBS do it for you; and you are taking a risk that you'll end up with something unridable, or at least very compromised. Selling the bike and getting a new one is a better option.
answered Feb 28 at 13:19
Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus
36.9k23891
add a comment |
Hydraulic road brakes are available on 105 and up. I think road and MTB levers and calipers are compatible.
Your 10 speed Deore derailleur will not be compatible with 10 speed road shifters. Shimano derailleur pull ratios diverged when MTB drivetrains reached 10 speeds.
As David said, the main problem is hybrid bikes have different frame geometry than drop-bar bikes. They are longer (greater reach) because flat bars do not extend so far forward as drop bars. The Portobello also seems to have a large stack (height of the top of the steerer tube above the BB). You'd have to use a very short stem to get a usable hand position, which will negatively affect the steering.
A set of hydro road shifters is not cheap, you'll either have to learn how to bleed hydro brakes (and buy a bleed kit) or have a LBS do it for you; and you are taking a risk that you'll end up with something unridable, or at least very compromised. Selling the bike and getting a new one is a better option.
answered Feb 28 at 13:19
Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus
36.9k23891
add a comment |
Hydraulic road brakes are available on 105 and up. I think road and MTB levers and calipers are compatible.
Your 10 speed Deore derailleur will not be compatible with 10 speed road shifters. Shimano derailleur pull ratios diverged when MTB drivetrains reached 10 speeds.
As David said, the main problem is hybrid bikes have different frame geometry than drop-bar bikes. They are longer (greater reach) because flat bars do not extend so far forward as drop bars. The Portobello also seems to have a large stack (height of the top of the steerer tube above the BB). You'd have to use a very short stem to get a usable hand position, which will negatively affect the steering.
A set of hydro road shifters is not cheap, you'll either have to learn how to bleed hydro brakes (and buy a bleed kit) or have a LBS do it for you; and you are taking a risk that you'll end up with something unridable, or at least very compromised. Selling the bike and getting a new one is a better option.
answered Feb 28 at 13:19
Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus
36.9k23891
Hydraulic road brakes are available on 105 and up. I think road and MTB levers and calipers are compatible.
Your 10 speed Deore derailleur will not be compatible with 10 speed road shifters. Shimano derailleur pull ratios diverged when MTB drivetrains reached 10 speeds.
As David said, the main problem is hybrid bikes have different frame geometry than drop-bar bikes. They are longer (greater reach) because flat bars do not extend so far forward as drop bars. The Portobello also seems to have a large stack (height of the top of the steerer tube above the BB). You'd have to use a very short stem to get a usable hand position, which will negatively affect the steering.
A set of hydro road shifters is not cheap, you'll either have to learn how to bleed hydro brakes (and buy a bleed kit) or have a LBS do it for you; and you are taking a risk that you'll end up with something unridable, or at least very compromised. Selling the bike and getting a new one is a better option.
answered Feb 28 at 13:19
Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus
36.9k23891
answered Feb 28 at 13:19
Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus
36.9k23891
answered Feb 28 at 13:19
Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus
36.9k23891
answered Feb 28 at 13:19
Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus
36.9k23891
36.9k23891
add a comment |
add a comment |
Assuming it also has Shimano brakes, probably it's enough to change the brakes and shifters. A short search would indicate this:
https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-st-rs685-hydraulic-disc-brake-stis-br-rs785-disc-brakes-post-mount-75654.html
at a price of some 160 GB pounds so less than 200 eur for the brake/shift levers.
You would also need to mount them, connect the brake tubes (they are probably long enough), bleed the brakes, find the brifters (STI) with the correct number of speeds.
Also, the pull ratio (how much the gear cable must shorten for a gear change) might differ from MTB to road gear shifters, in which case you probably need new derailleurs (road).
I've checked and the 2018 version has Shimano Sora (road) groupset, so you could either go with combined hydraulic brake/shift levers for Shimano road 9 speed, or change the brakes to a cable/hydraulic or full cable combo (if available).
EDIT: the 2019 version seems to have Shimano Deore rear derailleur, so MTB not road. Not sure of your exact year/version and derailleur.
answered Feb 28 at 9:03
Calin CeterasCalin Ceteras
1874
add a comment |
Assuming it also has Shimano brakes, probably it's enough to change the brakes and shifters. A short search would indicate this:
https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-st-rs685-hydraulic-disc-brake-stis-br-rs785-disc-brakes-post-mount-75654.html
at a price of some 160 GB pounds so less than 200 eur for the brake/shift levers.
You would also need to mount them, connect the brake tubes (they are probably long enough), bleed the brakes, find the brifters (STI) with the correct number of speeds.
Also, the pull ratio (how much the gear cable must shorten for a gear change) might differ from MTB to road gear shifters, in which case you probably need new derailleurs (road).
I've checked and the 2018 version has Shimano Sora (road) groupset, so you could either go with combined hydraulic brake/shift levers for Shimano road 9 speed, or change the brakes to a cable/hydraulic or full cable combo (if available).
EDIT: the 2019 version seems to have Shimano Deore rear derailleur, so MTB not road. Not sure of your exact year/version and derailleur.
answered Feb 28 at 9:03
Calin CeterasCalin Ceteras
1874
add a comment |
Assuming it also has Shimano brakes, probably it's enough to change the brakes and shifters. A short search would indicate this:
https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-st-rs685-hydraulic-disc-brake-stis-br-rs785-disc-brakes-post-mount-75654.html
at a price of some 160 GB pounds so less than 200 eur for the brake/shift levers.
You would also need to mount them, connect the brake tubes (they are probably long enough), bleed the brakes, find the brifters (STI) with the correct number of speeds.
Also, the pull ratio (how much the gear cable must shorten for a gear change) might differ from MTB to road gear shifters, in which case you probably need new derailleurs (road).
I've checked and the 2018 version has Shimano Sora (road) groupset, so you could either go with combined hydraulic brake/shift levers for Shimano road 9 speed, or change the brakes to a cable/hydraulic or full cable combo (if available).
EDIT: the 2019 version seems to have Shimano Deore rear derailleur, so MTB not road. Not sure of your exact year/version and derailleur.
answered Feb 28 at 9:03
Calin CeterasCalin Ceteras
1874
Assuming it also has Shimano brakes, probably it's enough to change the brakes and shifters. A short search would indicate this:
https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-st-rs685-hydraulic-disc-brake-stis-br-rs785-disc-brakes-post-mount-75654.html
at a price of some 160 GB pounds so less than 200 eur for the brake/shift levers.
You would also need to mount them, connect the brake tubes (they are probably long enough), bleed the brakes, find the brifters (STI) with the correct number of speeds.
Also, the pull ratio (how much the gear cable must shorten for a gear change) might differ from MTB to road gear shifters, in which case you probably need new derailleurs (road).
I've checked and the 2018 version has Shimano Sora (road) groupset, so you could either go with combined hydraulic brake/shift levers for Shimano road 9 speed, or change the brakes to a cable/hydraulic or full cable combo (if available).
EDIT: the 2019 version seems to have Shimano Deore rear derailleur, so MTB not road. Not sure of your exact year/version and derailleur.
answered Feb 28 at 9:03
Calin CeterasCalin Ceteras
1874
edited Feb 28 at 9:58
answered Feb 28 at 9:03
Calin CeterasCalin Ceteras
1874
answered Feb 28 at 9:03
Calin CeterasCalin Ceteras
1874
answered Feb 28 at 9:03
Calin CeterasCalin Ceteras
1874
1874
add a comment |
add a comment |
It is more complicated and most likely more expensive than just selling the bike than you have and buying a purpose built drop bar bike. With 9-speed drivetrain and mechanical brakes it would have been more doable with some problems, but current systems seem to go out of their way to make things incompatible. There are many, many compatibility questions on this site if you are really interested.
– ojs
Feb 28 at 9:02
Hydraulic brifters are a thing now, but you're not going to find them cheap. Consider the old adage of "N+1 bikes" in the long term its cheaper, and you have a spare bike.
– Criggie♦
Mar 1 at 23:10