Converting road bike to be more commuter friendly?

is_76

I have a decent road bike Claude Butler Torino (Shimano Tiagra Gears/Brakes and Sora Hubs) but its not not done very much mileage but I was thinking of using it to start commuting on. However I would like to make it more commuter friendly by replacing the drop hand bars to flats and put thicker tyres on.

So excuse my ignorance :? is this possible?

1. Replacing drop bars with flat bars? Would that mean getting new brake and gear levers?

2. Thicker tyres? How is that?

3. Fitting a pannier rack, Is that going to work?

I really don't want to commute on the bike as it is because I want it to be a bit more robust. Also I think it is the drop handle bars that really are putting more off getting more use of it.

The other option is sell this one and get a commuter bike.

alfablue

Yes you will need new shifters and brake levers for flat bars - you could do this with say Shimano Deore components (i.e. fairly cheap) for about £50 plus the bars. I am not sure the front mech will be compatible with the shifter - maybe someone else can help.

A straight bar could be had for £20 upwards.

A rack will work if you have rack mounts, or with p-clips or other more elaborate (Tubus) fittings. There may be an issue with heel clearance - probably not.

Thicker tyres will make the ride comfier, but you will be limited by the clearance under the brake calipers - an LBS should be able to advise you what tyres will fit. You may want to allow for mudguard clearance as well. If it's all too tight you can get long-drop brake calipers to make more space.

Personally I find drops more comfy even for commuting (my wrist feels twisted on flats), but one thing that may improve matters is a stem with a higher rise (or higher and shorter) for a more upright position.

PHcp

Here’s an alternative;
Replace your bars with touring ones, these are still drops but have a comfier position on the tops.
Add cross top brake levers so as you can brake from the tops.
Get a steeper stem if you feel you’d like a more upright position.
You should have change from £50 and IMO a better set up. Keep the other bits so you can convert back if you want to.

JustRidecp

I see a few road bikes around town that have the drops flipped round and cut so they're like slightly curvy up bar ends with the levers popped on the ends - TT style. They'd be narrower than flat bars though but would save you buying new ones if the drops were destined for the bin.

jumbolugs

Just get an old hybrid or MTB on eBay - it will be just as cheap and a lot less hassle than converting your road bike.

Keep the road bike as it is, for weekend rides etc.