Converting to a Roadrat. How many problems?

Cupotea

Hi all. After getting sick of my Felt Z65 (I was sold a frame which is faaaar too small for me) I've decided to purchase a Cotic Roadrat frame and bolt as many bits from the Felt onto it as possible. I've also decided to go for a flat bar after becoming disenchated with full on road bikes.

The problem is I'm not sure how much I'll actually be able to use. The kit is mainly Ultegra so it's worth (in my opinion) trying to salvage as much as possible. I'm not sure if I can use the brake calipers as I can't see any pics of roadrats with them, but I know I will at least need new levers and shifters. Is it possible to use MTB style shifters with 10 speed road setups?

Cupotea

Oh, I should add that this is with an aim to commute on. My Felt was just too scary.

Cupotea

Double post :roll:

roger_merriman

I think that one can get road shifters for flat bars which I assume would be 10 rather than the 9 mtb shifters stop at

gtvlusso

Hmm - I built a commuter out of an Ambrosio road/race frame and put on an MTB groupset and flatbar.

I thing 10 x 2 shifters are not too easy to come by. It is also worth bearing in mind which way your bb threads (I suspect British thread on both bikes). You may also find trouble fitting your front mech around the tube - may need a convertor for the band to tighten to. Your rear mech may also require some attention too - depending on the drop and chain length - you will probably have to cut a few links out and see how it goes - odd length chain.



Does the roadrat take normal road calipers or V brakes? You will also have to re-cable everything back up! It is a bit of a tricky task and may cost a bit more than you think to do a transplant, remember to coppaslip every bolt and thread!!!!

Personally, I would buy the right sized road frame (cheapie from Ebay - as you may have an accident and the roads are crap/it'll get nicked!) and go from there. May be easier to put a tri bar onto the z65.......if you want a flat bar. If you are in Bristol, I am happy to help.

Cupotea

Thanks for the offer GTV, I'm in Cheshire so a bit far away. I happily work on a very secure site so not too worried about it going walkabout, though I've just jinxed myself.

I might even go for the drop bar version. I need to try one out. But trying to ride the 55cm Felt when I'm 6'3" just got a bit scary with so much weight on the front wheel.

snooks

Are you getting the long or the short Roadrat?

The roadrat is either canti or disc...so brakes won't work

Have you thought about turning your drops over, and cutting them off - messenger styleee

Get a new stem (or flip the old one over) and away you go

Got to be worth a try before getting a new frame...or just get a 2nd hand frame, like wot him above said

snooks

Cupotea wrote:

I might even go for the drop bar version. I need to try one out. But trying to ride the 55cm Felt when I'm 6'3" just got a bit scary with so much weight on the front wheel.

I see what you mean now :shock: ...I'm 5'10 and I have the 57cm Z65 frame

Cupotea

Snooks, I will be flipping the stem but not sure how much it will help as it's very short as well.

As I've mentioned in a previous thread, I've only ever riden MTBs before so I trusted the sales advice and presumed I was supposed to feel like a terrified contortionist.

biondino

I've also decided to go for a flat bar after becoming disenchated with full on road bikes

It always makes me sad when I read this.

gtvlusso

Cupotea wrote:

Snooks, I will be flipping the stem but not sure how much it will help as it's very short as well.

As I've mentioned in a previous thread, I've only ever riden MTBs before so I trusted the sales advice and presumed I was supposed to feel like a terrified contortionist.

Get a longer stem - easy to fit. You could try and fit tri/Aero bars and shifters. May help you out and be easier. With your size you are nearer to a 60cm frame in my opinion. I am 5ft11" and I use a 56cm frame.

Cupotea

One last question, the forks have a carbon steerer. As long as I don't tighten it like a nutter I should be alright flipping the stem without a torque wrench shouldn't I?

R25 Flyer

These are 10 speed shifters for a flat bar - not that cheap though
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Shima ... 360020776/

gtvlusso

Cupotea wrote:

One last question, the forks have a carbon steerer. As long as I don't tighten it like a nutter I should be alright flipping the stem without a torque wrench shouldn't I?

Be very careful!!!!!! Ultra careful!!!!