conversion to flat bar...

gkerr4
gkerr4 Posts: 3,408
edited January 2009 in Workshop
If I wanted to change my trek pilot 1.2 from drops to flats - what brake levers would work with the R600 deep drop caliper brakes?

These are nice and cheap - but specify V-Brakes:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Shima ... 300002748/

it's a tiagra 9speed setup at the moment - i'm assuming that the gear shifters would work OK - but would the brakes? and if not - can anyone recommend a set of STI flat bar shifters / brake levers please?

Thanks,

Graham

Comments

  • rb1956
    rb1956 Posts: 134
    I can't really help, because I just don't know enough about Shimano's STI line, but have you considered moustache handlebars? They could give you a much flatter bar and you could still use all your road brake/shifter parts. You'd probably need to change to a shorter stem to fit moustache bars, and you could consider one with a bit more rise if you want a still more upright riding position. Personally, I think moustache bars look much cooler on a road bike than flats anyway! :D

    Also, you can fit road levers on flat bars, and depending on the bar it will work and doesn't look too dorky. Take a look at this article for useful stuff about handlebars and comfort.
  • bluecow
    bluecow Posts: 306
    I cant imagine how awkward changing down would be with STIs on moustache handlebars. It seems like youd have to lift the lever up with your fingers which would be difficult.
    I do like them though :)
  • PHcp
    PHcp Posts: 2,748
    gkerr4 wrote:
    it's a tiagra 9speed setup at the moment - i'm assuming that the gear shifters would work OK - but would the brakes? and if not - can anyone recommend a set of STI flat bar shifters / brake levers please?
    Graham

    Unfortunatly road and MTB gears/brakes don't mix. Caliper brakes have a shorter cable pull and you wouldn't get the leverage with MTB levers and MTB rear mechs require a different cable pull to road versions.
    Shimano do make flat bar road components, R440 for 9 speed, same sort of quality as Tiagra, it gets expensive though.
    Levers
    Shifters
    Links are first found...
  • PHcp
    PHcp Posts: 2,748
    PHcp wrote:
    gkerr4 wrote:
    it's a tiagra 9speed setup at the moment - i'm assuming that the gear shifters would work OK - but would the brakes? and if not - can anyone recommend a set of STI flat bar shifters / brake levers please?
    Graham

    Unfortunatly road and MTB gears/brakes don't mix. Caliper brakes have a shorter cable pull and you wouldn't get the leverage with MTB levers and MTB rear mechs require a different cable pull to road versions.
    Shimano do make flat bar road components, R440 for 9 speed, same sort of quality as Tiagra, it gets expensive though.
    Levers
    Shifters
    Links are first found...

    Before you make any changes, why? I have a touring bike set up with drop bars that have a flat top and cross top brake levers. Gives almost the same position as my bike with flat bars.
  • rb1956
    rb1956 Posts: 134
    bluecow wrote:
    I cant imagine how awkward changing down would be with STIs on moustache handlebars. It seems like youd have to lift the lever up with your fingers which would be difficult. I do like them though :)
    Erk! Is that how STI brifters work? Surely no worse than pushing the levers outwards in the normal drop position?
  • meagain
    meagain Posts: 2,331
    "These are nice and cheap - but specify V-Brakes:"

    There are older equivalents which were for non-Vs: should easily pick up a second hand set for a tenner (I may have some - will look if you ask!). Otherwise, plenty of separate brake levers/shifters around that will do the job.
    d.j.
    "Cancel my subscription to the resurrection."
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    as above, any cantilever levers will work with DPs, but V levers won't (they pull too much cable and you'll get a hard lever and little power). Avid SD levers just about work on their 'softest' setting too.

    shifters: R440 (8 and 9 spd) or R770 (10) if you run Shimano. Campag and Sram also do them.

    A mtb shifter will be fine with a roadie rear mech. It's the front that's not strictly compatible, although you can quite easily get them to work if you just run a double c/set.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • akcc05
    akcc05 Posts: 336
    PHcp wrote:
    gkerr4 wrote:
    it's a tiagra 9speed setup at the moment - i'm assuming that the gear shifters would work OK - but would the brakes? and if not - can anyone recommend a set of STI flat bar shifters / brake levers please?
    Graham

    Unfortunatly road and MTB gears/brakes don't mix. Caliper brakes have a shorter cable pull and you wouldn't get the leverage with MTB levers and MTB rear mechs require a different cable pull to road versions.
    Shimano do make flat bar road components, R440 for 9 speed, same sort of quality as Tiagra, it gets expensive though.
    Levers
    Shifters
    Links are first found...

    caliper brakes won't work with v-brake levers but an MTB shifter will work with a road rear mech. i run my 9sp drive train with shimano XT rapidfire and 105 5600 road short cage rear mech and its smooth like ice! the front mech could be a problem though
  • PHcp
    PHcp Posts: 2,748
    maddog 2 wrote:
    A mtb shifter will be fine with a roadie rear mech. It's the front that's not strictly compatible, although you can quite easily get them to work if you just run a double c/set.

    Yes, my error. Rear shifting is the same road/MTB, front is different.
  • John C.
    John C. Posts: 2,113
    Cheapest option is to find an old MTB with canti brakes. Most of these old bikes are fitted with a friction front mech shifter which will do the job fine. The brake levers will work too, you get the bars as well and all for about a tenner. :lol:
    http://www.ripon-loiterers.org.uk/

    Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
    Hills are just a matter of pace
  • bluecow
    bluecow Posts: 306
    rb1956 wrote:
    bluecow wrote:
    I cant imagine how awkward changing down would be with STIs on moustache handlebars. It seems like youd have to lift the lever up with your fingers which would be difficult. I do like them though :)
    Erk! Is that how STI brifters work? Surely no worse than pushing the levers outwards in the normal drop position?

    They arent pushed outwards. Just a combination of the button lever alone or both button and brake lever together to change down or up respectively. Problem would be that (especially on the chainring lever (left) you have to shove it quite far over to the right to change up to the large chainring. My fingers wouldnt be long enough to do this if they were horizontal. Im not making much sense, but i know what i mean :)

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