Handlebar conversion

andyuk1974
andyuk1974 Posts: 21
edited February 2009 in Workshop
Hi i am currently riding the flat bar Giant FCR and i have got a place doing the London to Paris ride in September for the Poppy appeal. I am looking for advice as to if it is advisable to change the handlebars to a drop bar, and if so as i am currently riding with shimano tiagra 9 speed and triple chainring can i use either shimano or campag brake and gear lever sets. Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

Comments

  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    you need Shimano. Any 9spd STI will be fine (although you may need to change your front mech to a road triple, depending on what you currently have)

    If you have a oversize 31.8mm stem then just buy some 31.8mm drops and fit them.

    If you have a 25.4mm stem then you may also need to change the stem as the smaller roadie drops are usually 26.0 and not strictly compatible (although you may choose to ignore this)

    [not that I like drops at all.....]
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    I dont think I'd bother with the hassle to be honest. Maybe get a lower stem, narrow your bars and fit some bar ends and that would be the cheaper option.