Converting a hybrid into a road bike

Mac9

Hi, just looking for some advice on whether it would be possible to convert my hybrid into a road bike?

I bought a Specialized Sirrus Sport 2011 in November and I love it. It was at the top of my budget and won the two horse race with my other choice which was a Specialized Allez.

Thing is I now want an out and out roadie. The Sirrus is fast, light and comfortable but I just feel that I'm missing out on that little bit extra due to having flat bars.

Would it be as simple as just putting drop bars on it? Or is it no realistic and should I just save for a proper roadie?

Cheers.

geoff_ss

Well I've done the reverse so I suppose it's possible. Do you really think it's going make you any faster? My flat bars are set up to emulate riding on the tops of drop h/bars with the bar ends similar to the 'on the lever hoods' position. The main driver for the speed of a bike is the engine ... ie you

Mac9

I haven't got the bar ends on mine. They were on the 2010 edition but the 2011 range only had the bar ends on the elite version.

Maybe I won't go much faster, but my riding position in the wind will be improved and, well, I just fancy having a roadie really!

So you replaced drop bars with a flat bar and it feels ok?

LazyLoki

I wouldn't bother if I were you. While it is technically possible, it won't be cheap and you still won't have a proper road bike.

Unfortunately it's not as simple at just buying drop bars - what about the gear shifters/brake levers? Road bike shifters aren't cheap, even the bottom of the range Shimano Sora will set you back £70+. Then the bars themselves + bar tape might cost around £30-40 (again for very cheap parts).

I had a sirrus hybrid for a while and as far as I know the V-brakes on that bike aren't compatible with road type brake leavers (might be wrong here) so that would mean buying brakes too.

Even with all these component changes, while your bike would look more like a road bike it still wouldn't be one, the geometry of the frame isn't designed with drop bars in mind so I doubt you'd have much benefit.

I would say save your money and either sell your sirrus to fund a Roadie - second hand or new. You can probably pick up something like a Spesh Allez fairly cheap on the second hand market.

geoff_ss

Yes, it's fine and I get less neck and shoulder pain. Drop bars are fine and I used them in perfect comfort for years but injury and age forced me to change.

The biggest expense you'll have is the cost of new brake/gear levers and ensuring they are compatible with your gear change mechanisms.

Mac9

Cheers all.

Didn't think about all the components I'd have to alter/buy and the added cost of doing that.

I'm going to look into how much I could sell my Sirrus for to fund a proper roadie.

Thanks again!

flateric

I was going to do the reverse to my roadie and convert to a flat bar, i have a hybrid already that was in need of TLC. It worked out cheaper to repair the Hybrid, new wheels, new cabling, that to convert the roadie.

Granted i now have two bikes but hey!!

Ben6899

For the guys who have gone the other way... what advantages do flat bars bring over drops?

Thebigbee

Geoff_SS wrote:

Yes, it's fine and I get less neck and shoulder pain. Drop bars are fine and I used them in perfect comfort for years but injury and age forced me to change.

The biggest expense you'll have is the cost of new brake/gear levers and ensuring they are compatible with your gear change mechanisms.

That is the main issue. I got into road biking after buying a hybrid. 1st a Scott Sportster P6 2010 and when that got nicked an upgrade to a Scott Sub 30 2010.

With the insurance I got a Spesh Allez 2011.

I love both bikes and even though I couldn't really afford it I kept both.

And I am really glad I did. My hybrid is about 3 KG heavier, even though it has more gears 27 vs 24 it is a completely different set up. My hybrid has 48T big ring whilst my roadie has 52 I think.

I have MTB derailleurs on my hybrid Deore & XT.

I have 700 x 28c slick tyres and it is still a quick bike. It is just such an easy bike to chuck about, shifting is smooth as silk and it stops on a sixpence even though it only has V brakes. It is a great commuter bike and I have no qualms about taking it out in the wet or using it as a winter trainer.

As opposed to my road bike which I only use in fairweather and simply isn't as practical to use as an everyday commuter - even though it is about 3 MPH quicker - so far!

Probably the best upgrade I made to my hybrid in terms of riding comfort and help with hills is some simple bar ends.

I bought these ones in black to match my bike http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=29893

Just gets you in such a better riding position and a godsend up climbs.

I have looked at getting spare chainrings etc "just in case" recently. And was soon put off that when I realised quite how dear they were.

Hang on to your hybrid, get some barends and then if you want a racer really bad but can't afford it outright either get one on finance - most online retailers do 12 months interest free over about £550 - or see whether you can get one through the cycle to work scheme.

HTH

StillGoing

SUrely the gearing on a hybrid isn't going to be anywhere near as good as a true road bike so you'd need to be replacing the whole groupset. Add in the frame weight compared to a road bike and you may as well just stump up the cash for a purpose built road bike in the first place.

topdude

For the guys who have gone the other way... what advantages do flat bars bring over drops?

Well, i have gone the "other way"
I've had hybrids and road bikes, i currently have a Giant Defy converted to flat bars and It works for me.
Nice light frame with the feel of a road bike,
Relaxed riding position (not too high or low)
Brakes that work,
Nice light short throw gear levers,
Comfy Ergon grips with bar ends built in,
And it looks good, a bit different from hybrids and roadies,
Cost less than £100 to convert and can change back to drops any time in the future if i feel like it.
As i said earlier, not for everyone but it works for me.