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Swap flat bar for drop bar (MTB)

by Huckfinn
Thu, Feb 28, 2019 10:12
6

The short: possible to replace mtb flat bar with drop bar (shifters included?)

Detail: So, I realise it's a long shot at best but for various reasons I wouldn't mind installing proper drop bars with brakes/gears shifters on my 1999 Giant Terrago. It comes with HS11 hydraulic Magura rim brakes and a 3x8 Shimano LX. Can it be done?

 

Thanks!!

Here's the bike by the way:

P.S.....how do I insert a photo from my laptop..?

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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6 comments

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John Berham | 5 years ago
0 likes

The best bicycles, guys)

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Huckfinn | 5 years ago
0 likes

....to this...:

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Huckfinn | 5 years ago
0 likes

<p>If spendy maybe not a great idea.</p>

<p>It's just that I thought maybe there was a Shimano set out there that had been designed for the purpose. Undo existing, reconnect cables to new one, ...voilà........!</p>

<p>from this:</p>

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CXR94Di2 | 5 years ago
0 likes

If running Di2 or convert to Di2 it will work, but again spendy.   

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IanEdward | 5 years ago
0 likes

I tried on my Trek , using some Nitto 'commuter' bars.

 

//i.imgur.com/WCfYWLt.jpg)

Can't say I was in love with the results, certainly didn't seem to offer any more comfort.

Back to flats for now, think there's some old butterfly bars in my dad's shed which I'm intrigued by, when I see bikes locked on the street with them part of me wants to give them a try...

Avatar
Argos74 | 5 years ago
2 likes

In theory, yes.  You'd likely need to swap out most of the drivetrain to put compatible shifters/brake levers on, and the cost would be eyewatering. The added complication of hydraulic rim brakes throws additional compatibility issues into the mix that I would't even know how to start to address.

In practice, in the name of all that is holy, why? The resulting geometry and ride quality would be all over the place, at a cost that be far better spent on buying a conventional 'adventure' or gravel bike - the upgrade costs wouldn't be much different. The old style rigid mountain bikes were and still are really good bikes. Easy to ride and maintain, and properly maintained and (shh, purists) a few modern parts, they'll happily keep up with modern gravel bikes in the right conditions*.

* flat, dry, gnarly trails. Hills and mud will highlight the limitations of the increased weight and rim brakes, and drop bars do nothing to address those.

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