Road Bike Drop Bars To Flat Bar Conversion

I show how to convert a road bike from drop bars to flat bar handlebars. The conversion also includes going from downtube shifters to handlebar mounted mountain bike type trigger shifters.

Shimano Downtube Cable Stops (concave mount)

Shimano Downtube Cable Stops (flat mount)

Shimano EF51 video:

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[djsickmick]

I wasn't looking for such an involved conversion but I"m glad that I found this video. I've learned from you that it is easy to adjust shifters and brakes from watching your demo. I've maintained my bikes using the adjustments that you've shown but have been reluctant until now to replace cables. Thanks so much!

[juliewalls]

Hugely awesome! R.J. I love learning how to fix these bikes, it isn't brain surgery BUT when you don't know how to do these things mistakes are made and it is kind of maddening. However when someone does this stuff in front of you in videos that you can see and pause and rewatch it really is super helpful. Thank you so much!!

[johnbaca]

I've done many, many drop bar to flat or riser bar conversions on various road bikes. I don't like using drop bars on my bikes. I have never had a problem with V-brake levers actuating the road brakes. They work well, give good feel, and are more readily available in my area.
I've also not had a problem using mountain bike shifters on the road bike derailleurs. The shifting is quick and accurate.
That's one good looking bike! I would have used a polished handlebar to match the other polished components. I don't mind sanding/polishing off the matte anodizing on handlebars (especially if they are already marked and scratched up) If I don't have one in stock.
Good enjoyable video, thanks.

[earthkwaque]

I just did this to a 2006 Trek 1500 (3x9 Shimano 105 drivetrain) using your video as the primary guide. Very very helpful. Thanks! I used Shimano ST-EF65 combo shift/brake levers and a Shimano Deore (FD-M591-6) front derailleur.

Everything was super easy except adjusting the front derailleurs (had to watch a few other videos to really understand all the relevant adjustment points). Finally got it shifting smoothly after an hour of try and error.

[birthaappleshirt]

For anyone doing this I recommend you get the shamano Claris shifters and break levers there made specifically for road bikes and worked great for me

[MaxCJennings]

Love your videos man, keep up the work, I'm 15 and now know how to completely renew a vintage bike thanks to you and a few others😁

[hKBFC]

I know I'm a bit late here but this was awesome to see, I wanted to get a flat bar road bike because I wasn't sure if I wanted to be trapped in an aggressive position such as the drop bar gives you. but now that I see you can interchange bars I can switch it up when I feel like it without too much struggle. Thank you for this video was slow enough that I could follow along without getting lost or frustrated!!!

[sitflyer]

I recently picked up an old Trek 370 and was thinking about converting to flat bars, this info loaded vid gave me the confidence to tackle the conversion and on Tuesday I will be seeing my bike shop guy to work up a parts list, I'm also going to get a longer stem so I can raise the bars a couple inches for a more comfortable riding position. My neighborhood has a 1 Km loop with minimal inclines so this conversion should get me a nice track bike that my not as young as it used to be body can maximize my riding time on ithe bike. Thanks a million for this vid, you have excellent content on your channel.

[Prizzly]

I've done this conversion on two bikes. It turns an old road bike in to a nice commuter or everyday bike with an upright seating position. fast rolling and pretty light.

[paulmarkowski]

Thanks for making this- 33 minutes for you may equate to 33 hours for me- but with this info., it is definitely doable. The how to- part was excellent but also the parts compatibility info. was very helpful.

[sbrown]

I want to change the drop bars on my Giant OCR 3 road bike to flat bars, as I'm old and just like to sit more upright. This video how-to will be a real help, thanks!

[minhtoi]

One thing to remember when sizing the front brake housing length is to make sure it is long enough for the entire length of quill stem adjustment (ie, tallest setting) AND that you can totally remove the quill stem without removing the brake to overhaul the headset. If you just size for the current stem position you can make the cable too short.

Having to worry about this (and thus make the housing longer) is an issue one really needs to keep in mind if they're use to threadless stems and headsets -- which allows removing the handle bar even with a short brake cable.
[You can guess I speak from experience on this... :-/]

[DopeEd]

i love those old shimano 600 calipers. Such a clean design and they worked just as well as the new stuff (in that they slowed and stopped me with confidence)

Cool build.

[richlijacanacua]

Thank you for the demonstrations by converting roadbike into mountainbike set-up. It is a big idea to learn.
For me, I am used to ride my Mountain bike, but I turn it to a Gravel Bike.
32:46 I love the Dropbar set-up. It is comfortable to drive and equally balance to ride. It is easy to to pass the traffic and run fast as well. I love my Gravel bike set-up.

[rogermoore]

Thanks for the video. I converted my Cannondale Topstone 2 to flat bars a couple of weeks ago. New shifters and brake levers. It suits me better with the drop bars total conversation about £200 GBP

[ForbinColossus]

@20:32 Thanks for showing the chain overshift and push off the chainring. Too many bike mechanics only show perfect results - less to learn that way. Thx!

[lucianonarno]

Finally done watching. I really like these long videos you put out every once in a while. As soon as I get my new bike I will do this conversion to my current vintage road bike for city commuting and fit wider tires. Thanks for the great bike content, keep it up!

[boba]

Very well detailed video. I am looking into changing the drop handlebars to flat bar handle bars on my daughter's old Schwinn Caliente bike for my use and your video has the detail I need to get the job done. Thanks so much! Bob

[LeSiZmOr]

Always good stuff RJ. Been wrenching on bikes for about 25 years. Shop rat back in the late 90s.. now indie. Love your perspective and teaching skills. Very good sir.

[TheCaoimhin]

Thanks. This is a really good video - great camera work with clear views of what you're doing. Clear explanations. Really good. Thanks.