Hybrid flat to drop conversion adviceMTB Conversion For Lighter CommutingOlder Motobecane conversionSpecific...

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Hybrid flat to drop conversion advice


MTB Conversion For Lighter CommutingOlder Motobecane conversionSpecific Conversion to IGHConvert Cannondale CAAD9 to a hybrid style…?What considerations are there around replacement of cable-actuated disc brakes with hydraulic-actuated calipers?Adult tandem trike conversionSeeking advice: single speed conversion, Fuji ultimate road bike (old!) - Which kit? Which chain? etcDrop bar to flat bar conversionTourney drop to flat bar conversionHow do I purchase a drop bar bike that will be converted to flat bar?













1















I have a Whyte Portabello hybrid, I wanted to swap to an adventure bike with drops. I thought as an alternative it might be easy to convert my existing bike instead, and save a bit of money.



It has hydraulic disk brakes but most brakes on drop bars seem to be cable operated?



The rear derailleur is a Shimano, so would I just have to get some Shimano road brake/ shifters and fit some cable operated calipers instead? Or is it a bit more complicated than that?



thanks










share|improve this question























  • It is more complicated and most likely more expensive than just selling the bike than you have and buying a purpose built drop bar bike. With 9-speed drivetrain and mechanical brakes it would have been more doable with some problems, but current systems seem to go out of their way to make things incompatible. There are many, many compatibility questions on this site if you are really interested.

    – ojs
    5 hours ago
















1















I have a Whyte Portabello hybrid, I wanted to swap to an adventure bike with drops. I thought as an alternative it might be easy to convert my existing bike instead, and save a bit of money.



It has hydraulic disk brakes but most brakes on drop bars seem to be cable operated?



The rear derailleur is a Shimano, so would I just have to get some Shimano road brake/ shifters and fit some cable operated calipers instead? Or is it a bit more complicated than that?



thanks










share|improve this question























  • It is more complicated and most likely more expensive than just selling the bike than you have and buying a purpose built drop bar bike. With 9-speed drivetrain and mechanical brakes it would have been more doable with some problems, but current systems seem to go out of their way to make things incompatible. There are many, many compatibility questions on this site if you are really interested.

    – ojs
    5 hours ago














1












1








1








I have a Whyte Portabello hybrid, I wanted to swap to an adventure bike with drops. I thought as an alternative it might be easy to convert my existing bike instead, and save a bit of money.



It has hydraulic disk brakes but most brakes on drop bars seem to be cable operated?



The rear derailleur is a Shimano, so would I just have to get some Shimano road brake/ shifters and fit some cable operated calipers instead? Or is it a bit more complicated than that?



thanks










share|improve this question














I have a Whyte Portabello hybrid, I wanted to swap to an adventure bike with drops. I thought as an alternative it might be easy to convert my existing bike instead, and save a bit of money.



It has hydraulic disk brakes but most brakes on drop bars seem to be cable operated?



The rear derailleur is a Shimano, so would I just have to get some Shimano road brake/ shifters and fit some cable operated calipers instead? Or is it a bit more complicated than that?



thanks







disc-brake conversion gravel






share|improve this question













share|improve this question











share|improve this question




share|improve this question










asked 5 hours ago









Andy StannardAndy Stannard

2977




2977













  • It is more complicated and most likely more expensive than just selling the bike than you have and buying a purpose built drop bar bike. With 9-speed drivetrain and mechanical brakes it would have been more doable with some problems, but current systems seem to go out of their way to make things incompatible. There are many, many compatibility questions on this site if you are really interested.

    – ojs
    5 hours ago



















  • It is more complicated and most likely more expensive than just selling the bike than you have and buying a purpose built drop bar bike. With 9-speed drivetrain and mechanical brakes it would have been more doable with some problems, but current systems seem to go out of their way to make things incompatible. There are many, many compatibility questions on this site if you are really interested.

    – ojs
    5 hours ago

















It is more complicated and most likely more expensive than just selling the bike than you have and buying a purpose built drop bar bike. With 9-speed drivetrain and mechanical brakes it would have been more doable with some problems, but current systems seem to go out of their way to make things incompatible. There are many, many compatibility questions on this site if you are really interested.

– ojs
5 hours ago





It is more complicated and most likely more expensive than just selling the bike than you have and buying a purpose built drop bar bike. With 9-speed drivetrain and mechanical brakes it would have been more doable with some problems, but current systems seem to go out of their way to make things incompatible. There are many, many compatibility questions on this site if you are really interested.

– ojs
5 hours ago










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes


















3














Simple advice: don't do it.




  • You'll need to replace a lot of components because the derailleurs and brakes used on flat-bar bikes aren't compatible with the levers typically used on drop-bar bikes.


  • You'd end up with a bike that doesn't handle very well because you're moving the handlebars to a completely different place and the rest of the bike geometry doesn't match that.



Sell the bike you have and buy the bike you actually want. If that doesn't fit in with your finances, a second-hand bike is almost certainly a better option than trying to convert your existing bike.






share|improve this answer































    1














    Assuming it also has Shimano brakes, probably it's enough to change the brakes and shifters. A short search would indicate this:
    https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-st-rs685-hydraulic-disc-brake-stis-br-rs785-disc-brakes-post-mount-75654.html

    at a price of some 160 GB pounds so less than 200 eur for the brake/shift levers.

    You would also need to mount them, connect the brake tubes (they are probably long enough), bleed the brakes, find the brifters (STI) with the correct number of speeds.

    Also, the pull ratio (how much the gear cable must shorten for a gear change) might differ from MTB to road gear shifters, in which case you probably need new derailleurs (road).

    I've checked and the 2018 version has Shimano Sora (road) groupset, so you could either go with combined hydraulic brake/shift levers for Shimano road 9 speed, or change the brakes to a cable/hydraulic or full cable combo (if available).

    EDIT: the 2019 version seems to have Shimano Deore rear derailleur, so MTB not road. Not sure of your exact year/version and derailleur.






    share|improve this answer

































      1














      Hydraulic road brakes are available on 105 and up. I think road and MTB levers and calipers are compatible.



      Your 10 speed Deore derailleur will not be compatible with 10 speed road shifters. Shimano derailleur pull ratios diverged when MTB drivetrains reached 10 speeds.



      As David said, the main problem is hybrid bikes have different frame geometry than drop-bar bikes. They are longer (greater reach) because flat bars do not extend so far forward as drop bars. The Portobello also seems to have a large stack (height of the top of the steerer tube above the BB). You'd have to use a very short stem to get a usable hand position, which will negatively affect the steering.



      A set of hydro road shifters is not cheap, you'll either have to learn how to bleed hydro brakes (and buy a bleed kit) or have a LBS do it for you; and you are taking a risk that you'll end up with something unridable, or at least very compromised. Selling the bike and getting a new one is a better option.






      share|improve this answer























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        3 Answers
        3






        active

        oldest

        votes








        3 Answers
        3






        active

        oldest

        votes









        active

        oldest

        votes






        active

        oldest

        votes









        3














        Simple advice: don't do it.




        • You'll need to replace a lot of components because the derailleurs and brakes used on flat-bar bikes aren't compatible with the levers typically used on drop-bar bikes.


        • You'd end up with a bike that doesn't handle very well because you're moving the handlebars to a completely different place and the rest of the bike geometry doesn't match that.



        Sell the bike you have and buy the bike you actually want. If that doesn't fit in with your finances, a second-hand bike is almost certainly a better option than trying to convert your existing bike.






        share|improve this answer




























          3














          Simple advice: don't do it.




          • You'll need to replace a lot of components because the derailleurs and brakes used on flat-bar bikes aren't compatible with the levers typically used on drop-bar bikes.


          • You'd end up with a bike that doesn't handle very well because you're moving the handlebars to a completely different place and the rest of the bike geometry doesn't match that.



          Sell the bike you have and buy the bike you actually want. If that doesn't fit in with your finances, a second-hand bike is almost certainly a better option than trying to convert your existing bike.






          share|improve this answer


























            3












            3








            3







            Simple advice: don't do it.




            • You'll need to replace a lot of components because the derailleurs and brakes used on flat-bar bikes aren't compatible with the levers typically used on drop-bar bikes.


            • You'd end up with a bike that doesn't handle very well because you're moving the handlebars to a completely different place and the rest of the bike geometry doesn't match that.



            Sell the bike you have and buy the bike you actually want. If that doesn't fit in with your finances, a second-hand bike is almost certainly a better option than trying to convert your existing bike.






            share|improve this answer













            Simple advice: don't do it.




            • You'll need to replace a lot of components because the derailleurs and brakes used on flat-bar bikes aren't compatible with the levers typically used on drop-bar bikes.


            • You'd end up with a bike that doesn't handle very well because you're moving the handlebars to a completely different place and the rest of the bike geometry doesn't match that.



            Sell the bike you have and buy the bike you actually want. If that doesn't fit in with your finances, a second-hand bike is almost certainly a better option than trying to convert your existing bike.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered 3 hours ago









            David RicherbyDavid Richerby

            12k33461




            12k33461























                1














                Assuming it also has Shimano brakes, probably it's enough to change the brakes and shifters. A short search would indicate this:
                https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-st-rs685-hydraulic-disc-brake-stis-br-rs785-disc-brakes-post-mount-75654.html

                at a price of some 160 GB pounds so less than 200 eur for the brake/shift levers.

                You would also need to mount them, connect the brake tubes (they are probably long enough), bleed the brakes, find the brifters (STI) with the correct number of speeds.

                Also, the pull ratio (how much the gear cable must shorten for a gear change) might differ from MTB to road gear shifters, in which case you probably need new derailleurs (road).

                I've checked and the 2018 version has Shimano Sora (road) groupset, so you could either go with combined hydraulic brake/shift levers for Shimano road 9 speed, or change the brakes to a cable/hydraulic or full cable combo (if available).

                EDIT: the 2019 version seems to have Shimano Deore rear derailleur, so MTB not road. Not sure of your exact year/version and derailleur.






                share|improve this answer






























                  1














                  Assuming it also has Shimano brakes, probably it's enough to change the brakes and shifters. A short search would indicate this:
                  https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-st-rs685-hydraulic-disc-brake-stis-br-rs785-disc-brakes-post-mount-75654.html

                  at a price of some 160 GB pounds so less than 200 eur for the brake/shift levers.

                  You would also need to mount them, connect the brake tubes (they are probably long enough), bleed the brakes, find the brifters (STI) with the correct number of speeds.

                  Also, the pull ratio (how much the gear cable must shorten for a gear change) might differ from MTB to road gear shifters, in which case you probably need new derailleurs (road).

                  I've checked and the 2018 version has Shimano Sora (road) groupset, so you could either go with combined hydraulic brake/shift levers for Shimano road 9 speed, or change the brakes to a cable/hydraulic or full cable combo (if available).

                  EDIT: the 2019 version seems to have Shimano Deore rear derailleur, so MTB not road. Not sure of your exact year/version and derailleur.






                  share|improve this answer




























                    1












                    1








                    1







                    Assuming it also has Shimano brakes, probably it's enough to change the brakes and shifters. A short search would indicate this:
                    https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-st-rs685-hydraulic-disc-brake-stis-br-rs785-disc-brakes-post-mount-75654.html

                    at a price of some 160 GB pounds so less than 200 eur for the brake/shift levers.

                    You would also need to mount them, connect the brake tubes (they are probably long enough), bleed the brakes, find the brifters (STI) with the correct number of speeds.

                    Also, the pull ratio (how much the gear cable must shorten for a gear change) might differ from MTB to road gear shifters, in which case you probably need new derailleurs (road).

                    I've checked and the 2018 version has Shimano Sora (road) groupset, so you could either go with combined hydraulic brake/shift levers for Shimano road 9 speed, or change the brakes to a cable/hydraulic or full cable combo (if available).

                    EDIT: the 2019 version seems to have Shimano Deore rear derailleur, so MTB not road. Not sure of your exact year/version and derailleur.






                    share|improve this answer















                    Assuming it also has Shimano brakes, probably it's enough to change the brakes and shifters. A short search would indicate this:
                    https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-st-rs685-hydraulic-disc-brake-stis-br-rs785-disc-brakes-post-mount-75654.html

                    at a price of some 160 GB pounds so less than 200 eur for the brake/shift levers.

                    You would also need to mount them, connect the brake tubes (they are probably long enough), bleed the brakes, find the brifters (STI) with the correct number of speeds.

                    Also, the pull ratio (how much the gear cable must shorten for a gear change) might differ from MTB to road gear shifters, in which case you probably need new derailleurs (road).

                    I've checked and the 2018 version has Shimano Sora (road) groupset, so you could either go with combined hydraulic brake/shift levers for Shimano road 9 speed, or change the brakes to a cable/hydraulic or full cable combo (if available).

                    EDIT: the 2019 version seems to have Shimano Deore rear derailleur, so MTB not road. Not sure of your exact year/version and derailleur.







                    share|improve this answer














                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer








                    edited 4 hours ago

























                    answered 5 hours ago









                    Calin CeterasCalin Ceteras

                    673




                    673























                        1














                        Hydraulic road brakes are available on 105 and up. I think road and MTB levers and calipers are compatible.



                        Your 10 speed Deore derailleur will not be compatible with 10 speed road shifters. Shimano derailleur pull ratios diverged when MTB drivetrains reached 10 speeds.



                        As David said, the main problem is hybrid bikes have different frame geometry than drop-bar bikes. They are longer (greater reach) because flat bars do not extend so far forward as drop bars. The Portobello also seems to have a large stack (height of the top of the steerer tube above the BB). You'd have to use a very short stem to get a usable hand position, which will negatively affect the steering.



                        A set of hydro road shifters is not cheap, you'll either have to learn how to bleed hydro brakes (and buy a bleed kit) or have a LBS do it for you; and you are taking a risk that you'll end up with something unridable, or at least very compromised. Selling the bike and getting a new one is a better option.






                        share|improve this answer




























                          1














                          Hydraulic road brakes are available on 105 and up. I think road and MTB levers and calipers are compatible.



                          Your 10 speed Deore derailleur will not be compatible with 10 speed road shifters. Shimano derailleur pull ratios diverged when MTB drivetrains reached 10 speeds.



                          As David said, the main problem is hybrid bikes have different frame geometry than drop-bar bikes. They are longer (greater reach) because flat bars do not extend so far forward as drop bars. The Portobello also seems to have a large stack (height of the top of the steerer tube above the BB). You'd have to use a very short stem to get a usable hand position, which will negatively affect the steering.



                          A set of hydro road shifters is not cheap, you'll either have to learn how to bleed hydro brakes (and buy a bleed kit) or have a LBS do it for you; and you are taking a risk that you'll end up with something unridable, or at least very compromised. Selling the bike and getting a new one is a better option.






                          share|improve this answer


























                            1












                            1








                            1







                            Hydraulic road brakes are available on 105 and up. I think road and MTB levers and calipers are compatible.



                            Your 10 speed Deore derailleur will not be compatible with 10 speed road shifters. Shimano derailleur pull ratios diverged when MTB drivetrains reached 10 speeds.



                            As David said, the main problem is hybrid bikes have different frame geometry than drop-bar bikes. They are longer (greater reach) because flat bars do not extend so far forward as drop bars. The Portobello also seems to have a large stack (height of the top of the steerer tube above the BB). You'd have to use a very short stem to get a usable hand position, which will negatively affect the steering.



                            A set of hydro road shifters is not cheap, you'll either have to learn how to bleed hydro brakes (and buy a bleed kit) or have a LBS do it for you; and you are taking a risk that you'll end up with something unridable, or at least very compromised. Selling the bike and getting a new one is a better option.






                            share|improve this answer













                            Hydraulic road brakes are available on 105 and up. I think road and MTB levers and calipers are compatible.



                            Your 10 speed Deore derailleur will not be compatible with 10 speed road shifters. Shimano derailleur pull ratios diverged when MTB drivetrains reached 10 speeds.



                            As David said, the main problem is hybrid bikes have different frame geometry than drop-bar bikes. They are longer (greater reach) because flat bars do not extend so far forward as drop bars. The Portobello also seems to have a large stack (height of the top of the steerer tube above the BB). You'd have to use a very short stem to get a usable hand position, which will negatively affect the steering.



                            A set of hydro road shifters is not cheap, you'll either have to learn how to bleed hydro brakes (and buy a bleed kit) or have a LBS do it for you; and you are taking a risk that you'll end up with something unridable, or at least very compromised. Selling the bike and getting a new one is a better option.







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered 57 mins ago









                            Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus

                            35.4k23891




                            35.4k23891






























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