View Full Version : Can I put road bike handles on a mtn bike?

Can I put road bike handles on a mtn bike?

OniVerde

JTE83

I think a good set of lightweight narrow wheels and narrow slick tires will make you faster. No need to change the bars or shifters.

OniVerde

Ok, I'll add the wheels/tires to the list. But what about the bars?

Also, the mtn bike is a Giant Rincon 24spd with SRAM grip shifters.

otherworld

No offence meant but this is what's called a dumb idea.

The time and cost involved is not worth it. Just change bikes. Get a different bike when you get where you are going or do no more than change the tyres, (this makes a much bigger difference than the bars in your case) and maybe the wheels.

Jay

lwedge

I think a good set of lightweight narrow wheels and narrow slick tires will make you faster. No need to change the bars or shifters.
JTE83 is right.....

If you want the feel of riding in the drop position then follow the advice on this link.
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t236543-.html

LW

jhuskey

What parts do I need to put road bars on a mountain bike? New shifters, brake levers, the bar. What else?

The reason I want to do this instead of buying a road or hybrid is I'm leaving the country in about 3 months. I just want to go a bit faster on the road while riding my mtn bike. Am I chasing a pipe dream?

Change the tires to slick for less rolling resistance. Drop bars may give you a more aero position, but I doubt you would notice much difference besides a mountain bike frame has totally different geometry than a road bike.
I am not sure you could do enough adjustments to achieve a logical position with drop bars.

JTE83

Mountain bikes are just slow. I have a Cannondale F600 that I tried to make faster with Specialised Armadillo slicks and my bike still feels slow. So I just gave up on it and now I have 4 great road bikes that I use all the time.

gclark8

If its for a short term just buy a pair of Road Ends: http://www.endless-innovations.com/mall/dynamic.asp?Category=BarEnds

shannons dad

What parts do I need to put road bars on a mountain bike? New shifters, brake levers, the bar. What else?

The reason I want to do this instead of buying a road or hybrid is I'm leaving the country in about 3 months. I just want to go a bit faster on the road while riding my mtn bike. Am I chasing a pipe dream?You're not chasing a pipe dream, it's been done. Pro racers such as John Tomac were doing it during the early 90's. I've recently done it to my hybrid.

http://photobucket.com/albums/a3/shannonsdad123/?action=view&current=294dd0bb.jpg

You'll need the bars (obviously!), bar tape, STI units, new cables and patience!
Be sure to get the right bar thickness for your stem though.

lehowe0

I'd say try out the moustache bars, they ride similar to drop bars but the only thing you need to change is the bars.

http://www.rivendellbicycles.com/webalog/handlebars_stems_tape/16027.html

I only mention this because I've seen them on a bunch of cool looking Rivendells.