Re: Bars & Stems

David Martin

On 13/12/04 11:51 pm, in article igp.1h88ry@no-mx.forums.cyclingforums.com,
"igp" <igp.1h88ry@no-mx.forums.cyclingforums.com> wrote:

>
> Hi All,
> I'm in the process of changing my flat bar road bike into a drop bar
> bike and need a little advice. I've recently bought a used set of
> shimano sora combined shifters for the job and would like to change
> them over myself. A few questions that I need answered before I buy
> anything else are
>
> 1. Existing bars are 25.4mm must the new drops be exaxtly 25.4mm.

If you are using the same stem then the bar diameter in teh middle must
match.

> 2. Existing stem is 90mm from centre of riser to centre of bars is this
> an appropriate length for drop bars.

Are your arms an appropriate length for drop bars? Time will tell. Some ride
on shorter, some ride on longer. It will do for starters. If you don't like
it you can always change it (easier to change if it is a front loader.)

> 3. Bar width Is there an easy way to determine correct width.

How broad are your shoulders? I like 44, others like 46, some prefer 42. Try
out several sizes and pick the one you like best.

> 4. What type of bar tape is recommended.

Cinelli cork ribbon in a really sick colour.

> 5. I'm pressuming that I will need new cables.

Yes. ANd you will need the other end, the one you normally just cut off and
throw away as the drop bar levers use a different nipple (yes that is what
it is called) to flat bar levers.

> Any other advice would also be much appreciated

You may want a new stem anyway as drop bars tend to be lower than flat bars
and lead to a different riding position. A front loading stem will be a big
benefit here as you can get the new stem on and off the bars without having
to take off tape and levers.

Apply the tape from the end to the middle.

Enjoy!

...d