Flat bars to drop bars

[sargemister]

Hi, I was bought this bike for my birthday, as I had told everyone I wanted money to add to the money I had saved to buy a road bike, but they all clubbed together and bought me a Pinnacle Lithium hybrid. I don't like the flat bars on this bike, and would like to change them to drop bars, how much would this cost? Thanks so much!

 

[AyeYo]

Certainly won't be cheap. You'll need the bars, brifters, cables, bar tape, and possibly a stem. That's assuming derailleur changes aren't needed. I'd plan on at least $200 for entry level items.

 

[sargemister]

Okay, would it be cheaper to go to a bigger bike place or just my local shop? Thanks very much

 

[AyeYo]

Neither. Cheapest option will be online at a discount site like Nashbar or Wiggle. It'll cost you far more than $200 if you buy parts from any local store. Nashbar.com is good if you're from the US. Wiggle.com and chainreactioncycles.com are good if you're from Europe (still good if you're from the US, but shipping takes some time).

 

[sargemister]

Okay brilliant, thanks very much!

 

[AyeYo]

Here's a potential shopping list:

Bars: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_546121_-1___204718

Brifters (will these index the same? Don't know. Will the brake pull be correct? Don't know. Someone more knowledgable with cross compatibility will have to comment): http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Tourney-ST-A070-7-Speed-Lever/dp/B00GQCC9A0/ref=pd_sbs_sg_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0YKK4C5JBE3TKPKZX725

Brake cables: http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PTFE-Brake-Cable-Housing/dp/B007FP5LDY

Tape: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_183416_-1___204717


You won't know if you need a stem until you get the bars installed and check the reach. Nashbar has plenty of cheap $30-40 stems. The description of your bike that I'm looking at doesn't say what the handlebar diameter is, but if it's not the new standard 31.8mm, then you will either need to get a stem (recommend), get a old style set of narrower diameter bars (not recommended), or get an adapter (really not recommended).

 

[sargemister]

Do you know what size handlebar I would need? Thanks

 

[sargemister]

Didn't see the last bit, thank you so much, you have been so helpful

 

[sargemister]

Sorry to be a massive pain, but I'm from the UK, are the equilivants on wiggle? Thanks

 

[AyeYo]

Wiggle should have most of it. You're going to have to shop around for 3x7 brifters though and that's assuming the ones I listed are even compatible with the rest of your drivetrain. That's something you might want to talk to a knowledgable local shop about if one of the smarter guys on here doesn't reply first.

Just look for any 31.8mm bar. The width will depend on your shoulder width, if you're average size male, 42cm should be ballpark - female might be better at 40cm, typical giant English guy probably 44cm). Everyone has those Shimano cables and Wiggle has about 9 million different types of tape. I prefer the Cinelli gel cork tape because it's cheap and easy to install.

 

[sargemister]

That's brilliant, I've found those 3x7 brifters so all good, I'll check with someone if they will work. Thanks