can I go fast on a flat bar commuter?

[got-to-get-fit]

i like the look of those short cow horn bars that some people seem to fit to racing frames ....they look as though you can get the best of both worlds....stretched out when you need it and upright when you need it also. Cant remember what they are called though

 

[nigelj]

got-to-get-fit
i assumed most people took a set of drop bars turned them upside down and cut off the bits they didn't need.
Just fitted the tri-bars to mine as I spent a lot of the ride home with my forearms resting on top of the bars. It looks daft so might cut these down so I've some short stubs to grab hold of.

 

[twowheelsgood]

Most flat bar commuter bikes have a very upright stem. By simply changing this for one of a lower angle (cost about a tenner) and using faster tyres you'll get practically all the performance of a road bike in the urban environment at least. You'll always loose out on the open road.

I bought a Marin Sausalito in 1997 complete with horrid, clucky front suspension. I converted to a simple, rigid fork, a lower stem and good 28c tyres - it averages only 2-3kph lower than my road bike, even with a rack and mudguards fitted. In fact it's actually better in traffic as a road bike has a 52t chainset which is uselessly high and the Marin a perfect 48t.

I agree with the poster above unless you are training or want to ride in clubs or compete, a pure road/race bike is a poor choice as an only bike because for the loss of only a tiny amount of real world performance, an audax or tourer is far, far more useful.

 

[HLaB]

Most flat bar commuter bikes have a very upright stem. By simply changing this for one of a lower angle (cost about a tenner) and using faster tyres you'll get practically all the performance of a road bike in the urban environment at least. You'll always loose out on the open road.

Simpler still, I just rotated my stem.

 

[nigelj]

It's worked out quite well. I converted the quill to ahead, took the longest stem (120)I had and fitted the flat bars. Scoots along quite nicely when I'm crouched onto the flats (bit like the pro's descending). Still to upright when "cruising" though so will be looking for a frame with longer top tube. Didn't like the tri-bars so they'll be up for sale as well.