changing handlebars on mtb: possible? silly?

[guster]

Hi

I am trying to get a new bike specifically because mtb handlebars are doing my back in (and because my mtb weighs a ton)... I've been offered a friend's hybrid that has mtb-style handlebars... is it possible to put different - eg drop - handlebars on a hybrid without damaging it? Is it a silly idea? is it really expensive?

My ideal (hypothetical) hybrid would have a racing-light frame, drop handlebars and off-road fat knobbly tyres; so being offered a hybrid that is essentially a mtb with skinny slick tyres is all the wrong way round...

ideas on handlebar swaps very welcome!

 

[MajorMantra]

Hi

I am trying to get a new bike specifically because mtb handlebars are doing my back in (and because my mtb weighs a ton)... I've been offered a friend's hybrid that has mtb-style handlebars... is it possible to put different - eg drop - handlebars on a hybrid without damaging it? Is it a silly idea? is it really expensive?

My ideal (hypothetical) hybrid would have a racing-light frame, drop handlebars and off-road fat knobbly tyres; so being offered a hybrid that is essentially a mtb with skinny slick tyres is all the wrong way round...

ideas on handlebar swaps very welcome!

A light cyclocross bike is quite close to what you describe.

As for putting drops on a hybrid you certainly can. Doing a full conversion with combined brake/shift levers is expensive but you could for example do it with bar-end shifters which are almost as easy to use.

Matthew

 

[Bigtwin]

Controls are going to be your issue. Can be done by putting them on the tops, but will look odd. Otherwise, start spending.

What you are after is a cross bike.

 

[guster]

aha. Didn't know cyclocross bikes existed. Any recommendations?

 

[Bigtwin]

aha. Didn't know cyclocross bikes existed. Any recommendations?

Yes - get one. I have a Jake the Snake - commuted, raced, trained, toured on it - all great.

Have a google.

 

[Mr Pig]

As far as I'm concerned it's my bike and I can do whatever the heck I like to it! Who cares what it looks like, you make your bike as comfortable as you want.