Converting bar end shifters to thumb shifters

[insurin]

I am looking at a Dawes Galaxy 2014 steel frame. It comes with STI gears, spec in the link

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/dawes/galaxy-2014-touring-bike-ec050878#features

I am also looking at the Dawes Galaxy Plus 2014. This has bar end shifters.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/dawes/galaxy-plus-2014-touring-bike-ec050879#features

I want to put trekking bars on the bike with thumb shifters and normal brake handles that you get on MTBs. I know changing the STI's on the first link entails a lots of work such as swapping FD/RD cranksets etc.

What is required to get the second link with bar end shifters and disc brakes setup on a trekking bar.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Would it be simpler to go for a Galaxy Cross: Link?

 

[insurin]

Would it be simpler to go for a Galaxy Cross: Link?

Excellent. I am certainly open to ideas. Why is that so much cheaper than the others. First look, it seems to solve my problems.

 

[insurin]

Pity about it being black. This certainly looks like a viable option

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Excellent. I am certainly open to ideas. Why is that so much cheaper than the others. First look, it seems to solve my problems.

It's a different drivetrain to the others (8 speed instead of 9) and the shifters/brake levers are cheaper for flat bar bikes.

To be honest, 8 speed will do everything 9 speed will, just spaced slightly differently. (Replacement parts are cheaper for 8 speed too)

 

[downfader]

If make is not a problem then look at Genesis range of STI/disc Croix de Fer range.
http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/adventure

 

[insurin]

If make is not a problem then look at Genesis range of STI/disc Croix de Fer range.
http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/adventure

Thanks for the link. They all seem to be drops so I would be in the same boat as the Dawes Galaxy range. However this Galaxy Cross Rickshaw has put me onto really does seem to be a good route to take.

 

[downfader]

Thanks for the link. They all seem to be drops so I would be in the same boat as the Dawes Galaxy range. However this Galaxy Cross Rickshaw has put me onto really does seem to be a good route to take.

Oh right, you want flatbars? Sorry didnt realise.

Look at the Giant Roam too
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2014.giant.roam.1/14992/66580/
Dad's mate rides one, would need rack/guards though. Very comfortable ride. A bit cheaper but a bit heavier iirc.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Excellent. I am certainly open to ideas. Why is that so much cheaper than the others. First look, it seems to solve my problems.

Because it has a lower quality frame according to the specs on evans?

Galaxy Cross generic 4130 Cromoly
Galaxy Touring generic 4130 Butted Cromoly
Galaxy Plus Reynolds 520 butted Cromoly

and then overall spec is downgraded to suit the cheaper frame.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

wouldn't you be better off (cheaper) finding a steel framed (if that important to you) flat barred hybrid/trekking bike with discs and the braze ons for racks?

 

[vickster]

Why not get an interest free credit card and then build from frame up?
I got a 2013 725 Reynolds genesis equilibrium frame for £400 with carbon fork and then sourced all the parts. A friend is building it for me. I am getting a the exact spec I want and a better one with all bits the correct size, for about the same money as a stock bike, using all new parts (other than pedals and tyres which I had off the bike it replaces)

 

[insurin]

wouldn't you be better off (cheaper) finding a steel framed (if that important to you) flat barred hybrid/trekking bike with discs and the braze ons for racks?

Grump: Thanks for the spec on the frame differences. I will keep looking. I am going off the Cross now that the frame isn't butted.

vickster: I have racked up another bike on the credit card. I don't want anything else going on it.

I can't make any mistakes with the frame. I am hoping that this tourer will be with me for years so I have to get it right.

 

[vickster]

Spa cycles seem to specialise in Dawes, can they help?

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Because it has a lower quality frame according to the specs on evans?

Galaxy Cross generic 4130 Cromoly
Galaxy Touring generic 4130 Butted Cromoly
Galaxy Plus Reynolds 520 butted Cromoly

and then overall spec is downgraded to suit the cheaper frame.

The Dawes website shows the Galaxy Cross as being a double butted 4130 frame. Link is to the 2014 model but I've double checked their archive section and the 2013 is the same spec frame - IE same spec tubing as the Galaxy Touring.

 

[insurin]

The Dawes website shows the Galaxy Cross as being a double butted 4130 frame. Link is to the 2014 model but I've double checked their archive section and the 2013 is the same spec frame - IE same spec tubing as the Galaxy Touring.

The Cross is back on then.