Dilema - Convert Road Bike or Buy a New One

[andypet]

Hi All, second post on the forum, the first was to introduce myself.

I decided to buy a bike last summer and went for the Trek Madone 2.1. I then injured myself and after 3 months I can finally ride again. The bike is for fitness purposes and I like it. The only issue I now have is that I would prefer flat bars for a more upright riding position.

Should I mess with the bike, I understand I'll need new brakes, shifters and a new front derailleur or buy something like the Trek FX or similar.

Is it a simple job to change the components?

 

[vickster]

If you aren't confident to do it yourself, you could ask your LBS to do it. I did something similar recently. I didn't get a new front mech, but shifters, brakes, cables and of course handlebars and grips. You'll probably need a longer stem to to have the same reach as you would on the hoods. A more angled stem might also be needed to get that upright position. What groupset is on the Trek?

Why not get a second hand flat bar bike like the trek or one from decathlon perhaps, it won't cost a lot more and you'll still have the roadbike for the summer when you are back to full health (what injury?)

 

[cyberknight]

I think you should be able to get flat bar road shifters that will work with your front mech so you dont have to change it, afaik front mech issues are only a problem if using mtb/road combinations as they have different pul ratios but road- road should be ok .Obviously check with the supplier 1st .
Something like ?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-tiagra-4600-2x10sp-flat-bar-shifter/rp-prod69502
Another option if you only want a more upright position is to either fit a riser stem to raise your cockpit

You could also combine it with a stem extender

The above would raise your bars a fair bit and still keep the shifters/bars if yu decided you wanted to change back at a later date .

 

[vickster]

You could also add cross lever brakes to the Madone, so your braking position is more upright (assuming your injury was neck/shoulders/back?)

 

[andypet]

Thanks for the quick responses. The Trek has 105 STi Shifters and rear derailleur, It has 10 gears on the back, that's as much as I know about group sets!

I have Lupus and found that my knees have a form of Osteo after I tripped and fell. The reason for flats is for my own safety really, I'd feel more confident with the flat bars - it's hard to explain. The Lupus also affects my back.

 

[vickster]

Ah ok. Pretty sure you can get 105 trigger shifters and compatible brake levers. Google is your friend

 

[cyberknight]

mmmmm
Not being over dramatic but assuming your condition will not get fully better and your back issues what about considering a recumbent ?
I think @SatNavSaysStraightOn has the most experience with health issues and riding as well as being one tough little B**tch ( in the nicest way possible )

 

[vickster]

Perhaps go to your local trek dealer/Evans and get a test ride on the hybrid and see how it feels

 

[Joshua Plumtree]

Personally I'd convert the Madone if the fit is comfortable. You'll have a better frame and wheels than would be the case if you opted for the hybrid, unless, of course, you're willing to spend quite a lot of money.

 

[andypet]

Just googled recumbent. I'm not at that stage yet although it could be something for the future. My condition is pretty stable but I need exercise (don't we all) and cycling is the lowest impact one I enjoy. I could sell the bike but I realise I'll get peanuts for it. The flat bars should give me more of a MTB posture for cycling which is what I'm after. Holding the straight of the drops is comfortable but there's no brakes! Just managed to get to Buy a Bike (my 9 year old wasn't happy). They advised a new bike! Had a ride on a Giant fast road bike which was nice and seemed to be what I am trying to achieve

 

[andypet]

Personally I'd convert the Madone if the fit is comfortable. You'll have a better frame and wheels than would be the case if you opted for the hybrid, unless, of course, you're willing to spend quite a lot of money.

I figured it would cost me around £200 to convert. Trading the Madone in/selling it would lose me money on the Madone and also I'd have to spend more than £200 to get another bike.

I suppose it would be cheaper to lose the Front Derailleur and leave my self with 10 gears

I'll let you know how I get on

 

[vickster]

But if the headtube is short as it probably is on the racy Madone, you still may not be able to create a comfortable upright flat bar.

Compare the geometry against the 7.x fx flat bar, I expect it's very different

You'll need quite a long stem potentially, my PX feels much smaller as a flatbar than it did as a roadbike and that's with 2cm more stem thus far

 

[cyberknight]

But if the headtube is short as it probably is on the racy Madone, you still may not be able to create a comfortable upright flat bar.

Compare the geometry against the 7.x fx flat bar, I expect it's very different

You'll need quite a long stem potentially, my PX feels much smaller as a flatbar than it did as a roadbike and that's with 2cm more stem thus far

Which might be what he needs to give him a more upright position ?

 

[vickster]

Not necessarily if the bike is now too small

 

[steveindenmark]

Before you do anything. Take the stem off and turn it upside down.

We do this with Jannies Treks to lift the bars a little.