Trek FX7.3 - change to drop handlebars ?

[Col-A]

I've a Trek FX 7.3 (comes with straight bars); has anyone any experience changing to drop bars on this bike? If it's possible at all, I'm guessing there will be issues around headset/stem, brake levers & shifters. Is this do-able. . .? Is it cost effective?

Cheers,

Col

 

[HLaB]

I changed the flat bar on my spesh sirrus to dropped. It was simple in my case the bike was already a light road bike, just flat bar. IMC there was no issue with the headset (ahead) and I just needed a new bar (stem) and shifters if I recall right, I also bought some problem solvers to improve braking. I found it cost effective but in the end it isn't as good as a bike built for purpose.

 

[Col-A]

> . . .in the end it isn't as good as a bike built for purpose.

Thanks for that, aye, I agree - although I want my bike to be closer to a cyclocross than a pure road bike.

Anyone any suggestions on where the best deals are for parts (bars, brakes/shifters)?

 

[HLaB]

I went to a lbs so I had back up if things went wrong/ it was harder than I thought; it wasn't I'm sure you'll find things cheaper on line. I find the online shops Chainreactoncycles and Probikekit OK for price but there are plenty out there and ebay too.

 

[Trumpettom001]

I was considering doing this with a MTB (GT Aggressor XC3 to be exact) but the guys at the bike workshop ripped the piss outta me for even suggesting the idea...... I'm still gonna do it to annoy them

 

[codemagpie]

Did you ever get this completed as I want to convert my Trek 7.3FX

Did you ever get this completed as I want to convert my Trek 7.3FX

Was looking at the Shimano 2300 8-speed STI's but that's all I know as I'm new to all this!!!!

I couldn't afford the Trek 1.5 (so the wife said) so had to go for the 7.3FX, but now really want drop bars etc..

Please can anybody help me on what I need ???

Thanks

Peter

 

[ausalex]

I've done mine, I used Campag 10 speed shifters as I picked up a pair cheap, the 8 speed Shimanos were more expensive. Based on recommendation of someone else on here I also bought http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/src/froo...justers-with-Grease-Ports--Per-Pair-13985.htm and http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/src/froo...-Front-or-Rear--Silver-Alloy--Per-Pair-89.htm as there is no ability in the campag levers for adjustment and only the rear dérailleur and the drop bar levers don't have the right mechanical advantage for v brakes so you need the little vdaptors on them.

Have a look here for more info http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=28607
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productcatalogue=CAMPGRSS910000000000

 

[Col-A]

@codemagpie - I did change to Ritchey drops, Tekro v-brake levers and Shimano bar-end shifters, it turned out OK, but I have to agree with HLaB - it's never going to be as good as a purpose built bike. The gearing isn't the same as a road bike's - and I found the bar-end shifters a real pain in the butt - nowhere near as good as STI or equivalent. I've put the original bars back on the 7.3 and moved the drops to an old steel framed Pugeot road bike I'm building as a single speed. All in all it was worth the experiment, but if you want a road bike, buy a road bike.