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Drop down handlebars for my hybrid

by stefv
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 10:49
6

Hi,

I have a boardman hybrid similar to this:
http://www.boardmanbikes.com/hybrid/hybrid_comp.html

I want to do some longer journeys soon and I can't afford to replace my bike. I believe that on a 60 mile ride, it would be better to have drop-down handlebars as I think on a long journey, the energy saved by being more aerodynamic will make a difference.

Given that I have shimano disc brakes, with the standard levers that you get there and the standard gear levers for that come with the bike, how hard would it be to fit some drop down handlebars and would it be ridiculous.

I guess I wouldn't be able to break from the crouched position? Has anyone done this or anything similar? Do you have any photos/tips?

Thanks

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6 comments

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joeegg | 12 years ago
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I just put some bar ends on my flat bars and it made a big difference for less than a tenner.
Been out with the club on 40-50 mile runs no problem.

Avatar
trikeman | 12 years ago
0 likes

That's great - I find the more you use the aero bars the better it gets, even thinking of getting the blingy carbon ones 16
Having said that, the life expectancy of half decent bikes in our region is getting shorter so might try and keep it looking 'scruffy' for now.
Keep on going on the aeros you will soon think how you managed before without them.

Regards

Trikeman. 3

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stefv | 12 years ago
0 likes

Here they are:
http://t.co/AgoJRfwb

I found them fairly easy to get used to and I can get back to my brakes fairly quickly and, thankfully, in a dignified manner. 16

I approached 20mph against a moderate headwind when in the crouched position and I don't think I would have been able to do that without them.

Thanks again for the advice

Avatar
stefv | 12 years ago
0 likes

Thanks both for your replies. I guess I'll give the aerobars a try. The good thing is I can probably find some within my parents' Christmas present budget 4

Cheers

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dave atkinson | 12 years ago
0 likes

if you're thinking of just changing the 'bars and not the controls, then you'll struggle tbh. mtb levers and shifters aren't designed to work with road drop bars and you'll probably find them very difficult to fit in the right position, not to mention that the bar diameters will be different.

if you want a lower/aero position you could try flipping your stem, or swapping to a longer one with a negative rise, and fitting some long bar ends. or you could even fit tribars.

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trikeman replied to dave atkinson | 12 years ago
0 likes

Hi, went through the same thought pattern. I ride from Weston super Mare to Bristol and back and found the flat bars on my Boardman Pro Hybrid are great in the city (one needs all the view you can get in this fair city) but once on the A370 I was 'hard hit' by the constant westerly winds that slowed me to a standstill. I fitted a set of cheap TT bars to try out and what a difference, reduced drag, faster speed and resting on your forearms is really comfy. I have had a few 'Doris on the junction' moments 13 where being more than three inches from the brakes has had me clenching my cheeks (as it were) a few times, however well worth it. I only get back on the flats for the few hills and if I get caught at the lights - go for it.
Piccy below - hope it helps.
Regards

Trikeman 3

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