Bicycle Mechanics - Switching to Flat Bar for Commuter

I am thinking about switching my commuter (Trek 1000) to a flat bar w/ bar ends. I currently have Shimano 105 group set on my bike, will the flat bar brifters work with the 105's?

For sure. Actually, before Shimano came out with flat bar shifters for road derailleurs, it was common for tandem makers to pair mountain bike shifters with road front derailleurs.

I suggest changing your stem and bar tilt before switching to flat bars. Get the bar level or slightly higher than the seat, and have the hoods level with the bar tops. If you are concerned about the ability to use brakes in all hand positions add the CX style levers at the tops of the bars.

OK, I'm confused (not unusual); are you going to use bar-ends or "brifters"?

They're not the same, y'know.

I was convinced I wanted a flat bar bike, but a road bike fell into my lap a week ago and I'm finding that with drop bars I don't have the hand numbness that I was getting on several different mountain/city/comfort bikes with flat bars. It wasn't a huge problem if I moved my hands around, kept the weight off the palms, used the bar ends, wore gloves, etc, but drop bars have completely eliminated the problem. I still prefer the flat bar position, but i'm going to experiment with the stem height/extension and bar angle and stick with the drop bars.

obviously, most people can use a flat bar without their hands going numb. still, to me it speaks to an inherently more hand-nerve friendly set-up.

I don't think the OP is refering to bar end shifters. I suspect he wants to use both bar ends (like you see on mountain bike flat bars) and brifters.

The front derailleur may not work with the shifters, depending on what shifters you use. Mountain bike shifters will not. The ratio of the road front d is different from the mountain front d. You could go with a mountain bike front derailleur if the clearance between the rear tire and the seat tube allows. The mountain front derailleru has a bend in the pull arm that places it between the tire and the tube. Most standard road frames cannot accomodate this. There is a special front derailleur made for flat bar controls that has the shape of a road derailleur but the ratio of a mountain derailleur. If you check the web site for Harris Cyclery in Massachusetts you will find that they sell it. (sorry, I don't have the part number at my fingertips) One is made for the 8 speed groups and one for the 9's. The cage width is different between the two.

I don't think the OP is refering to bar end shifters. I suspect he wants to use both bar ends (like you see on mountain bike flat bars) and brifters.


Yes, I appologize for the confusion. Although, I am going to have to put off this upgrad/switch for now after biting it into the curb last night, which broke most of the spokes on my rear wheel. Leading me to buy a new set of Mavic Aksiums. Thank youn for your responses.