Bicycle Mechanics - Drops to Flatbar

Sorry if this induces a huge yawn but I've searched and searched and come up empty :o
I've got a Jake the snake 'cross bike and would like to switch to a flatbar setup. The brifter/canti arrangement is no good for me as an urban commuter...and I've already raised the bars via higher stem and switched to Midge bars looking for comfort (some improvement). At the very least I'd switch to mini vees, and figure while I'm at it I may as well build the dream bike while I'm at it. (sidenote: I've tried to sell the bike, no takers)

So...do I have to get the Shimano 10 speed flatbar shifters, or will a cheaper MTB shifter set work OK? Do I really have to switch out the current 5600 FD to work with those shifters? And, given I'd be going to MTB style brake levers, would any V brake work or should I stick with mini vees?

TIA for patience and advice :)

Why is yor bike not a good commuter? Is the bike the correct size for you? FWIW you will not get a dream bike if this is the incorrect size for you.

I am assuming you have a 10 speed setup there at the moment.

If you stay with 10 spd, you will need the dedicated 10 spd flat bar shifters. If you stay with the Canti brakes, you will then need the short-pull shimano brake levers. If you do change to V-brakes, then most MTB brakes levers will work. Currently there are no 10 spd MTB shifters. Your FD and RD will be fine.

Flat bar conversions are not cheap excercises, I would suggest continuing to try and sell the bike, and buy something that will fit your needs better. Rather than keep on throwing money at the bike to make it fit, it might be better to cut your losses, and get a touring bike with a more upright position that you seem to want.

You mentioned that you have already raised the bars via a higher stem. Have you tried the steering column extenders? Another solution would be to just get another fork with an uncut steerer. This will allow you to size the steering column to fit your needs. If you are not too particular about bling, you can probably get a no-name carbon fork for abt $150. In fact the shop you bought your bike from may be able to accept a "trade-up" fork deal. Pretty sure they can order in an un-cut Kona fork.

I personally think that drops bars offer more hand positions, and moving to a flat bar setup is more of a downgrade.

I see no reason why you couldn't do it for about $90 before you flip the drop bar setup. Probably come out even or ahead.

10 speed flat bar shifters:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Shimano-Flatbar-10-Speed-Shifters-SL-R770-New-NR_W0QQitemZ120141010509QQihZ002QQcategoryZ36140QQcmdZViewItem

flat bar: $ 10 anywhere
brake levers: $10 anywhere
25.4mm stem: $10-20 ( I assume you have a 26mm road stem. If you have 31.8mm, buy a 31.8mm flat bar)

Not sure if you can use a road stem on a mtb bar. .6mm is not much.

Done.

Not sure if you can use a road stem on a mtb bar. .6mm is not much.


It's enough to be a problem.

Might be cheaper to swap to a 9 speed cassette on the rear. They you can buy some cheaper 9 speed shifters. You'll have to do the math.

Have you tried flipping the drops to where they are upside down(drops up) and pointing at you? Kinda like a cruiser bar. I did this on a old Schwinn many years ago and liked the results. I could grab the flat bar in the middle or raise up and grab the handles(drop ends). Doesn't cost anything but a few minutes labor to try it.;)

Thanks for the replies, some smart advice. I think I'll try selling the bike on ebay, if that doesn't work then flatbar it shall be.
The main issue right now is not comfort but rather very poor braking and the usual fork juddering syndrome. Switching to mini vs repotedly solves both problems.

Sheldon Brown's website has some pretty good advice at setting up cantilever brakes. If you have already tried everything there, plus experiment with different brake shoes, then read on.

I have Tektro Oryx cantis on my touring bike, and the stock pads were really bad. I got squealing, shuddering, etc. In my desperation, I went and put on road bike brake pads on the cantis, and ... for whatever reason I got some consistent braking.

You could go to v-brakes, but you will need a travel agent (v-brake adaptor) to allow the v-brakes to work with your brifters. I found some QBP ones for AUD$20 at a LBS. Just installed them on the tourer with a set of "borrowed" v-brakes.

I'd say there is a very good chance your braking will improve if you find the right pad. I also tried some relatively cheap Yehstar brake pad (cheapest in the shop), and they are very good. No squealing, reasonable braking, just a little shuddering.

Good luck, I hope that your bike works out. Sounds like you have put some work into the Kona.

You won't be happy with mini-v's, they still need more cable pull than a canti so the result is spongy braking performance. Also, unless you are using small tires, you may experience clearance issues. Standard V-brakes and travel agents are a much better alternative if you must switch.