Bicycle Mechanics - drop bar conversion for a 7 speed

Hello all, i have origin 8 culter 7 http://www.origin-8.com/?page_id=91&short_code=Cutler+7&cl1=BICYCLES, and have been getting deeper into cycling over the past couple months. One of the few issues i have with my bike is the current handlebars lose comfort after the first couple of miles. I looked into the "cheapest" upgrade, a pair of ergons, but finding the Nexus/Rohloff style for my single shifter is proving to be a pain.

The second option is going for a full on drop bar conversion, which seems doable, but which parts should i go for? should i stick with a cheap shimano sora brifter, or get a barend of some sort? do i need v brakes? will any of this even be worth it in the first place? the general opinion seems to be to just go for a whole new bike, but im on a budget, and most threads seem to be addressing hybrids/mountain bikes. at a loss on this one, so any input is appreciated.

The specs show a Shimano RD and caliper brakes so ? x 7 Sora or RSX brifters would work (the left would only be used as a brake lever so number of speeds wouldn't matter). Those, a set of drop bars and some bar tape would be all you need.

A Shimano A050 shifter would do the job nicely. :thumb:

I ride a lot of vintage MTB's on the street. Their bars are a lot like yours. A drop bar conversion is a lot more expensive than a new flat bar. Try something with more sweep. Your wrists will love you for it. Good luck

I see several cheaper options:

1) Get some handelbars with more rise to them to lessen the amount of weight on your hand.
2) Get some handelbars with some sweep or pullback. This brings the grips closer to you, which in effect
puts you more upright and takes some weight off your hands.
3) Get a new stem with more rise. My old bike is similar in design to yours and I put a 40 degree rise
stem. It does an amazing job of getting the handlebar higher (it also pulls it closer so take stem
length into consideration).
4) Any combination of the above.

I looked into the "cheapest" upgrade, a pair of ergons, but finding the Nexus/Rohloff style for my single shifter is proving to be a pain.

Why? they are stocked by Multiple distributors to Bike shops in the US, (& online retail sellers)
I also see them shipped out of SJS in the UK, anywhere on the planet if not in NA.

NB you can get the standard full length, and cut one shorter.. as well the 2 shorter
and add a few wraps of bar tape to feel longer ..

will any of this even be worth it in the first place? the general opinion seems to be to just go for a whole new bike, but im on a budget, and most threads seem to be addressing hybrids/mountain bikes. at a loss on this one, so any input is appreciated.

You have overlooked a third option that may be your cheapest. Find a USED bike at an attractive price, that better fits your needs, and then sell your Origin 8. May end up at or near break even by the time you are done.

As far as why you usually see drop bar conversions on hybrids and mtbs only, its because those style bikes usually come with flat bars, while road bikes typically come with drops.

Considered drop bar ends?