Switching handlebars (keeping everything else same)
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Switching handlebars (keeping everything else same)
I just bought a Trek 7.3 FX hybrid a bit over a month ago and am interested in swapping out the standard flat handbar to a drop -- something like the Bontrager Cyclocross bar. I would still keep the brake/shifters on the flat top portion of the bar. I'm pretty new to any sort of DIY stuff on the bike, so I was wondering if this would throw the braking or shifting mechanisms off. Anything else I should consider?
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The diameter of the drop bar is different at the component mounting locations and probably will not fit them.
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This page will explain why this conversion is difficult/impossible.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/deakins/handlebars.html
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/deakins/handlebars.html
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It can be done, but it'll cost a bit.
You'd need a drop bar (I'm assuming you have one) brake levers and shifters.
For the brake levers, because the 7.3 has linear pull, you'd need dia-comp 287-V levers, or Tektro RL520 levers. The tektro ones are cheaper, and pretty nice.
for shifters, since the 7.3 is 8 speeds, you'd have to use bar-end shifters, a set of those for 8 speed is about $75.
Alternativly, You could change the linear pull brakes to normal Cantilevers, and use integrated shift/brake levers. you could get the brakes for about $20, but the lever/shifters are around $125 and up
You'd need a drop bar (I'm assuming you have one) brake levers and shifters.
For the brake levers, because the 7.3 has linear pull, you'd need dia-comp 287-V levers, or Tektro RL520 levers. The tektro ones are cheaper, and pretty nice.
for shifters, since the 7.3 is 8 speeds, you'd have to use bar-end shifters, a set of those for 8 speed is about $75.
Alternativly, You could change the linear pull brakes to normal Cantilevers, and use integrated shift/brake levers. you could get the brakes for about $20, but the lever/shifters are around $125 and up
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It can be done, but it'll cost a bit.
You'd need a drop bar (I'm assuming you have one) brake levers and shifters.
For the brake levers, because the 7.3 has linear pull, you'd need dia-comp 287-V levers, or Tektro RL520 levers. The tektro ones are cheaper, and pretty nice.
for shifters, since the 7.3 is 8 speeds, you'd have to use bar-end shifters, a set of those for 8 speed is about $75.
Alternativly, You could change the linear pull brakes to normal Cantilevers, and use integrated shift/brake levers. you could get the brakes for about $20, but the lever/shifters are around $125 and up
You'd need a drop bar (I'm assuming you have one) brake levers and shifters.
For the brake levers, because the 7.3 has linear pull, you'd need dia-comp 287-V levers, or Tektro RL520 levers. The tektro ones are cheaper, and pretty nice.
for shifters, since the 7.3 is 8 speeds, you'd have to use bar-end shifters, a set of those for 8 speed is about $75.
Alternativly, You could change the linear pull brakes to normal Cantilevers, and use integrated shift/brake levers. you could get the brakes for about $20, but the lever/shifters are around $125 and up
I wasn't planning to change the stock brake/shifter assembly if I could get away with it. I don't need them at the ends of the drops so I figured leaving them on top would eliminate having the change them. However, the diameter issue is a killer point. Maybe I'll just go with some bar ends...
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I recalled seeing bar ends that are shaped like the drops of drop bars if you are looking for a compromise to give you a more aero posiiton.
A quick search showed these...
https://www.amazon.com/Origin-Bicycle.../dp/B0013G6PB8
Something like these could give you what you are looking for while keeping the cost and conversion effort low.
A quick search showed these...
https://www.amazon.com/Origin-Bicycle.../dp/B0013G6PB8
Something like these could give you what you are looking for while keeping the cost and conversion effort low.
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I recalled seeing bar ends that are shaped like the drops of drop bars if you are looking for a compromise to give you a more aero posiiton.
A quick search showed these...
https://www.amazon.com/Origin-Bicycle.../dp/B0013G6PB8
Something like these could give you what you are looking for while keeping the cost and conversion effort low.
A quick search showed these...
https://www.amazon.com/Origin-Bicycle.../dp/B0013G6PB8
Something like these could give you what you are looking for while keeping the cost and conversion effort low.
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Will this type of bar replacement fit your needs, have seen on one other bike near me, thinking it is a hybrid Trek, but not certain.
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Thanks for that link! I ended up ordering some Titec Micros to see if some basic bar ends will give me enough flexibility for the amount of riding I do... I may switch to something else or just upgrade to a dedicated road bike in a year or so depending on how I feel.