jnosanov

Hello. I will shortly be receiving one of these as a gift:

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/1_series/12/

I currently ride a trek hybrid bike, and after some back pain from leaning forward while riding I changed the handlebars to a freakishly large cruiser handlebar. I can now sit upright and am quite comfortable for my hours of riding at a time. It has been a great change for me as I can ride for as long as I want without any back discomfort.

I would like to make a similar modification to the above Trek 1.2T bike when I get it. I am not a racer, I just like to go out and ride for a long time. I tried the 1.2T at a local bike shop today and was dismayed to see that my back was sore after just a few times around the block in the horizontal riding position. However, it seems like it would be a more difficult task to replace the 1.2T's handlebars with cruiser or chopper handlebars than it was for my old hybrid.

I don't particularly care what kind of handlebars I end up with (cruiser, chopper, whatever) - I just want to be able to sit upright. I recognize that this is not the ideal type of bike for which to attempt such a project - but it was a gift, has already been ordered, and no change is possible with the order. If this modification is impossible, I will consider just selling the bike and buying something more suitable. However it is very appealing to get new handlebars for this bike, as it is very light and speedy.

I would greatly appreciate any advice, information, or recommendations you may have regarding this project.

Thanks,

Jeff

dirtyhippy

You could try just flipping the drop bars upside down. If nothing else, it'd work until you found something prettier.

norwood

As I think you're already aware of, modifying the new Trek will be difficult. The Trek 1.2T is designed for a much different riding style than what you have in mind. There will be major (expensive) issues with changing the the shifters/brake levers. The frame geometry is not suitable for cruiser type bars and up-right position. Changing the handlebars would only emphasize how unsuitable it is. You would likely want different tires/wheels and saddle just to begin with. I would sell it and buy something more suitable.

jnosanov

Norwood, are you in Hastings, NE? I live in Lincoln for another month. Small world.

jnosanov

Norwood (or anyone), what kind of bike would you recommend for my purposes (long distance casual riding?)

Panthers007

You might consider trading the 1.2 towards something better suited to your physiology. How's the Trek hybrid treating you?

jnosanov

Love the Trek Hybrid, but I think it's a bit small for me and I really like the cruiser handlebars. With the stock handlebars I sat at a 45 degree angle forward or so, but with the cruisers I'm straight up.

Panthers007

Sounds like you could do a bit of customization to your hybrid to make it exactly what you want. A proper length & angle stem and some cruiser-style bars. Is your Trek a FX series? Or a 7000 series hybrid? You can trade in for a larger framed hybrid in the FX series. Customize that. I've found the FX series lend themselves readily to custom fitting of components to suit the rider. The frames are really nice.

jnosanov

Thanks. I was hoping to get something lighter though. That's why the road bike was appealing prospect for modification (once I was informed that I was getting one as a gift.)

norwood

+1
I'm no expert on the FX models but as Panthers007 said they're very nice and I would guess only marginally heavier (if any at all).

GO Huskers!

JiveTurkey

This will not get you to the same position as on your hybrid bike, but it'll be more upright than stock:

Delta stem raiser: https://www.deltacycle.com/product.php?g=9&i=36
A short, high-angle stem; e.g. https://store.somafab.com/sosfsthiri.html (26.0mm x 90mm)
Nitto Mustache bars: https://www.rivbike.com/products/list...product=16-028

DannoXYZ 

You might even need a stem that aims backwards...

Exit.

Sounds like you need to either a) not buy a bike that is meant to be ridden in a stretched-out position or b) work on your flexibility.

Trying to shoehorn a racing bike into being some sort of upright cruiser is a waste of time and energy, not to mention a perfectly serviceable road bike. If you want an upright cruiser....buy an upright cruiser.

jnosanov

Exit: I have said several times that this is a gift and I did not buy it. Either read the OP or take your attitude elsewhere.

Jiveturkey: Thanks for the tips! Do you know where I might find a stem that aims backwards as DannoXYZ suggets?

jnosanov

Could one just install the stem and face it backwards? Or is that what DannoXYZ meant?

Chris_W

Moustache bars (as mentioned above) would definitely be what I would try first. The main reason being that with those you could re-use the brake levers/shifters that will come on the Trek 1.2. That way, the bars and probably also the stem would be all that needs changing. However, as others have said, this really doesn't seem like the right bike for you.

Trakhak

One simple solution: a "steerer extender" (https://tinyurl.com/cgmn8c). If one isn't enough, try two. Plus a taller stem with less forward extension, maybe.

If you go this way, you'll need to replace the existing cables, which will be too short to work with the handlebar raised to its new height.

You might consider having your back problem checked by an appropriate specialist, by the way. Some of us find that putting in a good number of miles using a low handlebar position tends to alleviate minor lower back pain, since that position stretches the back and relieves spine pressure.

I see that JiveTurkey beat me to this suggestion. If you go with moustache bars, per JiveTurkey's post, you could consider putting them on backwards, so that the apex in the handlebar curves is pointing toward you rather than away from you.

AndrewP

Raise the bars with a extender, fit an adjustable stem angled up, which will also reduce the reach. Fit a specialized body geometry saddle with width to fit your butt, since the upright position will put more weight on the seat. Work on upper body fitness to reduce back pain. I find low intensity push-ups on the edge of a table makes bike riding in the drops much more comfortable. Go out and enjoy the bike.

clink83

jnosanov

So if the handlebars can be easily replaced with mustache bars... couldn't I replace them with cruiser or chopper handlebars? Yes I know that would be an insult to most riders... but I just want to sit up straight.

I_bRAD

To do the conversion you'd need a new stem, the bars, brake levers and some form of shifter. Bar end shifters as pictured above would work nicely with a cruiser bar and you can use regular canti levers for mountain bikes or flat bar road bikes. It would definitely be cheaper than a new bike of similar quality with the setup you want would cost though.

jnosanov

Sweet. I probably won't be attempting this project until June. I'll post pictures when I do. Can anyone recommend a bike shop in the Los Angeles area that might stock some of the parts discussed here and is trustworthy and reliable?

I_bRAD

You don't like the shop it's coming from?

jnosanov

The bike is being shipped to me by Zane's Cycles, as it is a gift. The original order was placed through a Merck employee reward system externally managed by Maritz. This is also why I can't change the order.

I_bRAD

I'd look for a well established local shop that serves commuters and touring folk