Hi All, I'm new to the forum but looks like it could be a great help to me. I have a 10+ year old Specialized Epic Allez (lugged carbon frame w/ original Ultegra components -- this is from before Specialized split this model into the separate Epic and Allez models). I am not a mechanic by any means ... but just love to ride. I've since upgraded to a Zinn steel frame bike (I'm 6'5 and it fits me better). I keep thinking about converting my old bike to something close to a hybrid. Is it going to cost as much as a new hybrid? Is it doable? Anyone familiar with this frame and who might suggest what's practical??

Thanks in advance.

Steve

You could put on a flat handlebar, Shimano rapid fire, Sram gripshift or someother mountain bike style shifters and some cyclo-cross tires and you have a pretty good imitation hybrid for less than the cost of new.

Could cost you chronic wrist pain. I spent a bundle to have my hybrid converted to dropped bars but now I can ride it for hours without developing wrist pain.