Originally Posted by
chico1st
What is stopping me from using a non-MTB (like an old Raleigh) with flat bars?
Nothing. It's done all the time. There are a bunch of threads here on converting drop bar bike to flat bars and vice-versa. A search should find them and they will point out the problems and solutions. Mostly the inhibitor is cost if you want to convert an existing bike since some of the major components like shifters and front derailleurs aren't interchangeable. If you are starting from scratch, no problem.