Originally Posted by dydst
Hello Again,
I've been considering replacing my standard hybrid handlebars with new ones that would allow me more hand positions (something like this one I found at Nashbar
http://www.nashbar.com/profile_morei...ku=9756&brand= ). How difficult would this be for a novice to do? What would it involve?
Thanks!
It depends. Like JanMM said, if the face plate on your stem comes off completely, it's easy. Look at the stem where it wraps around the bar. If there are 2 or 4 bolts there, it comes off completely. All you have to do it remove the face plate, take out the old bars and put in the new ones.
The place where problems can arise is with the installation of the brakes and shifters. Depending on where you want to mount them, you might have to have new cables and housing. It's not likely but it could be an issue. You will need new grips. Personally, I like the very old school Grab-ons like
here. I'd probably go with the Maxi-grip for road bars at the bottom of the page. To install them, get a bottle of AquaNet hairspray and liberally spray the inside of the grip (more on the part that's going further up the bar) and slide them on. The hairspray will dry and stick the grip to the bars.
Word of caution about Grab-on. They sell a great product and they deliver the stuff quickly but don't try to order from them on the weekend. They don't even take on-line orders on Saturday or Sunday.