cal_blam

I have a Trek Pilot with 27 speed ultegra/105 components. Looking to convert to flat bar for extended commuting, having trouble finding right shifter/brake lever components.

All I can see on Shimano website (Australia) is the SL-R440-9. Wondering:

(i) if this will be compatible with my current set up, I am a bit worried as some of the international sites dealing these say they are only for use with R440 deraillleur. Why might that be?

(ii) any other suggestions for flat bar controls i could use?

(iii) hate the little screen display on the shifters, can i take these off and if so, what is the best brake lever to go for?

thanks,

Cal

maddmaxx 

The R440 front derailleur has a cable pull ratio equivalent to the Road Flatbar shifter and is the same as a normal MTB shifter. The 105 front derailleur works with the ratio generated by road (dropbar) shifters. You will need a new front derailleur or you may use any MTB shifter pod.

Basically, the Shimano Flat Bar road group is MTB with a brake ratio capable of operating road brakes, either caliper or cantelever. The R440 front derailleur and all other series of flat bar fd's have a longer arm so that they will work with MTB controls but are shaped like road derailleurs so that they fit between the rear tire and the seat tube on road bikes. Most if not all MTB front derailleurs will not fit there. Some cyclocross, toruing or hybrid frames have enough space there for the MTB derailleur but most traditional road frames place the rear tire too close to the frame.

cal_blam

Thanks for the great reply, has saved me lots of extra fiddling around.