Converting Dawes Road Bike to Hybrid/Mountain ? HEEEELLLPPP
 

I have a Dawes Super Galaxy bike which is not a "cheap" bike.

I'm thinking that I'd like to have a hybrid/comfort/mountain bike instead, and so I'm wondering if I can somehow CONVERT this bike into one of those ?

Basically, I just want to know if I could just change the handlebars (and attachments) if that would do the trick. I will still ride on the road/pavement, but I think I would like the feel of those upright handlebars instead.

Has anyone out there done this ? Is it do-able ? Expensive ? Will the bike still look "normal", or might it just look silly ?

I realize I would have to also change my brake levers, shifters (currently at the end of the handlebar tubes), and perhaps the neck/stem.

Thanks in advance !

It's dooable.You will have to pay most attention to compatibility of FD/front shifter and FD cable routing. There are flat bar road bikes,and shimano offers Flat bar road components.

If you have barcons, you might be able to put them at the ends of the bars. If you have sufficient frame clearance, you can also substitute somewhat wider tyres. (I run 27x1-3/8" knobbies on my UO-8.)

It sounds like you have barcons. You may find that it will be cheaper to convert them to thumbshifters rather than buying RapidFire shifters. Check out Paul Components thumbies. Speedgoat has them for $48. Otherwise you will need either the SL-R440 (~$60) or SL-R660 (~$100) shifters. And of course you will need brake levers. You can't use brake levers designed for linear-pull or V-brakes because they pull too much cable. You will need something like the Shimano BL-R440 or Avid FR5 (~$30 from Pricepoint). If you're really looking to go cheap, you might want to check these out. Unless you can find a 26.0mm flat straightbar, you'll also have to replace your stem.

Most drop handlebrs have a larger diameter clamp surface than most road bars. That means that, when you replace the bars, you'll also have to either replace the stem or to use some kind of shim. I'd suggest replacing the stem because you will probably want a shorter one with a little more rise anyway. Besides, it makes for a cleaner conversion.

You will also have to replace the brake levers and shifters. I've had good luck using mountain bike rapid fires with road front derailleurs, but now Shimano has a shifter that's designed to do that. Cable routing going from a road bike to flat handlebar won't be a problem.

If you have road caliper brakes, you will probably be limited to 28mm wide tires. Otherwise you'll have to deflate your tire everytime you want to remove a wheel because it won't squeeze past the brake calipers.

If you do a workmanlike job and are careful with your selection of components, there's no reason why this type of conversion can't look "factory."

The Galaxy is a touring bike, the UK equivelent to a Trek 520. Some models come with MTB transmission, so flat-bar controls are no problem, but make sure the gear-count is compatible.
It is a do-able conversion, and not unsual amongst older touring club riders.
With drop bars, the usual cruising position is on the top of the brake levers (the tops). The drops are only used rarely, into headwinds. The bars can be repositioned, higher and nearer by swapping the stem. If you find the bike too long, you may just have a badly fitted (too large) frame.

I would just convert to STI shifters so you can change gear from the hoods. Move the bars back and up if you want a more upright position. You wont have to use the drops but it will be nice to have them, when you are facing a strong headwind.

Thank you all for your informative responses.

I've since decided that: 1) I'm going to stick with the drop handlebars, and 2) I'm going to sell my Dawes. I've already posted it on eBay, in case anyone is interested !