Flat bar to drop bar conversion
 

Hello, I'm new to cycling and I recently bought a used Nishiki Meridian on craigslist that looks something like this, but with different wheels.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=247845

I think these are the specs on it: http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...n+SC&Type=bike

I want to convert the flat bars to drop bars. Does anyone know what I need to get to make this conversion? I've been told that it might be somewhat of an investment to do the conversion, but I'm interested to try it out.

Thanks!

For the cheapest convert, will need a drop bar, 7 speed bar end shifters and brake levers.

Drop bar- $50
Bar Tape- $10
7sp Bar end shifters- $50
Brake levers- $35-$50 (depending; canti or V)
misc cable/housing- $10- $20

You can find the listed components for the prices I listed; obviously you can spend much more.

Cool! Thanks! Do you think I need to get a new stem?

The general standard is 25.4 or 1 inch so you should be able to thread a dropbar through it; just make sure the bar you buy is 25.4 as some also come in 26.0 and many of the newer bars are 31.8 (and stay away from Cinelli handlebars). Obviously you can get better prices used..

Edit: also make sure the handlebars you pick are barend shifter compatible; a new one will say so, otherwise you'll have to check that the end section of the bar has a wider ID than the rest. Also if you want that classic road bike look with the stem parallel to the ground you will need a new stem.

I would pick up a nice set of drops used, with a matching stem, at either your local co-op, or perhaps a local flipper.

Here's how I did it with my Nishiki Sport XRS, similar to your bike.

Drop bar with brake levers- $20 (swap meet)
Bar Tape- $7 (closeout at LBS)
7sp Bar end shifters- $30 (friction shifters- Suntour Barcons- swap meet)
Brake levers- (came with bars)
misc cable/housing- $10- $20
I also bought a stem adapter and stem, I think about $25 total for both.

From this
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...Picture156.jpg

to this
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...S/DSCI2204.jpg

Interestingly I just did the opposite. I built up this Soma for a relative who didn't use it so I bought it back and converted it for my wife.



http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=247920http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=247921

The first window is the new parts and the second is the old parts.





http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=247922http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=247923

your position on the bike likely changes enough to make a different dimension of stem desirable.

so make it the works , then you pull the controls and stem off as a single component.

if you get some of the quick disconnect cable fittings, it becomes practical
to go back and forth from one set up to the other with minimal re adjustments.

onespeedbiker: what was the model of the new front derailleur?

I played it all safe
FD-443 Shimano Flat Bar Triple Front Derailleur
SL-R440+R441 (2/3X9) Shimano Flat Bar Road Bike 9 speed (you can use standard mtb shifters if you have a set)
BL-R550 Shimano Flat Bar Road Brake Lever, pair