Hi. I'm 52 and riding has aggravated my back to the point where I'd rather walk than ride for exercise. I have a road bike with brifters and thinking of converting to a flat bar so I can be in a more upright position. How much would a LBS typically charge for this? Thanks.

Have you considered getting a new stem to raise the bars? This will be a lot easier and cheaper than going to a flat bar.

There have been a few threads on this subject over the last few months, generally, you need to workout if just buying a complete bike is a more cost effective option.

You would need a new stem, bar, shifter, brake levers & grips at a minimum. The design of the frame plays a part, is your current road bike sporty or more endurance based, as converting an endurance design would be easier, as it is already more upright.

Would also be looking at the current condition of your bike and see if there is anything else needing replacement, and then do the math.

A taller, shorter stem can get the bar up for a more upright riding position. Been using them (62 now) since my early '50s.

That would only be true if both the old and new bikes are extremely cheap $150 department store bikes. His bike has brifters. Even assuming lowest end components, we are still looking at a $600-700 bike. There is no reason why he should have to buy a new bike for just a handful of parts.

Given the OP hasn't given any bike specs, say 10 speed flat bar shifter, R770 or even R440 aren't cheap, and SRAM's version is even more, neither are the rest of the parts needed, I did say do the math, as in work out what is the most cost effective option, factor in the condition, as mentioned, then work out what is cost effective, maybe work out if it is cost effective, not sure if I said that a few times in my original post, do the math....

Thanks to all. I have considered getting a new stem but not sure if it will get me as upright as I would like. I could put brake levers on the top of the drop bars. However I think it's helpful to have the shifters/brake levers near each other.

A stem riser will get the bars up where you need them. The cheapest solution is to get a moustache bar. That allows you to use road shifters/brake levers in a more upright position.

Harris Cyclery Handlebar Stems

My approach has been to investigate and research the cause of the back problems and get it fixed. I want to remain capable of continued exercise, and biking is a favorite exercise.