Hi. I don't know much about bikes, but I bought a Scott hybrid bike, I think a sub something or another. This was a few years ago. It has totally flat handlebars and I find it fatiguing when I ride. I was fitted and sized on the bike when I bought it so it is my size.

What I was wondering is if I could change the handlebars to a "road" bike or racing bike style because I feel that they are more comfortable for my needs.

So, basically, I'd like to turn my hybrid into a road or racing style bike. Possible?

Sure, but it would be expensive if you have to buy new parts. Normally you would need handlebars, STI brifters, new cables, grip tape, possibly a new stem and the knowhow to do the job. The brifters (integrated brakes/shifters) are the most expensive item, running a few hundred dollars for even lower end (but decent) ones. Does your bike have a conventional rear derailleur or internally geared hub ?

Not necessarily a tricky job. I am about to do the same and I am going to put my top-of-the-bar-mounted brakes/shifters on top of the drop bar as it is. Space is a major factor mounting these gadgets on rather narrow drop bars. This will allow me to go low in the drops even though I cant reach the brakes from that hand position. I will use an old drop bar just lying around in the garage so the cost is low. A little like the 1980`s stem mounted shifters.

I think I may just save for a new bike, so I'll have a racing one as well as a hybrid. Maybe I'll sell the hybrid. Honestly, I don't know if it's internal or conventional gear hub (shows how much i am into bikes). But I know I could not do the work myself, so I'd have to pay for parts and labor. So, I'll just find a new bike. Thanks for your input.

Dont be discouraged. Know-how comes with practice but there is always LBS that could help you out. If not in hurry check out different kind of solutions. I am sure you´ll get in the end.

Javal, haven't you been down this road, eventually replacing your modified hybrid with a real road bike? I seem to recall you put the stock components back on the hybrid and were planning to sell it.

You´re absolutely wrong. I never done this kind of conversion before and I never had any plans to sell my hybrid. Thanks to the hybrid I have cycling going on all through winter I just miss that drop bar hand position. I will leave my after report as soon as I get the time to make the switch. I ´ve been riding road bikes for a long, long time...long before I got a real hybrid

You could try trekking bars; it's a cheaper conversion since you keep your hybrid's controls, but gives you many more hand positions:

Javal, I must have confused you with another bikeforums member.

Things could be worse. Like being stuck in bad autumn weather and having one dismantled hybrid in the garage. Might find the time this weekend...

I want that drop position. I´m going to do some serious commuting this fall and winter and that race position really got dialed in this summer. I want to benefit from it a bit more...

After report: Made an effort this weekend to mount brakes&shifters from the hybrid straight on to the drop bar. The clams on b&s were way to small and bending it didn´t work. Drilling it to place seemed to be way too drastic. Now I´m looking for cheap brifters...

Well, if it isn't too late (or soul destroying) to put the flat bar back on, why not just add some Origin8 drop bar ends:



These could be combined with a pair of standard bar ends too:



maybe with a pair of ergo grips.... lotd of hand positions there! best of luck whatever you decide

I gave that solution some consideration, but the present flatbar a bit too wide to be speed-comfy. The hybrid needed some other and well deserved maintenance (chain&cassette) - now it is all being done. I´ll end up with a 27 speed (24 before), drop bar and overhauled bad weather race machine!