Icculus21

I currently own a 2011 Giant Rapid 3, and am thinking about converting to drop bars. One reason why I got a Rapid 3 is because it's almost Identical to the Giant Defy road bike (save for slight frame geomentry difference and obviously bar/shifter configuration), and at the time I thought I wasn't 'ready' for a road bike.

A friend of mine had a shop convert his Specialized Sirrus for something like $300. I priced out decent components (Giant drop bar, Shimano 2300 shifters, grip tape) at about $200 total, and wouldn't mind attempting the work myself (There are plenty of videos out there, and I'm very handy, hands-on and 'mechanical').

In general, do conversions require different cables and stems, and are there any other major component changes that should be taken into account? From the research I've done it seems like the Rapid drivetrain should be fine as is (derailleurs, chain, brakes, gear sets).

Also, I'm debating whether to sell the Rapid, I can probably get $450 for it (almost perfect condition, a few scratches here and there), and then just use the extra $300 to buy an actual road bike and save the time and effort of a conversion (although it may be fun!).

I know it's a common topic, but any input is appreciated! I know there are some out there who like throwing out their knowledge!

alexaschwanden

Good luck with it.

mymojo

Haven't done it myself. Buty heres what I got when I plugged in "drop bar conversion" in the advanced search option. Hope this helps!

https://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=5697282

fietsbob

Basics: un screw the cable clamp screws on the derailleurs and brakes,

loosen the stem bolts,and pull off the whole thing.
in one piece.. bars, stem, cables , housing .. the works,

Now you start over from scratch,
because the stem you need will, also, be different.

Icculus21

@fietsbob - nice.

I already checked, and my stem would fit most drop bars (31.8 mm clamp). I'm aware that I would need new shifters/brake levers, and Shimano 2303's (8 spd tripple) seem like a decent deal at around $120 for a set . I'm positive that my rear derailleur and cartridge are fine because it's the same setup used in the Defy, which also uses the 2303 shifters.

My only concern is whether my front derailleur would need replacement (I can't think of a reason why it would), and I'm not 100% clear as to why I would need to replace all the cables; would length be the only concern here?

Doohickie

You will almost certainly need longer cables.

Icculus21

That sounds fun. Do you have any idea if Shimano STI 2303 shifters come with cables? I can't seem to find the answer to that question...
Although, cable sets are not expensive so it might be worth buying a set anyway...

I'll prob definitely go with the STI 2303's
Use my current stem
Undecided about bars - I can get carbon bars from ebay for under $100 which sounds like a really good deal. Otherwise, I'll probalby go with standard aluminum Giant or Bontrager.

I think that's about it...

Igo

Ain't worth the effort unless you just want something to do.

Doohickie

Have you ever tried it? I did, and thought it was a great little project. I also managed to get the parts on the cheap, so it was well worth it.

Icculus21

@Igo - I kinda do want a project, and the positioning options of drop bars.

I've never tried it, but I'm confident I'd be able to do it. I'm handy and mechanically savvy.

I figure I can sell my 2011 Rapid 3 for around $450, and then I'd probably have to add at least $300 ($750 total) for an entry road bike.
Or, I can spend about $200-$250 on components, have a nice little project (if my wife lets me!), spend slightly less, and have a slightly more "all-around" bike rather than a dedicated road bike (slightly more relaxed frame, wider/hybrid tires, steel fork). The rapid already has road gearing, dual pivot brakes, and 28mm tires (not road-skinny, but sportier than most hybrids), Shimano 2300 rear 8 spd derailleur, and Giant "sport" components which are found on their entry road bikes.

littlebum2002

I have the exact opposite problem: I'm trying to change a drop-bar to an upright.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-trekking-bike

Maybe we should just trade parts. lol

Icculus21

Haha nice. Where do you live?
I think it would be a fun project, and I'm into these sorts of things, so I've pretty much ruled out trading the bike. From what I've read, I have a feeling it might be easier to go from drops to flats, when it comes to complexity of shifters, cable routing, sizing, etc.

Right now I'm running Shimano quick-fire trigger shifters, and they're great, very fast, quiet, and smooth. 28mm tires which are a great compromise between wider hybrids and razor thing road tires. It can handle rough roads and gravel, but is still quick and smooth on good surfaces.

Everybody says you need longer cables for a flat-to-drop conversion, so I would imagine your current cables would be long enough and work for a drop-to-flat conversion... unless you need different end-crimps or something.

I would also recommend bar ends. IMO they're way more comfortable than the flats (I use them basically the whole time I'm riding), easy to break and shift (with the triggers anyway), cheap and easy to install, and it just gives a position option.

I was able to price out everything I need (good components) for about $200. A friend of mine had a LBS do it all for $300; I'm not sure what grade of components he got, and they put a double shifter in front, so he can only use 2 of 3 chainrings.

Dunbar

I would sell the bike and take the $700-750 and buy a proper road bike off Craigslist. You can actually get a really nice aluminum framed bike with Shimano 105 with that money off Craigslist.

Icculus21

I cant sell it for that much, it was $600 new; I'm thinking $500 tops, but probably more like $450. Plus, if I do the conversion myself I can then sell the leftover components - Flat bar with ends and Shimano R221 shifters and brake levers in perfect condition.
I also kinda want a project