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Changing shifters on a Volpe

Greetings
I’ve just had delivered a new Trekking handlebar and a pair of shimano 9 speed shifters to replace what came standard on the my Bianchi Volpe ( drop handlebars etc).

I was wondering if changing the set up of the gears to the shimano shifters would be something that I could take on myself ( no funds left) or should I let my LBS tackle the job?

Also any recommendations of books that cover the basics of Bike repair so I can get myself educated before I take a long summer bike trip.

Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanty

Lots of people do it. That doesn't mean you can or should. There's no way we can guess at your experience or mechanical ability. It's harder than changing a tire and easier than building a wheel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanty

Also any recommendations of books that cover the basics of Bike repair so I can get myself educated before I take a long summer bike trip.

Bicycling magazine has one that's a pretty good starter guide. Also check out the Park tool website and, of course, Sheldon Brown's web pages.

Well my skill level is around zero but i'm sure that with some kind of instructions i might be able to pull it off.
It's findings the right information to help put it together is the problem.

Seconds an the parl tool web site:
http://www.parktool.com/repair/
Also Zinn and the art of road bike maintenance is good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanty

If by "trekking" handlebar you mean what is known as a "butterfly" bar, the controls from your drop bars won't fit. You will need new brake levers and shifters and all new cables.

You would probably be better off sticking with the drop bars for a long trip anyway, but you may need to replace the stem if you currently find them uncomfortable.

See: http://sheldonbrown.com/handsup

And: http://sheldonbrown.com/deakins/handlebars.html

Sheldon "Tried Butterfly Bars, Didn't Like 'Em" Brown

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Lanty,

Can you post pics of what you have now and what you have bought. We might be able to help a little better.

Kevin