LHT-flat bar swap ??
06-25-09, 07:41 PM
#1
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LHT-flat bar swap ??
Do I have to get special cables or brake handle and gear shifters to swap the stock drop bar for a flat bar? Can I use the ones that are on my other bike?
06-25-09, 08:09 PM
#2
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Flat bars suck. 
A better option is just to install a set of interruptor / cross brakes and maybe some bar gels, and ride in the tops as much as you like. That's a cheap upgrade that pretty much gives you the flat bar position, with the option to use the hoods or drops.
But if you insist on flat bars, you'll have to do a fair amount of changes.
• You'll need new brake levers, and they'll have to be compatible with the existing canti brakes.
• You'll need new shifters. Finding compatible ones shouldn't be that hard.
• You'll need a good pair of grips and bar-ends as well.
A better option is just to install a set of interruptor / cross brakes and maybe some bar gels, and ride in the tops as much as you like. That's a cheap upgrade that pretty much gives you the flat bar position, with the option to use the hoods or drops.
But if you insist on flat bars, you'll have to do a fair amount of changes.
• You'll need new brake levers, and they'll have to be compatible with the existing canti brakes.
• You'll need new shifters. Finding compatible ones shouldn't be that hard.
• You'll need a good pair of grips and bar-ends as well.
06-25-09, 09:40 PM
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I have flat bars on my LHT and I like them very much. They are a nice change from my road bike. I started with a bare frame though so I was able to buy parts that fit right off the bat and I didn't have to replace anything.
06-25-09, 09:59 PM
#4
ah.... sure.
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Dave,
Just curious... Why did you not go with Rapid Fires? Is it so you can run friction or are you running them indexed.
Just curious... Why did you not go with Rapid Fires? Is it so you can run friction or are you running them indexed.
06-29-09, 05:04 AM
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Great question, I went with Dura Ace thumbies because 1) they can be both index and friction, 2) they're lighter and are more servicable in the field (thunbies are as simple as they get) and 3) I understand how they work and if I have an issue I think I can fix it myself. Rapidfires on the otherhand are more complicated to fix and I really didn't think I needed the little indicator to tell me what gear I was in. A single track rider may have a different oppinion than me but for touring simplicity is the key to a long and happy trip. IMHO
Dave
Dave
06-29-09, 10:25 AM
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Drops are kind of a pain to get used to (at least they were for me) but holy moly did I end up liking them better than flats.
If you're determined to get flats, I won't try to talk you out of it, but it's going to be expensive, and for touring (what the LHT is designed for) flats are the worst.
If you're determined to get flats, I won't try to talk you out of it, but it's going to be expensive, and for touring (what the LHT is designed for) flats are the worst.
