Changing drop bars

[DrPhil]

First post here... and a (hopefully) simple question.

I want to change the bars on my new road bike, as the ones it came with are a bit big. Can I do this with a straight swap of the (Ultegra) shifters from old to new, leaving the cables connected?

I'm reasonably mechanically competent / self-sufficient when it comes to gears / headset adjustment / BB replacement etc - but have been riding a hybrid so haven't worked with drop bars and integrated shifters before.

Thanks in advance for any advice, Phil

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

The key compatibility question is the diameter at the clamp which you need to match unless you are changing the stem as well. Most people curse a bit wrapping the bars if they have not done it before. You should find various links in e.g. Park helpful.

 

[jay clock]

Once you have overcome the bar diameter issue above, the answer to your question is yes, you can move the shifters without removing cables. If you peel the rubber hood to one side there is an allen bolt (5mm?). Loosen this a bit (not too much!) and you can slide the shifters off.

 

[DrPhil]

Thanks guys - understood re stem compatibility, it was the question of cables causing me a little concern. Just wanted to check there were no gotchas with what looks like it should be a straightforward job loosening the shifters and moving them onto a new bar. Appreciate the replies.