conversion to road bike

[paulb55]

Hi Guys,

I have an old Ridgeback Adventure 501CS Hybrid bike, flat handlebars, in bits on my shed floor

Could it be possible to convert that to a road bike with drops and road racing tyres etc

Any feedback would be appreciated

Thanks
Paul

 

[zexel]

You could....

... but imo you will spend a lot of time and money and end up with something that still isn't a road bike.

 

[Wankelschrauben]

You could probably buy a second hand road bike for less than converting that.

Don't be afraid of second hand bikes, you can get some amazing bargains on the net. Buy a chainwear tool for about £10 so you can put the "hardly ridden unwanted present" ads to the test.

Carbon frames may need a careful eye but Aluminium and steel are a little more obvious for damage spotting, i,e dents, broken welds. Worn rims will have a raised edge from use, quite easy to spot.

The glory about 2nd hand bikes is that sometimes you can buy a really good bike that someone has owned and improved through their experiences.

Alternatively, the new stock is out soon, watch out for the crazy offers that will hit the shops of the 2011 models, I saw an entry level Allez double for £400 brand new in the LBS!!!!

 

[calibanzwei]

Don't be afraid of second hand bikes, you can get some amazing bargains on the net. Buy a chainwear tool for about £10 so you can put the "hardly ridden unwanted present" ads to the test.

Did I read somewhere that there should be 24 chain links in 12"/30cm? Should work as a rough guide...

http://pardo.net/bike/pic/fail-004/000.html

 

[Zoiders]

The main problem is the top tube will be too long and it will ride like a turd with drops fitted.

 

[HLaB]

What type of break have you got, Paul ? if its vee's it can be done but the compatibility to sti's isn't great, I used problem solver travel agents when I converted my Flat Bar Road bike (Sirrus) to drops and IMO I was starting from a good base.

 

[lozcs]

Same bike as me - I'm looking to rebuild it myself and to learn as I go rather than just buy a new bike but not sure how pratical that might be...

Any feedback would be appreciated

Change your username - spambots pick up email addresses on the web and you'll find posting you email address will mean you'll start getting lots of spam...

 

[apollo179]

Main problem is that your stuck with the 26 inch wheeels . If you want to put drop bars on your bike then i see no harm in it but if you want a pukka racing bike then youd be better off starting afresh.

 

[JoeGerrard777]

Hi,

I recently brought a 2013 Sirrus hybrid and converted it pretty easily. The only problem is the amount of cash you have to spend. I have spent around £180 converting it to a road bike. It can be done easily but you have to be able to put the effort into replacing cables, housing, fitting bar tape and drop bars etc. The only thing I would say is to start with a good frame so you have something to work with and fully commit to it.

This is my converted road bike. I Should really get a bigger frame.
Tell me what you think.

 

[Jhey]

Hi,

I recently brought a 2013 Sirrus hybrid and converted it pretty easily. The only problem is the amount of cash you have to spend. I have spent around £180 converting it to a road bike. It can be done easily but you have to be able to put the effort into replacing cables, housing, fitting bar tape and drop bars etc. The only thing I would say is to start with a good frame so you have something to work with and fully commit to it.

This is my converted road bike. I Should really get a bigger frame.
Tell me what you think.

View attachment 51987

That's niiice! I have sirrus elite and really wanted to do it, but unsure how well it would actually turn out

 

[biggs682]

if you want to do it then do it

 

[Gravity Aided]

Hi,

I recently brought a 2013 Sirrus hybrid and converted it pretty easily. The only problem is the amount of cash you have to spend. I have spent around £180 converting it to a road bike. It can be done easily but you have to be able to put the effort into replacing cables, housing, fitting bar tape and drop bars etc. The only thing I would say is to start with a good frame so you have something to work with and fully commit to it.

This is my converted road bike. I Should really get a bigger frame.
Tell me what you think.

View attachment 51987

I don't think I've seen a Specialized Sirrus that didn't sport a lot of seatpost. If the bike fits, ride it. I think the compact frame design leads to the need for a longer seatpost, much as it does with a lot of mountain bikes. I would think the gearing would be more of a concern, especially on the largest front gear.