Drop bars to flats

[NickTB]

Hello all,

After being diagnosed with two slipped discs, I'm struggling to comfortable on my bike. I own a 2012 Cannondale Caad 8 which I love, and was wondering how problematic it would be to change the set up from drops to flats. I'm thinking a more upright position would be less of a strain on my back. I've Googled around and can see there is a fair bit of work involved, but my thinking is it will be better to keep the frame, wheels etc and change bars and peripherals rather than buy a new bike?

On that note, does anyone know somewhere in Essex who would undertake the task?

Thanks in advance,
Nick

 

[Dave Davenport]

It's a quick, easy job. What groupset does your bike have?

 

[NickTB]

Hi apologies for the delay. Shimano/Sora

 

[Dave Davenport]

Assuming it's a double (you'll need the 3503 if triple) you could use these http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-sora-3500-flat-bar-9-speed-shifter-set/rp-prod135349 and these http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-tiagra-r550-flat-bar-brake-levers/rp-prod34695 fitted to a pair of flat bars of your choice (check the clamp size of your stem). It's a very straightforward job.

 

[NickTB]

Thanks for that. It's a triple though so just replace the 3500 with 3503 then. Looks straightforward enough... (Famous last words!)

 

[Pale Rider]

Worth having a think about the stem, you might prefer something with a bit of rise assuming your existing one is flat.

I would also go for a bit of sweep on the bars.

Some might look very wide, but you can always chop an inch or so off either end, although that will reduce the sweep a bit.

 

[NickTB]

Thanks that was something I was pondering, to get a more upright stance

 

[Pale Rider]

For a flat bar bike, having the bars roughly level with the saddle is a good starting point, so that's what I would aim for.

In terms of reach, shorter stems give more direct steering.

I've never tried it, but I suspect flat bars with a long, flat stem like the pro roadies use wouldn't work very well.

 

[Dave Davenport]

Yep, or any shimano 9 x 3 speed flat bar road shifters or combined shifter/brake levers you can find.

 

[NickTB]

Thanks all.
I think I may have to source a competent bike mech to have a go at this for me. I'm confident to a point!

 

[HarryTheDog]

@NickTB , where in Essex are you?. Chelmer Cycles of Chelmsford are Cannondale dealers and are more than competent. Pain in the arse to find parking there though. They do a fair amount of support for riders and events so I try to give them my business,

 

[NickTB]

@NickTB , where in Essex are you?. Chelmer Cycles of Chelmsford are Cannondale dealers and are more than competent. Pain in the arse to find parking there though. They do a fair amount of support for riders and events so I try to give them my business,

Excellent, I'm near Brentwood, so only 10 miles from Chelmsford. I'll give them a call

 

[Milkfloat]

I found a drop bar far more comfortable than flat when I had my herniated discs. You may want to check that flat works for you before you leap.

 

[NickTB]

I found a drop bar far more comfortable than flat when I had my herniated discs. You may want to check that flat works for you before you leap.

That's interesting. I have herniated discs too. My assumption is that by bending forward at the waist, that's what's causing the pain. Horses for courses I suppose. I will try a flat though

 

[vickster]

I've done the same...however, a bike that was the right size as a roadbike is too small and cramped with flat bars, you may need a much longer stem (3cm more makes mine better) and a layback post. The CAAD is also quite an aggressive geometry with short headtube, so you may need a long riser stem

To be honest, you'd be better off buying a dedicated flat bar that gives you the correct riding position and selling the roadbike, especially if you need to pay someone to do the work (probably cost £75-100 around London, couple of hours work potentially) if you can strip the frame yourself, that might save you a few bob. You need bars, grips, brakes, and trigger shifters. That lot cost me £100 or so new on my SRAM conversion

Mine is actually for sale as I'm struggling to make it fit

In the meantime, try to strengthen your core under the guidance of your physio to take the weight off your lower back, swimming is good but check first based on your own condition