Drops to flats - what are the options ?

[cisamcgu]

Dear cycle-chatters.

My father fell off his bike a few months ago, fractured his pelvis and broke his arm. He is well on the way to recovery but is thinking that it might be time to move from drops to flats, especially since he has lost significant strength in his arm since the accident.

His current "best" bike is Campag chorus equipped. Is it feasible, both technically and cost-wide, to change this to a flat-bar option - I understand that this will almost certainly require changes to the brakes and gearing, and possibly many other things.

The other option is buying a new bike if the cost of the change is enormous - so any recommendation for a flat-barred bike under about £800 ?

Thanks
Andrew

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Cross top brake levers?

 

[mjr]

Riders should not be supporting their weight on their arms enough for it to matter, plus flats take more effort to turn, don't they?

 

[cisamcgu]

I'm not sure that flat bars take any more effort to turn that drops - but anyway.

Any opinions on this BMC ? https://www.evanscycles.com/bmc-alpenchallenge-ac02-alivio-2016-hybrid-bike-EV237618

It comes in lots of different group-sets, Alivio - 105

 

[Pale Rider]

I'm not sure that flat bars take any more effort to turn that drops - but anyway.

Any opinions on this BMC ? https://www.evanscycles.com/bmc-alpenchallenge-ac02-alivio-2016-hybrid-bike-EV237618

It comes in lots of different group-sets, Alivio - 105

Nothing wrong with it, although the ally fork might be a bit harsh.

An alternative would be Evans' Lithium 6, cheaper, nice comfy cromoly fork, and Deore groupset.

https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-lithium-6-2016-hybrid-bike-EV244092

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Still can't quite grasp the rationale for the swap. The multiple hand positions drops give over flats are way better when rehabing after injury ime.

 

[cisamcgu]

But pulling the brakes, on the hoods, requires significant power in the hand. Much easier on flats I think... but we are still just exploring options (He is 81 !)

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Cross top brake levers?

+1 for this, at 81 yr dad probably associates them with the suicide levers of old. The new frog leg cross top levers are far superior and I had no qualms using them in traffic, at pace etc as the only means of stopping, they work directly onto the brake cables so are transferring all of the lever movement into braking.

.

For £20 odd and a quick removal and refit of the brake cables they could well be a very cheap and quick solution to help your dad get his confidence back on a bike he already knows, and if he doesn't get on with them, its not cost nearly as much time or effort as switching to flats or buying a new bike.

Or

Maybe consider a coaster back brake for his weakened arm side if you think braking might be difficult for him generally.

Edit: or a. BMX pervert, dual brake cable to one lever system??

If you do swap to flats, make sure that the shifters/brifters you get have the right cable pull for the derailleurs or be ready to switch out the mech's too.

As a thought, might it be prudent to see if a wider, softer running pressure tyre would work as well, just to take down a bit of whatever skittishness the existing bike might have, which may help yr dad feel a bit more planted and safe back on it until he gets his mojo back?

I hope at 81 my kids are still encouraging my cycling - good on you @cisamcgu

 

[screenman]

But pulling the brakes, on the hoods, requires significant power in the hand. Much easier on flats I think... but we are still just exploring options (He is 81 !)

My 82 year old brother only stopped doing track days on his motorbike last year. He still rides a Fazer 800 on the road.

 

[tyred]

I'll admit it would probably look odd on a modern road bike but plenty of old lightweights were converted to North Road bar type handlebars and it works very well for most purposes.