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Changing STI drops to trekking bars

Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 11:48 am
by Sprocket
I would like to change my handlebar set up on my touring bike.

I know it's not as simple as just changing over the handlebars and ask the assistance of the forum members to check my logic

My current configuration relevant to the change out is:
Shiftlevers: Tiagra 9sp STI
Crankset: 26-36-48 with 170mm cranks
Cassette: Deore 11-32T
Front derailleur: Tiagra
Rear derailleur: Deore LX 9sp
Rear brake: Shimano cantilever - R550
Front brake: Shimano disc

So apart from the handlebars (and stem) + shifters, I'm assuming the other main component to change out will be the front derailleur. Correct? Anything else?

Ultimately I would like to change the crankset out to something like a 22-32-44, and put a 12-36T cassette on it. (I can handle running out of gears at the top end but not the bottom.) So one question is what would your recommendation be for the front derailleur?

And any other recommendations for components/upgrades very gratefully received.

Thanks!
Sprocket

Re: Changing STI drops to trekking bars

Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 7:03 pm
by Sprocket
This is what I think I'm heading towards:

Handlebars: Modolo Yuma Traveller
Shift levers: Shimano bar-end dura-ace 7700 9-speed + Paul Component thumbies
Brake levers: Avid SD7
Front derailleur: Shimano Deore LX T7661 or XT M760 (9 speed)
Rear brake: Avid SD7

Am I on the right track? Do you have any recommendations for/against this list?

Thanks
Sprocket

Re: Changing STI drops to trekking bars

Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 8:57 pm
by high_tea
Sounds fair to me. I don't reckon you even need to change the front derailleur. My Surly LHT used to have a Tiagra front shifted with a Dura-Ace bar-end. It worked just fine. I switched from drops to moustache handlebars on that bike and it's gone pretty well.

Oh, one other thing occurs to me: what's the clamp diameter on old and new bars? are they both 31.8? I would imagine you'll want a new stem, but in your shoes, I'd try it with the existing one and see what I wanted to change.

Re: Changing STI drops to trekking bars

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 12:43 am
by Sprocket
Thanks for the info on the FD. I will try with the tiagra and hopefully save any changes for when I get around to chain ring changes.

Re stem - both bars are same - standard not OS. I will try with current stem just to get an idea of length, but I already know it will be too short. Just not sure how much too short....

How do you find riding the moustache bars? I like the look of those.

Re: Changing STI drops to trekking bars

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 11:11 am
by high_tea
I like my moustache bars quite a bit. I wanted something super-wide but where I could keep my hands roughly parallel with the top tube while braking. I tow various stuff and carry a kid in a Weeride, you see. So they were just the ticket. I got the Tange ones, which seem to have a 26mm clamp diameter and 22.2 grip diameter - wierd. I had to shim my road bike brake levers to fit anyway, so it would be possible to use MTB levers, which is probably why they did that.

Re: Changing STI drops to trekking bars

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 11:41 am
by Sprocket
Good point re the towing. I will remember that!

The trekking / butterfly bars are the same configuration as your moustache bars in the sense they have a 25.4mm clamp and are 22.2mm everywhere else. As you say it should mean the MTB levers will fit fine.

Re: Changing STI drops to trekking bars

Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2012 10:17 pm
by Sprocket
Finally got the last of the parts this week, so have just spent rather a long time in the shed doing the switch over (I'm not the swiftest of mechanics) and happy to report it all works fine.