Can You Put Flat Bars On A Road Bike

Are you thinking of putting flat bars on your road bike

While this is a popular modification, it’s important to know that there are both pros and cons to consider before making the switch.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at flat bars on road bikes, including the benefits and drawbacks of this modification, as well as the steps involved in making the switch.

Revolutionize Your Ride: Flat Bars on a Road Bike!

Are you looking for a way to change up your cycling experience If so, you may want to consider trying out a flat bar road bike. Flat bars offer a number of benefits over traditional drop bars, including:

Increased comfort: The upright riding position of a flat bar road bike is more comfortable for many riders, especially those with back or neck pain.
Better visibility: With the handlebars at shoulder height, you have a better view of your surroundings, which can make you more aware of potential hazards.
Greater control: Flat bars give you more control over your bike, making it easier to handle in tight turns or on rough terrain.
More versatility: Flat bar road bikes can be used for a variety of activities, from commuting to long-distance touring.

If you’re ready to take your cycling to the next level, give a flat bar road bike a try!

Can You Put Flat Bars on a Road Bike?

What are Flat Bars?

Flat bars are handlebars that are wider and have a straighter sweep than traditional road bike handlebars. They are often used on mountain bikes and hybrid bikes, but they can also be found on some road bikes. Flat bars offer a more upright riding position than traditional road bike handlebars, which can be more comfortable for some riders. They also provide more control over the bike, which can be helpful for riders who are new to cycling or who ride in challenging terrain.

Can You Put Flat Bars on a Road Bike?

Yes, you can put flat bars on a road bike. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you do.

First, you need to make sure that your bike frame is compatible with flat bars. Not all road bike frames are designed to accommodate flat bars. You will need to check the frame geometry to make sure that there is enough clearance for the wider handlebars.
Second, you need to make sure that you have the right stem for your flat bars. The stem is the part of the bike that connects the handlebars to the frame. You will need to choose a stem that is long enough to allow you to reach the handlebars comfortably in your new riding position.
Third, you need to make sure that you have the right brake levers for your flat bars. Flat bars typically use different brake levers than traditional road bike handlebars. You will need to choose brake levers that are compatible with your flat bars.

Once you have made sure that your bike is compatible with flat bars, you can install them by following these steps:

1. Remove the old handlebars and stem from your bike.
2. Install the new stem on your bike.
3. Install the new flat bars on the stem.
4. Connect the brake levers to the flat bars.
5. Adjust the position of the handlebars and brake levers so that they are comfortable for you to reach.

Benefits of Flat Bars on a Road Bike

There are a number of benefits to using flat bars on a road bike. These benefits include:

A more upright riding position. Flat bars allow you to sit in a more upright riding position, which can be more comfortable for some riders. This is especially beneficial for riders who have back pain or other health conditions that make it difficult to sit in a traditional road bike position.
More control over the bike. Flat bars provide more control over the bike than traditional road bike handlebars. This can be helpful for riders who are new to cycling or who ride in challenging terrain.
Increased visibility. Flat bars allow you to be more visible to other road users. This can be helpful for safety, especially when riding in traffic.

Drawbacks of Flat Bars on a Road Bike

There are a few drawbacks to using flat bars on a road bike. These drawbacks include:

Less aerodynamic. Flat bars are less aerodynamic than traditional road bike handlebars. This can make it more difficult to ride at a fast pace.
Less efficient. Flat bars are less efficient than traditional road bike handlebars. This is because you have to use more energy to turn the handlebars.
Not as stylish. Flat bars are not as stylish as traditional road bike handlebars. This is a matter of personal preference, but it is something to consider if you are concerned about how your bike looks.

Conclusion

Whether or not you should put flat bars on your road bike is a personal decision. There are both benefits and drawbacks to using flat bars on a road bike, so you need to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. If you are considering putting flat bars on your road bike, be sure to do your research and make sure that your bike is compatible with flat bars.

Also Read: Can You Put Straight Handlebars On A Road Bike

FAQs: Can You Put Flat Bars on a Road Bike?

What are the pros and cons of putting flat bars on a road bike?

Pros:

Flat bars offer a more comfortable riding position for many people, as they allow you to sit upright and have more control over the bike.
Flat bars can make it easier to see traffic and obstacles around you, as they provide a wider field of view.
Flat bars can be more versatile than drop bars, as they can be used for a variety of riding styles, including commuting, touring, and gravel riding.

Cons:

Flat bars can make it more difficult to descend steep hills, as you have less leverage on the brakes.
Flat bars can make it more difficult to sprint, as you have less leverage on the pedals.
Flat bars can make it more difficult to corner quickly, as you have less control over the bike.

Is it easy to put flat bars on a road bike?

It is relatively easy to put flat bars on a road bike, but it does require some tools and basic mechanical skills. The process typically involves removing the stem and handlebars from the bike, then installing the flat bars and new stem.

What size flat bars should I get for my road bike?

The size of the flat bars you need will depend on your height and riding style. A good rule of thumb is to choose a bar that is about the same width as your shoulders. You can also experiment with different widths to find what feels most comfortable for you.

What other modifications do I need to make to my road bike if I put flat bars on it?

In addition to the flat bars and stem, you may also need to make some other modifications to your road bike, such as:

Installing new brake levers
Changing the shifter cable routing
Replacing the front derailleur

Are there any other considerations I should make before putting flat bars on my road bike?

Before you put flat bars on your road bike, you should consider the following:

Your riding style
Your height
The type of terrain you will be riding on
The modifications you will need to make to your bike

If you are not sure whether flat bars are right for you, it is best to consult with a bike mechanic or experienced cyclist.