Can I turn a racing bike into a commuter?

ThisIsWeird

Hi all.

Son looking for a cheap run-around for use at Uni, in a bike-friendly city. He's tall - over 6'2" - so available 2nd-hand options are limited.

I have noticed that there are far more drop-bar racing bikes out there than hybrids or flat-bar commuters, and many are of a suitable frame size. Sooo, could I swap handlebars, add brake/trigger-shifters, and convert?

Cheers.

Keep_pedalling

Drop handlebars does not equal racing bike. Most touring bikes have drops and would make good commuting bikes as they are capable of carrying fully laden paniers.   

ThisIsWeird

Thanks Kp. 

A sit-up-and-whatsit stance is required, for leisurely cycling along cycle lanes and towpaths and stuff. None of this arris-in-the-air latex malarkey.

At least that's what I imagine you wear - post photo? (I'm ashamed...)

The basic principle is ok, tho'? You can swap 'bars and controls, and it will 'work'? And not look too daft?

Cheers.

Keep_pedalling

I would not switch out drops for straights the frame wont be designed for them, and swapping out the shifters will be difficult. A steel framed tourer will not have your !!!!!! in the air even when riding on the drops. The great thing about drops is that they give you a number of hand positions for different situations. 

caprikid1

ThisIsWeird said:

Thanks Kp. 

A sit-up-and-whatsit stance is required, for leisurely cycling along cycle lanes and towpaths and stuff. None of this arris-in-the-air latex malarkey.

At least that's what I imagine you wear - post photo? (I'm ashamed...)

The basic principle is ok, tho'? You can swap 'bars and controls, and it will 'work'? And not look too daft?

Cheers.

It will really depend on the age of the bike, an old "Racing bike" with drop handle bars and down tube shifters can be picked up very cheaply and should convert relatively easily. It could still cost over £50 for bars , levers , maybe new cables etc.

I bought a cheap Chinese Fixed wheel some years ago and its a great commute / pub bike with straight bars.

Nasqueron

I'd just go to a local second hand bike place at the uni area, probably have more luck there if you aren't already in a uni town or even somewhere like Decathlon if you wanted a cheaper new one. A 58cm frame isn't uncommon and would be fine for 6'2", I am 6' and ride 56cm frame from memory (or I ride 54cm so get a 56cm - try it out in store)

bouicca21

Lots of my cycling friends have drop handle bars but I’ve not seen any of them actually use the drops, they put their hands on the bar.

ThisIsWeird

Thanks all. With a bit of time, I'm seeing more 'normal' options become available.

Really tempted by this beauty: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/156228166168?

Nasqueron

£50 for a bike that is sold for parts as it needs a lot of work?

A BTWIN folding bike would probably be better for a student anyway if he wants a step over one with the usual storage issues at uni

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/20-inch-folding-bike-btwin-100-black/_/R-p-120067 

Else a half decent City bike

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/city-bike-elops-120-high-frame-blue/_/R-p-168865

Both are under £200

ThisIsWeird

Nasqueron said:

£50 for a bike that is sold for parts as it needs a lot of work?

A BTWIN folding bike would probably be better for a student anyway if he wants a step over one with the usual storage issues at uni

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/20-inch-folding-bike-btwin-100-black/_/R-p-120067 

Else a half decent City bike

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/city-bike-elops-120-high-frame-blue/_/R-p-168865

Both are under £200

Hadn't realised these folding bikes were so reasonable. Cheers.

But, man, have you seen that Raleigh?

bouicca21

The student really needs to try out possible bikes and think about how it will be used.  I’ve recently acquired a cheap folding ebike and it is heavy and awkward to manoeuvre (there was clearly a reason why it was given to me!). It has its uses but they are limited and I wouldn’t want to carry it any distance or up and down stairs (e.g. to take it to a student room). 

I’m sure a decent folding bike would be much better but I wouldn’t want to spend a lot on a bike for a student. Bike theft is bound to be rampant in a bike friendly student town, so cheap and cheerful with a gold or platinum standard d lock, and maybe even a chain, will be essential.