An attempt with success on the basic geared MTB bicycle to change the straight handlebars to dropbars with bar-end gear shifters. End result was satisfying.
The Btwin Rockrider 5.0 is a basic steel rigid frame MTB bicycle with grip shifter on the handle bars, 3x7 gears and 26" x 2" tyres. This became my daily commuter and also touring bike when needed. Almost a year gone by having owned this bike during which time had fitted bar ends for more handle grip positions when riding. Later, purchased (online) SKS fenders and Tourtec rear pannier rack mainly with the intentions of trying out touring on this bike, which was good and exciting. Recently switched them semi-slick tyres to slicks for the ease on daily commute.
Process of conversion
The 7 speed grip shifter that came stock on the Rockrider 5.0 takes a bit to get used to but personally felt it to be clumsy and not precise. Read up on various articles related to the conversion of a straight handlebar to a dropbar on a bicycle. This conversion does cost a bit and may not seem practical. But the urge to attempt assembling it by myself was too strong to resist. Now for the conversion, the following were required / procured / ordered.
- From Decathlon store : Drop handlebar, handlebar tape (black), 110mm rised stem, brake cables, housing, ferrules and crimps. (Rs.3000/-)
- International online orders : Dropbar brake levers, 8-speed bar-end shifter (with cables and housing) and shim (Rs.6080/-).
- Tools needed : Grease (Rs.20/- @ LBS), sewing machine oil, pliers, scissors, electrical tape, Allen keys, clean cloth.
The Btwin Rockrider 5.0 comes in only two sizes - medium (M) and Large (L). This bicycle is the large (L) frame was a bit small for my height of 5’11”, so had to go for a raised stem. On trying to fit the stem onto the head tube, realized the stem diameter was bigger. Checked on an online bicycling forum and a senior cyclist suggested the need for a shim to fix the sizing problem. From the online purchase, received the shim and after a month of waiting for the other two items, had to presume to be lost in post. After communicating with the customer care of the respective online stores where the orders were placed, they were kind enough to resend the order which I received a few days soon after.
Going through several informative articles, discussions and videos on the internet with regards to these kind of conversions on a bicycle, did much help. Without any further delay, started off with the assembly. Pretty simple actually, putting them together and tightening of bolts. What seemed easy was the toughest and that was wrapping the bar tape onto the handlebar. Finally after having put a couple of hours for a few days, finished the entire setup and all by myself, which am very excited and thrilled about. The only cosmetic addition done was to stick a few strips of black electrical tape over the big brand logo ‘btwin’ on the down-tube.
Results after conversion
After using the bike for over a week now, I am very pleased with it. The bike feels like a road bike, just heavier by weight, but with slick tyres on, it rolls fast. The bar end gear shifter has the option to switch between SIS and friction for the rear and the shifting is smooth. The drop bars would however require double tape wrapping for added comfort when riding for long distances.
If on a tight budget, this modification will not make sense and one is better off by fitting bar-ends. On the other hand, a high quality steel framed tourer with drop bars, racks for panniers, three bottle holders, fenders and any other custom requirements would cost a lot…a lot more. So, this would be a good upgrade for a rigid fork steel framed bike, if one has a little extra budget and willingness to put in a few hours of patient indulgence on the bike.
