I have a Specialized Sirrus hybrid bike, and have started to do some higher distance rides. I live in DC and ride along the Potomac, so wind is often a problem. I've decide I want to convert to drop handlebars for this bike. I've bought a set of bars and Shimano Sora shifter/brake levers.
I was told that I don't need a stem, but that my V-style brake system may not work. Will I need to change brake systems to get the Sora levers to work? Is that true, or is there any more cost effective way to fix the problem, or is it a problem at all?
I have a Specialized Sirrus hybrid bike, and have started to do some higher distance rides. I live in DC and ride along the Potomac, so wind is often a problem. I've decide I want to convert to drop handlebars for this bike. I've bought a set of bars and Shimano Sora shifter/brake levers.
I was told that I don't need a stem, but that my V-style brake system may not work. Will I need to change brake systems to get the Sora levers to work? Is that true, or is there any more cost effective way to fix the problem, or is it a problem at all?
There's a widget called a Travel Agent which I believe will allow this to work. Its usual application is on bikes where V-brakes are being employed with mountain bike levers that were designed for old-style canti brakes. It corrects for the mismatch in the amount of cable pull available vs what the brakes require. I've never used one; I have no idea how (or how well) it works. -- Typoes are a feature, not a bug. Some gardening required to reply via email. Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.
I have a Specialized Sirrus hybrid bike, and have started to do some higher distance rides. I live in DC and ride along the Potomac, so wind is often a problem. I've decide I want to convert to drop handlebars for this bike. I've bought a set of bars and Shimano Sora shifter/brake levers.
I was told that I don't need a stem, but that my V-style brake system may not work. Will I need to change brake systems to get the Sora levers to work? Is that true, or is there any more cost effective way to fix the problem, or is it a problem at all?
There's a widget called a Travel Agent which I believe will allow this to work. Its usual application is on bikes where V-brakes are being employed with mountain bike levers that were designed for old-style canti brakes. It corrects for the mismatch in the amount of cable pull available vs what the brakes require. I've never used one; I have no idea how (or how well) it works.
I'm not sure if the Sirrus has "MTB-style" V brakes or not, but rather than installing a travel agent (or similar) device, I'd recommend slapping on a pair of the Tektro "mini-V" brakes. They're considerably shorter than a MTB V-brake, and will still clear any tire you'd reasonably want to run on a drop-bar bike. Plus, they are very compatible with the cable pull of a drop bar brake lever.
