Converting to a flat bar

Did you mean to say you have an XT rear derailleur?

Scotty_Dog said:

Did you mean to say you have an XT rear derailleur?

whoops, yes, that's what I meant....I must have been typing too fast....

For the rear you have a couple of options:
1) Buy new Shimano 8 speed mtb brakes/shifters (I believe the only new 8 speed products currently being offered are the Alivio model, but some Acera are still floating around).
2) Buy NOS or used 8 speed mtb brakes/shifters in any of Shimano's more expensive product models (Deore thru XTR).
3) Upgrade to 9 speed by replacing your rear cassette, chain, and buying new, NOS or used 9 speed mtb brakes/shifters. Depending upon the condition of your current cassette and chain, this might be your best option.
4) If SRAM is more to your liking, buy any that are Shimano compatible.

For the front:
Buy any mtb brake/shifter.

Ron338 said:

I have a touring bike that I built up from a Trek 520 frame. Id like to convert it to a flat bar, and was looking for some guidance. Right now it has a Sugino XD 46-36-26 crankset, 8 speed cassette, Ultegra downtube shifters, a Shimano 105 front derailleur, a Shimano XD rear derailleur, Avid Single Digit 3 v-brakes, and Dia Compe brake levers. I'd like to swap out the downtube shifters and brake levers for a flat bar, mountain bike type setup with brake levers and indexed thumbshifters. Does anyone have any suggestions as to a brake lever/shifter combination that would work with the components I already have installed?

There are a variety of shimano flatbar, 8s shifters out there. You may have to use a MTB, compatible with the LH shifter, front derailleur but the rear derailleur is compatible. Also ensure you get v brake compatible brake levers and bob's yer uncle.