Can I add dropbars to a 2021 FX Sport Carbon 4
08-26-20, 09:02 AM
#1
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Can I add dropbars to a 2021 FX Sport Carbon 4
I would like to replace the straight bars with drops on my 2021 Trek FX Carbon 4. Will the frame geometry allow that -- in other words, is this a reasonable swap?
Would ideally leave the groupset unchanged, and am considering the GRX - Hydraulic Disc Brake - DUAL CONTROL LEVER - 11-speed on the right and the GRX - Hydraulic Disc Brake - DUAL CONTROL LEVER - 2x11-speed on the left so I can change to a 2x gravel setup if I ever want to. Will these components work or are there better quality/performance options? I will probably have my LBS do the swap, as I don't really want to mess with the hydraulic brakes.
If you are not familiar with this bike, here are its details:
Would ideally leave the groupset unchanged, and am considering the GRX - Hydraulic Disc Brake - DUAL CONTROL LEVER - 11-speed on the right and the GRX - Hydraulic Disc Brake - DUAL CONTROL LEVER - 2x11-speed on the left so I can change to a 2x gravel setup if I ever want to. Will these components work or are there better quality/performance options? I will probably have my LBS do the swap, as I don't really want to mess with the hydraulic brakes.
If you are not familiar with this bike, here are its details:
Shifter: Shimano RS700, 11 speed
Crank: Shimano GRX RX600, 40T ring, 175mm length
Bottom bracket Shimano BB71, 86.5mm, PressFit
Rear derailleur Shimano GRX RX812, long cage, 42T max cog
Cassette Shimano SLX M7000, 11-42, 11 speed
Crank: Shimano GRX RX600, 40T ring, 175mm length
Bottom bracket Shimano BB71, 86.5mm, PressFit
Rear derailleur Shimano GRX RX812, long cage, 42T max cog
Cassette Shimano SLX M7000, 11-42, 11 speed
Last edited by koenbro; 08-26-20 at 09:08 AM.
09-01-20, 10:39 PM
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No reason why it won't work, the FX doesn't have a stretched top tube that would make it uncomfortable. It is designed for a flat though so you still might need to shorten the stem for a good reach to the hoods. I've tossed a 2x shifter set up on a 1x bike as that's what was available and it works fine. Does it already have hydraulic brakes that you'll attach the new shifters to? From my experience hydraulic sti levers are expensive especially with the brakes and I've made the decision in the past to buy HY/RD or Juin Tech cable actuated hydraulic brakes to go with regular STI levers. Did this for the wife's cross bike as she's accident prone and I don't want the replacement cost of the levers. Should work fine but you probably would have been better served by buying a gravel bike up front.
09-12-20, 08:36 AM
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No reason why it won't work, the FX doesn't have a stretched top tube that would make it uncomfortable. It is designed for a flat though so you still might need to shorten the stem for a good reach to the hoods. I've tossed a 2x shifter set up on a 1x bike as that's what was available and it works fine. Does it already have hydraulic brakes that you'll attach the new shifters to? From my experience hydraulic sti levers are expensive especially with the brakes and I've made the decision in the past to buy HY/RD or Juin Tech cable actuated hydraulic brakes to go with regular STI levers. Did this for the wife's cross bike as she's accident prone and I don't want the replacement cost of the levers. Should work fine but you probably would have been better served by buying a gravel bike up front.
09-15-20, 07:07 AM
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For now, I have decided to hold off with the drops -- largely because the new shifters are expensive -- and just replace the handle bar with a trekking handlebar, hoping to find a comfortable position on it.
I'd recommend just buying a proper drop bar bike; this was done BITD when today's access to many options of well produced niche bikes simply did not exist.
But flat bars shouldn't be uncomfortable, many people ride all day on flats. Bars should be trimmed to fit and more sweep can make things better. Stem length and rise should be tuned as well and make a huge difference. As always, strong abs help.
09-15-20, 07:18 PM
#6
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Yeah I think trimming the bars is a good start, as they feel way too wide. The abs on the other hand, are harder to acquire...
09-29-20, 12:16 PM
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Frame's a bit long for the stack, but might work with a short stem and short-reach bars. Best bet is to buy a bike that comes with the parts already installed. Otherwise--
For shifters, the cheapest hydraulic options (excluding shop labor) are RS505 ($250 w/ flat calipers) and RS685 ($275 w/ post calipers). Either lever works with either caliper style.
Another alternative is R7000 ($230 for levers) paired with either a mechanical brake (e.g., TRP Spyre) or a cable-actuated hydraulic. There's a recent import in the latter style that runs about $50 for the pair and has good reviews.
For shifters, the cheapest hydraulic options (excluding shop labor) are RS505 ($250 w/ flat calipers) and RS685 ($275 w/ post calipers). Either lever works with either caliper style.
Another alternative is R7000 ($230 for levers) paired with either a mechanical brake (e.g., TRP Spyre) or a cable-actuated hydraulic. There's a recent import in the latter style that runs about $50 for the pair and has good reviews.
