New Handlebar Rookie mistake

[Jeffrey Restrepo]

Hello fellow cyclists,

I own a Cannondale Quick cx 4 which i recently decided to change to a drop bar handlebar from the flat bar. WELL, I am a fool because i damaged my shimano sl m310 gear shifter by trying to force it on to my new FSA Omega Compact Road Handelbar since it was not the same width as the cannondale drop bar it came with! Now I want to just purchase these Shimano brake/shifter combo to end my fury with this handlebar haulover disaster http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-ST-2303-3x8sp-front-rear/dp/B003BCE7DU/ . Which brings me to my question, IS THIS A COMPATIBLE ITEM FOR MY HYBRID?! I do not want to purchase this item if it is not compatible. The only info I can get from the bike is that my derailer says 'SHIMANO ACERA SIS INDEX 8 SPEED'

Sincerely, Jeffrey Restrepo

[Painkiller]

not really sure where you planned to put your flatbar shifters on your drop bar but anyways, yes those will work to shift your bicycle if you have 3 rings up front and an 8spd rear cluster, however i could not say they will pull v-brakes if that is what you have. What kind of brakes do you have? Most road brifters can pull canti's, calipers but weak on the v-brakes type

[Jeffrey Restrepo]

(06-07-2013, 11:38 PM)painkiller Wrote:  not really sure where you planned to put your flatbar shifters on your drop bar but anyways, yes those will work to shift your bicycle if you have 3 rings up front and an 8spd rear cluster, however i could not say they will pull v-brakes if that is what you have. What kind of brakes do you have? Most road brifters can pull canti's, calipers but weak on the v-brakes type

Well, i wasnt sure either. I broke them when I was trying to fit them towards the center I guess. I actually have disc-brakes so I hope that will be fine. Also, my gears were set up for 3 gears on the front and 8 in the rear if that is what you mean. THANK YOU very much for your response by the way.

[nfmisso]

(06-07-2013, 11:49 PM)Jeffrey Restrepo Wrote:  ..... I actually have disc-brakes so I hope that will be fine. ......

NOT

Your bike came with MTB integrated shifter/brake levers designed to work with V-brakes (aka linear pull brakes) or mechanical disk brakes. They have a 2:1 cable actuation ratio. The STI levers are designed to work with dual pivot side pull brakes and similar with a 4:1 cable actuation ratio.

You need these (two, one front, one rear):
http://harriscyclery.net/product/problem-solvers-inline-travel-agent-f-sti-mech-disc-brakes-2154.htm

You should also consider adding cross levers:
http://www.amazon.com/Tektro-RL720-Cross-Brake-24-0-mm/dp/B0015HH6AE/
for additional braking locations.
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/BR7312.jpg
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/brake-levers-drop.html#cross

[Jeffrey Restrepo]

(06-08-2013, 11:34 AM)nfmisso Wrote:  

(06-07-2013, 11:49 PM)Jeffrey Restrepo Wrote:  ..... I actually have disc-brakes so I hope that will be fine. ......

NOT

Your bike came with MTB integrated shifter/brake levers designed to work with V-brakes (aka linear pull brakes) or mechanical disk brakes. They have a 2:1 cable actuation ratio. The STI levers are designed to work with dual pivot side pull brakes and similar with a 4:1 cable actuation ratio.

You need these (two, one front, one rear):
http://harriscyclery.net/product/problem-solvers-inline-travel-agent-f-sti-mech-disc-brakes-2154.htm

You should also consider adding cross levers:
http://www.amazon.com/Tektro-RL720-Cross-Brake-24-0-mm/dp/B0015HH6AE/
for additional braking locations.
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/BR7312.jpg
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/brake-levers-drop.html#cross

Hello Nigel,

Thank you very much for your reply. How did you know what my bike set up was? Because I mentioned disc brakes? Sorry I am beyond Rookie and would like to one day be very knowledgeable in the cycling world like you.

Also, those brake levers...are they compatible with the shimano st 2303's that I wanted? Also, just to be sure...those brake levers are another means of pressing the brakes from a different position right?

[Painkiller]

(06-09-2013, 12:09 PM)Jeffrey Restrepo Wrote:  

(06-08-2013, 11:34 AM)nfmisso Wrote:  

(06-07-2013, 11:49 PM)Jeffrey Restrepo Wrote:  ..... I actually have disc-brakes so I hope that will be fine. ......

NOT

Your bike came with MTB integrated shifter/brake levers designed to work with V-brakes (aka linear pull brakes) or mechanical disk brakes. They have a 2:1 cable actuation ratio. The STI levers are designed to work with dual pivot side pull brakes and similar with a 4:1 cable actuation ratio.

You need these (two, one front, one rear):
http://harriscyclery.net/product/problem-solvers-inline-travel-agent-f-sti-mech-disc-brakes-2154.htm

You should also consider adding cross levers:
http://www.amazon.com/Tektro-RL720-Cross-Brake-24-0-mm/dp/B0015HH6AE/
for additional braking locations.
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/BR7312.jpg
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/brake-levers-drop.html#cross

Hello Nigel,

Thank you very much for your reply. How did you know what my bike set up was? Because I mentioned disc brakes? Sorry I am beyond Rookie and would like to one day be very knowledgeable in the cycling world like you.

Also, those brake levers...are they compatible with the shimano st 2303's that I wanted? Also, just to be sure...those brake levers are another means of pressing the brakes from a different position right?

"Your bike came with MTB integrated shifter/brake levers designed to work with V-brakes"
Integrated means shifters/brake levers are one unit. is that what you had? probably not. Since you are new lets get that point correct. of course if you had hydraulic disc you could not attempt this mod, with the only thought being Mechanical disc. I slow down and go to the lbs and take a look at some offerings with dropbar discs and see what and how they are using components. In the pic I do not see cable pull helpers and it is an example of the mod you are trying to do

[nfmisso]

(06-09-2013, 12:53 PM)painkiller Wrote:  "Your bike came with MTB integrated shifter/brake levers designed to work with V-brakes"
Integrated means shifters/brake levers are one unit. is that what you had? probably not. Since you are new lets get that point correct. of course if you had hydraulic disc you could not attempt this mod, with the only thought being Mechanical disc. I slow down and go to the lbs and take a look at some offerings with dropbar discs and see what and how they are using components. In the pic I do not see cable pull helpers and it is an example of the mod you are trying to do

Hi PK;

There are special short travel disc brakes, more expensive than the MTB discs; thus not likely for a manufacturer to put on flat bar bikes.....

In addition, there are some models of the CX4 (OP's bike) equipped with V-brakes, and some with disc brakes, further increasing the probability that he has the more common longer cable travel mechanical disc brakes (same travel as V-brakes).

Third stacking of the deck, it is Cannondale - the MTB company.

Fourth, from Cannondale's website: "QUICK CX, Sport. Utility.
On-road efficiency meets off-road ruggedness. The Quick CX's all-new mountain-bike inspired frame, 700c knobby tires, front suspension, and disk brakes make it the perfect vehicle for dirt road adventuring, off-road shortcuts through the park or all-weather commuting."

Combined to make it highly likely that the OP's bike has MTB compatible discs.

[Jeffrey Restrepo]

(06-09-2013, 12:53 PM)painkiller Wrote:  

(06-09-2013, 12:09 PM)Jeffrey Restrepo Wrote:  

(06-08-2013, 11:34 AM)nfmisso Wrote:  

(06-07-2013, 11:49 PM)Jeffrey Restrepo Wrote:  ..... I actually have disc-brakes so I hope that will be fine. ......

NOT

Your bike came with MTB integrated shifter/brake levers designed to work with V-brakes (aka linear pull brakes) or mechanical disk brakes. They have a 2:1 cable actuation ratio. The STI levers are designed to work with dual pivot side pull brakes and similar with a 4:1 cable actuation ratio.

You need these (two, one front, one rear):
http://harriscyclery.net/product/problem-solvers-inline-travel-agent-f-sti-mech-disc-brakes-2154.htm

You should also consider adding cross levers:
http://www.amazon.com/Tektro-RL720-Cross-Brake-24-0-mm/dp/B0015HH6AE/
for additional braking locations.
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/BR7312.jpg
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/brake-levers-drop.html#cross

Hello Nigel,

Thank you very much for your reply. How did you know what my bike set up was? Because I mentioned disc brakes? Sorry I am beyond Rookie and would like to one day be very knowledgeable in the cycling world like you.

Also, those brake levers...are they compatible with the shimano st 2303's that I wanted? Also, just to be sure...those brake levers are another means of pressing the brakes from a different position right?

"Your bike came with MTB integrated shifter/brake levers designed to work with V-brakes"
Integrated means shifters/brake levers are one unit. is that what you had? probably not. Since you are new lets get that point correct. of course if you had hydraulic disc you could not attempt this mod, with the only thought being Mechanical disc. I slow down and go to the lbs and take a look at some offerings with dropbar discs and see what and how they are using components. In the pic I do not see cable pull helpers and it is an example of the mod you are trying to do

OH! I didnt know what he meant by integrated, no my current setup was not integrated. I will attach photos of my old setup and my disc brakes (tektro novela is the brand). Also, the photo of the white bike you posted is exactly what I want but I would also like the extra brake levers if it is a possible set up... --->this one http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/BR7312.jpg

[Painkiller]

It is my understanding that the disc brakes themselves are designed for road/brifters and for MTb. The ideal mod for you would be to purchase Dics brakes for road use then they will work your the shifters you want to buy. I consider the cable helpers to be a "tacky"
quick fix for the problem you have gotten into. you will have a cleaner better retained value bicycle going with road disc specific brakes
http://www.rei.com/product/856205/avid-bb7-road-sl-disc-brake?preferredSku=8562050001&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-pla-_-product-_-8562050001&mr:referralID=f935372b-d129-11e2-a969-001b2166c2c0

---

it is possible to mod any brifter with the secondary levers you wish

[nfmisso]

"Cable actuated mechanical disc brake for use with linear pull brake levers"

from http://www.amazon.com/Tektro-Novela-Mechanical-Brake-Rotor/dp/B003UY8TL0/

Current disc are for MTB.

---

(06-09-2013, 01:29 PM)painkiller Wrote:  It is my understanding that the disc brakes themselves are designed for road/brifters and for MTb. The ideal mod for you would be to purchase Dics brakes for road use then they will work your the shifters you want to buy. I consider the cable helpers to be a "tacky"
quick fix for the problem you have gotten into. you will have a cleaner better retained value bicycle going with road disc specific brakes
http://www.rei.com/product/856205/avid-bb7-road-sl-disc-brake?preferredSku=8562050001&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-pla-_-product-_-8562050001&mr:referralID=f935372b-d129-11e2-a969-001b2166c2c0

---

it is possible to mod any brifter with the secondary levers you wish

Better price:
http://www.amazon.com/Avid-Road-Front-Brake-160mm/dp/B009ZN17LE/

but still almost $100- more each than MTB disc brakes.....

For almost $300- additional, I would be tacky...... But I am a cheap functionalist. PK has better aesthetic taste than I

Found a better deal for road compatible discs:
http://www.amazon.com/Avid-Road-Front-Rotor-160mm/dp/B003TVDA7W/

At a delta $65- to go with road discs instead of travel agents is worth it. ($65 = $100-$35- for a pair of travel agents)

We have come to an agreement for a recommendation.

[Painkiller]

ha ha ha thats what I love most about you Nigel. That mechanical engineering just oozes from you, thats why we have to have Industrial Designers to keep things looking good ! The poor guy should have checked us out before he started ripping his bike apart. Thats just my feminine side that loves to spend other peoples money. I will meet you halfway, we a both certainly right now its up to him.

[Jeffrey Restrepo]

sorry guys but would you be able to explain why I should buy road bike disc brakes? What would happen if I try to install the brake/shifters I want with my current disc brakes? Thanks again!

[Painkiller]

(06-11-2013, 07:18 PM)Jeffrey Restrepo Wrote:  sorry guys but would you be able to explain why I should buy road bike disc brakes? What would happen if I try to install the brake/shifters I want with my current disc brakes? Thanks again!

ok Jeff, Nigel explained quite well with this fact:brake levers designed to work with V-brakes (aka linear pull brakes) or mechanical disk brakes. They have a 2:1 cable actuation ratio. The STI levers are designed to work with dual pivot side pull brakes and similar with a 4:1 cable actuation ratio.
So what you would expect is your new levers would pull quite smoothly all the way to touching the bar without grabbing the rim as soon or hard as early as they should to properly stop your bicycle. Thats where the cable helpers come into play that Nigel suggested. you only really have his suggestion ( less expense ) or mine ( more expensive) options. the problem would occur if one had a canti-lever brake on a mtb and put v-brakes on and tried to use the original brake levers ( wrong pull ratio ). would they stop the bike? yes but very unresponsive and mushy and not near as quick acting as they should be

[nfmisso]

(06-11-2013, 07:32 PM)painkiller Wrote:  .......would they stop the bike? yes .....

actually, there is an excellent chance they would not stop the bike in a safe manner - for instance at a red light, you might find yourself 40 feet past your intended stopping point.

Jeff, regarding your question, let me try a different approach to the answer. The STI levers only pull the brake cables half as much as your original brake levers pulled the brake cables. As there is always some dead space before the pads hit the discs (typically around ¼ of the lever travel), this means at best you might get one fourth the stopping power that you had with the original brake levers. You loose half from the difference in cable travel, and another half because of the dead space that takes up cable slack in the system.

[Painkiller]

(06-11-2013, 07:59 PM)nfmisso Wrote:  

(06-11-2013, 07:32 PM)painkiller Wrote:  .......would they stop the bike? yes .....

actually, there is an excellent chance they would not stop the bike in a safe manner - for instance at a red light, you might find yourself 40 feet past your intended stopping point.

Jeff, regarding your question, let me try a different approach to the answer. The STI levers only pull the brake cables half as much as your original brake levers pulled the brake cables. As there is always some dead space before the pads hit the discs (typically around ¼ of the lever travel), this means at best you might get one fourth the stopping power that you had with the original brake levers. You loose half from the difference in cable travel, and another half because of the dead space that takes up cable slack in the system.

well well. take a look at this picture a bit closer Nigel. notice the v-brakes, notice the 7 speed Lx rapid-fire shifters with integrated levers, notice the lack of cable pull helpers. I have been running this mod for quite sometime and the brakes hit mean as hell. this bike is used street slamming, the lever pull does not bother me for street. however slamming the trails I prefer my thumb and index finger on the grips at all times and under hard braking then the lever would hit my finger while braking doable but not optimum. I hit speeds 60mph + with this bike setup. i am afraid he may break his style shifter and thus say he should not do this without the disc change or cable helpers. I would think you know me well enough that If it was unsafe I would not not be using this setup on my goose. I actually like the feel of it for street use, they feel almost like power assist