Convert road bike into hybrid . XTs w/ 105s ..is it worth it?

Question

I have a road bike with 105 components. I use it as a commuter so I want to convert the handlebars. I'm thinking I can get a flat bar and XT shifters/brake-levers (mountain components) and leave the 105 gears, derailuers, etc. Anyone have experience doing this? Did it work? Is it even worth it?

Answer 1

You would need new brake callipers to go with those MTB shifters. MTB levers pull too much cable needed for normal road dual-pivot callipers. This will end up costly for what I cn only see as downgrading your equipment, aerodynamics and aesthetics.

Answer 2

Buying the parts and installing them will cost almost as much as a new bike from a "second tier" company like Fuji or Motobecane or Windsor or KHS.

Shimano road and MTB stuff is not happy together (although it works-sort of) BUT they do make flat bar road stuff that might be another option, but still not cost effective in my opinion..