Help: Giant OCR3c3 Conversion

[southmark]

I have been just a rode cyclist up until this past year but I'm getting too old or bored. I have been a long distance hiker for 30+ years and I am an ultralighter so I have the gear but not the bike. I am wondering if it would be worth the effort and the expense, and if it would be practical to modify my Giant OCR3c3 with MTB rear cassette, flat bar with thumb shifters for some light road touring. I have a Trek 7000 hybrid that I use for commuting and I like the upright ride but the Trek is just too heavy.

[bartspedden]

For years I used a converted cannondale 3.0 with flat bars for commuting and loved it.  Give it a shot.  If you like the bikepacking scene you can always upgrade later.

You may also want to check out all the bars that folks use on races like the tour divide.  Lots of options now-a-days allow for multiple positions that help deal with each persons nuances for things like hand positions, etc.