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Just got a bike and have some general questions
Posted on 10/19/20 at 8:15 am
Posted on 10/19/20 at 8:15 am
Feel like I’m the last person in the world to get a bike during quarantine, but I finally snagged one. I managed to get a 1997/1998 Trek Mountain Track 850 hard tail for free. Looks to be a really solid bike and has a Tru-Temper cro-moly frame. When I got it, it probably hadn’t been ridden for the better part of 10 years. Brought it to my local bike shop for a tune up and rode it this weekend around 20 miles. Performed well, though it had the occasional slip/skip when pedalling.
My plan is to upgrade some parts here and there, learn how to wrench on it myself. Wondering what my options are for upgrades that won’t break the bank. So far I have a new saddle, seat post, and pedals on order. Down the road I’d like to put some black rims and more road friendly tires on.
One of my issues now is what to do with the shifter and crankset. It currently has the OEM SRAM 400FFS grip shift with Shimano Alivio derailleurs, and Shimano Alivio 3x7 crankset/cassette. I don’t think it’d be worth it to change to an 8+ speed, but I just inspected the chainring and I’ve got some worn teeth likely causing the slip/skip. So I guess my question is how hard of an install are we talking to change to trigger shift, or should I just grab a SRAM MRX setup for $25 and swap that? How hard of an install for the crankset? Also, what’s a good reliable Shimano shifter and crankset for a 21 speed that won’t break the bank? I’m thinking the bike will be mostly road/commuter use.
My plan is to upgrade some parts here and there, learn how to wrench on it myself. Wondering what my options are for upgrades that won’t break the bank. So far I have a new saddle, seat post, and pedals on order. Down the road I’d like to put some black rims and more road friendly tires on.
One of my issues now is what to do with the shifter and crankset. It currently has the OEM SRAM 400FFS grip shift with Shimano Alivio derailleurs, and Shimano Alivio 3x7 crankset/cassette. I don’t think it’d be worth it to change to an 8+ speed, but I just inspected the chainring and I’ve got some worn teeth likely causing the slip/skip. So I guess my question is how hard of an install are we talking to change to trigger shift, or should I just grab a SRAM MRX setup for $25 and swap that? How hard of an install for the crankset? Also, what’s a good reliable Shimano shifter and crankset for a 21 speed that won’t break the bank? I’m thinking the bike will be mostly road/commuter use.
3
Posted on 10/19/20 at 11:00 am to jordan21210
I'm not really one to say because if you start upgrading, you might be better off buying new unless you really like the "steel is real" feel.(which I personally do) and old school street cred. If it's just a chainring, I would just replace that and not the entire crankset and not worry about any new component group with triggers.
You're getting a new saddle, post, and pedals. If it's road and commuter maybe put some semi-slick tires on it and be good. Then this will buy time and also allow you to really think if you want to cycle more and then either upgrade everything or get a new bike.
Just sounds like to me you need new chainring, chain, tires. Oh and did they service the bottom bracket with your tune up?
JMO.
You're getting a new saddle, post, and pedals. If it's road and commuter maybe put some semi-slick tires on it and be good. Then this will buy time and also allow you to really think if you want to cycle more and then either upgrade everything or get a new bike.
Just sounds like to me you need new chainring, chain, tires. Oh and did they service the bottom bracket with your tune up?
JMO.
This post was edited on 10/19/20 at 11:04 am
Posted on 10/19/20 at 3:49 pm to jordan21210
Chains stretch and are general wear items. They are also cheap unless you jump into a Dura-ace or KMC. Crankset isn’t bad but takes some unique tools (at least on a road bike).
Note I don’t do MTN Bikes but on Road Bikes chains are differentiated by how many sprockets/speeds your bike has. If you are getting a new chain get the right one for your bike.
N/M I see you addressed by saying some of the teeth are half sized. Is it a replaceable chain ring?
Note I don’t do MTN Bikes but on Road Bikes chains are differentiated by how many sprockets/speeds your bike has. If you are getting a new chain get the right one for your bike.
N/M I see you addressed by saying some of the teeth are half sized. Is it a replaceable chain ring?
This post was edited on 10/19/20 at 4:00 pm
Posted on 10/23/20 at 8:42 pm to jordan21210
I wouldn't drop the money on a new set of wheels. That's a decent amount of money you could put towards a new bike if you find you really enjoy riding.
I would start with a new chain and front chain ring and try your best to live with the shifters. A new chain alone will make you feel like your riding a new bike.
I would start with a new chain and front chain ring and try your best to live with the shifters. A new chain alone will make you feel like your riding a new bike.
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