Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - upgrade advise

hello. this is my first post. I am recently the new owner of a trek 750, I'm not sure of the year, (I need to remove/move the cable guide thingy under the crankset) but it is white with red lettering. I am a noob, please bear with me... My girlfriend is a larger girl, so I think this section may be appropriate.

I want her to enjoy riding a bicycle, and not have to fight it as we go on rides. Her current bike is a [B]heavy[B] magna mtb with front suspension. My plan is to fix up this 750 and give it to her for christmas.

I am a total noob to bicycle components and what is what... what I would like to know is what is available for this bike ie: good, better, best that will make the ride the most pleasant, and be economical.

The bike is mainly original, it has bontrager tires, suntour components, a huffy seat, grip shifts, and thats about it. Most importantly, is the bike a good choice for a build?

If there is a guide available already, that would be awesome!

Here is picture of bike
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v337/MNcordia/DSCF1116.jpg

like this one? http://www.flickr.com/photos/drayz/2793972859/ it says its a 92 so im going to guess its the 93 model listed on the site. the rims should be fine as theyre 36 spokes on them. far as i can tell(mostly researching for my new bike) the components are decent for a 9 year old bike though id have a lbs do a tuneup on it so everything gets cleaned and lubed properly. some stuff might need to be replaced simply because of age. I take it youve been riding it and its functioning well?

Curious, why do you need to move the cable guide thingy?

think hes talking about the serial number on the frame maybe?

I didn't get to try it out much, the brakes need adjusting, and the right gripshift cable is shot. the derailleur couldn't decide on a single gear, so a ride was tricky. that fliker image looks identical mine. Cost in so far: $25.

ah well i dont think it would cost much to replace pretty much all the parts with modern altus components
edit: just a quick search not including used parts all new from amazon. shimano altus f derailleur, l/r shimano acera rapid fire shifters, shimano alivio sgs rear derailluer, shimano altus crankset=105 or 92 if you go with a altus rear derailluer. add another +40ish for brakes/levers/cables. but thats just a quick look and only new stuff. might get the same cheaper looking in different places or used or better for same prices

thanks pg13.
I think the serial number is under that plastic piece, there is a sticker under there as well maybe its under that.

edit: I think I'll take the bike down to the lbs tomorrow and see what they think of the idea as well.

think hes talking about the serial number on the frame maybe?

Ah, I see. His style of writing is confuscious me.:p

hmm is acera better than altus by a little/decent/good amount?

Her is my 2 cents

before you just think about replacing parts figure out what is working and what is not working. Replacing parts gets really expensive really fast. If the current parts work, clean and lube, replace cables and go from there. Looking at the pic I would bet that every thing works or will will well with a little Tlc

Make sure the bike fits or it will never be comfortable to ride.

Other changes that I would suggest would be to add ergon or cane creek ergo bar ends. These can add a lot of comfort for riding.

also look at a new seat...if for no other reason than the one in the pic is torn and you want this looking as nice as you can as a gift. A womens specific seat would be a nice touch.

of course you want to wash clean and wax until it sparkles and a big Red Bow.

Her is my 2 cents

before you just think about replacing parts figure out what is working and what is not working. Replacing parts gets really expensive really fast. If the current parts work, clean and lube, replace cables and go from there. Looking at the pic I would bet that every thing works or will will well with a little Tlc

Make sure the bike fits or it will never be comfortable to ride.

Other changes that I would suggest would be to add ergon or cane creek ergo bar ends. These can add a lot of comfort for riding.

also look at a new seat...if for no other reason than the one in the pic is torn and you want this looking as nice as you can as a gift. A womens specific seat would be a nice touch.

of course you want to wash clean and wax until it sparkles and a big Red Bow.

+1

oh and the bikes 18/19 years old not 9 so unless well maintained be careful and if the price gets to be around 350 or so you might as well just buy her a new trek 820 for a present.

edit: if can find a lbs that price matches look for a good deal online that way. bike barn az has the 2011 820 wsd for 349.99 and the 12 for 364 see if theyll match them. if cant find any place cheaper. only problem they might not match cause you cant ship them or at least they say they arent allowed to ship them