Bike parts interchangable?
 

I was wondering if a bike's parts could be just changed and if there were basic standards. I am looking to buy the Trek 4100 and would like to upgrade it heavily as I go along, for fun.

Is this possible? Which parts would I be able to upgrade? If there is some website you could link me to it would be great.

Thanks all!

Well, I wouldn't go swapping handle-bars for derailleurs, if that's what you mean! :D

Personally I think you should be OK with most parts though. Mind you, it might also be worth investigating the cost factor. If you keep upgrading various parts (as well as replacing those that wear out), you might be just as well just upgrading the bike.

If I wanted a new frame for that bike, MTB one of course, could I just take all the parts off and put it on that new frame? Are mountain bike parts standard size?

I think most of them are, but you might be best to check with your LBS - or whoever sold you the parts. There is a very real possibility that I could be wrong here.

Some stuff interchanges nicely and some come in a few different sizes.

• Seatposts are very un-standardized
• Front derailleurs are made in three diameters and two pull directions
• Crank bearing units are made in various axle lengths and two main widths, as well as three flavors of axles (square, ISIS, Octalink {two flavors of Octalink too})
• Cranks and chainrings come in a dizzying array of bolt-circle diameters and patterns, plus the freak-show ones like on STX cranks
• Headsets come in... let's see, threaded, threadless, zerostack, integrated and proprietary, and two main diameters plus an oddball one. Likewise with forks, there are different diameters and threaded or threadless.
• Cable-operated brake levers and brakes come in two main categories (V-brake or non-V), and then there are discs... aack... :crash:
• Shifters! :eek: *backs away slowly* ESP, Shimano, Suntour, 5-speed, 6-speed, 7-speed, 8-speed, 9-speed, twist, trigger, Rapid-Rise, aieeeeee!

I'd venture to say there's quite an adventure waiting for the person who mixes & matches too much. If you just switch frames, you may need just a couple items or you may need quite a bit. Nothing money can't fix, of course :D