slake8086

I have a 1992 Trek 7000 mountain bike that I am considering upgrading heavily this winter. Shifters are going out and weather is getting cooler so I figure it may be time. I am looking for advice as to whether or not this is a good idea, or a complete waste of money on a bike this old. The bike is pretty much stock with the exception of pedals. Also, I am a big do-it-myselfer so I like the idea of building it myself vs. buying a bike ready to ride.

So here's my thoughts:

Front fork - Replace with Rock Shox Dart 3
Brakes - Avid brakes, Hydraulic Disc in front and V-brake in Rear
Wheels - Replace with disc compatible wheels
Drivetrain - Probably replace all components but not sure with what, very open to responses here

Overall budget probably less than $500, and judging from some preliminary pricing seems reasonable if I keep everything in check.

I'd really like to know specific components you think would work well.

blue_neon

I know this is a cliche' comment, but for $500, you can get a trek 4300 or 4500 with disc brakes and a similar fork to a dart 3.

I think upgrading a 1992 7000 is just not worth it. Technology has evolved so far, for the same price, get a new bike. There is no point in upgrading some parts of the bike, and having half the bike new, and the other half old. I comtemplated it once on an old bike of mine.

Buy the new bike, its not as fun as upgrading, but it will definitley work out better value.
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NCMTBIKER

I'd take the $500 and get a new one my friend

slake8086

Not trying to come off as stubborn here, but wouldn't I be able to buy much better components with my $500 than if I just bought the new bike? It seems as the best part of the new bike would be the frame, but all the other components would be absolute bottom of the line.

Besides, I think the 4300 with disc brakes is out of my price range.

monsterpile

Have you checked out Bikesdirect.com? They have alot of bikes under $500. On the other hand maybe you can upgrade your current frame very cheaply if you shop around IDK. You could also consider buying a used bike CL. Just a couple of options you coud consider.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mountain_bikes.htm

Yotsko

You'd think, wouldn't you? The truth of the matter is, if you buy components seperately they're most likely going to be more expensive than just buying a new bike all together. Last year my wife bought a GF wahoo disc. $600. I'd bet that if you were to buy new fork, wheelset, brakes and drivetrain comps the combined price would eclipse a new bike by a few hundred. Not to mention the work required. But I've been wrong before...

Daspydyr 

For the past year I was putting money into a '94 Norco Nitro. The frame is still great and I have many good memories and loyalty to the beast. But the truth is, it was becoming a money pit. This week I'm sampling a pricier ride than I probably need. But it should serve me for another 15 years. I vote that you turn the '92 into a Starbuck's Coffee Cruiser and come up with a newer ride.

I never knew how much bike geometry has changed since the early 90's. The newer frames will help with climbing and descending as well. Ride a couple of newer frames in the dirt and then ride the '92. I never understood the term "BRICK" until I tested a few.

Zephyr11

An upgrade to a Dart 3 isn't much of an upgrade.

roccobike

You're hung up on components and not focusing on the frame. Mountain biking technology has advanced light years since 1992. That frame is dated. The recommendations to buy a newer bike are correct. I just sold a 92 Trek 8500 complete with XT shfiters, LX/XT derailers, Rock SHox Air Shock (still working great). It was nice and light, but just couldn't handle as well as my 05 Rockhopper.
If this were a road bike, I would agree with where you're going. There's an entire forum where all they deal with are vintage bikes with several threads about upgrading vintage frames with new components like STI shifters. I'm upgrading a 92 Paramount right now. But road bike frame technology has not changed all that much, nowhere near the changes that have occurred with MTBs.
One option you might consider if you live in a large metro area, try buying a used bike for $500. YOu should be able to get a pretty nice 4 or 5 year old bike for that kind of money.
If you're still focused on upgrading the Trek, all I can say is do it with used parts. Your dollar will go way further with late model used parts off ebay or CL.

fuji86

I'm envisioning that you have something like this:

https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3391/...3f92f5bf_z.jpg

I'd replace only what is absolutely necessary to keep the bike riding. Right off the bat that eliminates cost for fork, wheels & brakes (perhaps you'll need new pads ?). CL might have some good prices on modern era atb/mtb bikes ? Honestly though, that Trek 7000 looks to be just fine. I don't know the type of riding you do with it ? I live in Miami, FL and mine is used primarily as a urban comfort bike, a faster beach cruiser with gears and since they charge for trail riding, I see no reason to pay a fee for that, so this bike will never ride trails here. Even if I did, I think it would be more bike than I'd need for the level trail rider I would be ?