Worth the buy/conversion? - Advice Please

[mcle8348]

Hey everyone I am looking for a commuter/light-load touring bike and came across this 1994 TREK 750 Multitrack (21 inch frame) for $200. I am hoping to stay on a budget under $450. I was wondering what everyone thought the costs would be to convert this to more of a road bike, and what important things need replaced (crank/casset/???) I would like drop handle bars and newer shifters. Is this worth the buy or should I keep looking for something else. I am 5'9" 155lb thanks.

Side Trek 750.jpg handle.jpg front brake.jpg crank.jpg casset.jpg

[Ciufalon]

That looks like a pretty nice bike to me. I can't tell exactly what the components are, but you may end up wanting to upgrade them - including the crankset. Of course you would also need a new stem and bars if you want it converted to drop bars, which will also necessitate new brake levers and shifter levers. It already looks like a road bike in the sense that it is a hybrid and has narrow tires on it. Your costs would depend on exactly what you choose to upgrade, where you get the parts and what you pay for them. You could probably do everything mentioned fro under $450 but close to it buying parts off ebay if you go with old school bar end shifters. I think brifters would take you above your budget and require changes to other drive train parts like the cassette but I am not sure of that.

[simplygib]

Looks good. Go for it. Probably could ride it as is, or just swap out the items that are the most important to you now and do the rest later, if money is a problem. Check the gearing and saddle, and eventually consider going to v-brakes (easy swap from your cantilevers).

[bud16415]

Looks like a good deal and is just about what you want. All I would do to that bike would be switch the bars out to trekking bars with a nice wrap. Add fenders and rear and front rack if you want one. And I would put a smaller granny cassette on it and enjoy.

[LeeG]

Trekking bars would be cheaper than buying new parts for drop bars. My only concern is if the frame is an ok size. I wouldn't change the crank, only chain and cassette if needed. After that complete overhaul of headset,bb,hubs.

[fietsbob]

21" is about a 53.5cm . might just be a bit too small, Im Also 5'9"
My road bike is a 56, touring 57 is better , less seat post out, top tube longer.

if the top tube sloped , then that would be a lower seat tube length number
for the same TT length.

[mcle8348]

Thanks for all the advice, someone got it before I was able to go see it. I am going to keep my eye out for similar options in this price range. The idea of building versus buying has some appeal to it.

[scratch-n-dent]

I have a 750 multitrack that i bought as a frame and now use as my good weather town bike. I have ~33mm tires on strong 36 spoke rims. The bike would certainly handle light touring loads. BUT, the geometry is not touring bike, it feels like something between a sport road bike and a mtn bike. Nimble, stiff and sporty compared to a touring bike. Good fun to ride around town but not laid back comfort like a good touring bike.