Originally Posted by
byrd48
So I popped into the local co op and picked up a 1997 Trek 700 Multitrack for $65. I might have overpaid a tad, the cassette was letting the sprockets move in both directions. We took it apart, oiled it up and got it working again. Looks like the wheels are not original but everything else seems to be. It has grip shifters, which I don't mind, but the shifting mechanism seems to get confused between gears in places, probably needs tuning. The running gear is Shimano Altus. Weighs in at 30 pounds. In keeping under my $200 budget, I might look at upgrading the rear cassette and derailleur, but I think I can outfit it with a rear rack and maybe fenders.
I'll bet you won't think you overpaid when you are finished with it. I've recently picked up a Trek 820 Multitrack (CroMo main triangle and fork), and took the crappy grip shifters off and replaced with some cheapy Shimano stemshifters that I had laying around. I stripped it down, scrubbed it clean, and packed every nook and cranny with grease. Also, I replaced the cracked plastic Altus-level cantilever brakes with some Tektro Oryx cantis. I put a rack on the back, and some fat Michelin slicks. It is now the most "plush" smooth riding bike I own. Dead quiet whether I'm pedaling or coasting. Stable with loads on it... I had a case of beer on the rack (
) and my clydesdale self on it, plus a full saddle wedge and handlebar bag, and couldn't even tell the weight was on there. I think those sweet old 700 and 800 series Multitracks are going to be my new general suggestion when somebody is looking for a commuter/ work bike.
Edited to add: Ahaha, I see that I mentioned this bike in this very thread. I don't mean to go on and on about it, I'm just very happy with it!