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swapping parts between frames

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Old 02-24-09, 02:44 PM
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swapping parts between frames

I have an old 18" Timberline All-Terra GT and I recently found a 21" Trek 820 frame and I'm thinking this will be a good move for me and that swapping everything will be a smooth transition. The Trek has a crank and a handlebar. I'm 6' tall.

Anyone see any red flags with the grand plan ...? :-) The guy wants $35 for the Trek frame.

Am I better off looking for a used bike closer to my size that has all it's parts?
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Old 02-24-09, 02:47 PM
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Which is the better fit? Parts should swap just fine.
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Old 02-24-09, 02:57 PM
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It will take several hours of work, and there will be surprises. If you like that sort of thing, go for it. If you run into trouble, come back here for help or visit your local bike shop (LBS).

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Old 02-24-09, 03:03 PM
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Well, I've been told the 18" is too small for me. When I ride it I'm on the back edge of the seat so I agree. The bigger frame should be a better fit.

I'm OK with some surprises, at least the surprises will keep me from finding some other project to attempt. I prefer an easy swap though.
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Old 02-24-09, 05:24 PM
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Probably doesn't matter to you, but I think the older Trek MTB's with numbers below 850 use some HT steel in either the frame stays or fork or both (vs. Cromoly). The ones above 900 are the cool kid bikes.

It will likely be a bit heavier than your GT.
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Old 02-24-09, 06:51 PM
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Trek

I have an 87 model Trek 800 and it is straight ga. steel. I converted it to a touring bike. It weighs one pound less than my 62 cm LHT. Mine has been a very fun bike to ride and has been well cared for.
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Old 02-24-09, 06:54 PM
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Should be smooth. You'll most likely need all new cables and housings.
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Old 02-24-09, 07:59 PM
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I've done this type of project, and I'm no mechanical whiz kid. It's pretty straight forward wrenching, and some minor adjusting. It's a fun project and it's good experience, go for it.
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