tomedkaz

Hello all,
My name is Tom and I've been riding my vintage trek 6061T6 for almost five years now. The bike is really old, but I simply love it.
I was going to go out and spend $1000 on a new bike, but then I decided to restore and personalize my old trek. I dont like the way new bikes feel, especially the wide handlebar setup.

I was wondering if you could help me put my bike together (through this online forum )
The bike in question is a Trek 6061T6 (below is a photo I found online of it)


I know NOTHING about buying bike parts, but since my bike is blue, my goal is to build a Superman theme bike with yellow wheels, red grips, and a red seat...and a red chain!

I want to replace the following:
1. Wheels and rear cassette (can i use these wheels with a 9 speed 105 cassette?)
2. front cassette (double, not sure what kind)
3. Brakes
4. Now, I think I want to keep my downtube shifters....do lines come with 105 rear derailer?
5. Seat - I want something sporty, but comfy
6. handlebar tape
7. Brake levers

I really have no idea where to look. Could someone please suggest a few links related to my questions above?

Thanks a lot in advance!

Chris_in_Miami

The model is more likely a 1000, 1200, or something along those lines. The 6061 t6 label describes the frame tubing.

Will the superman theme match your bed sheets?

OndrejP_SK

I'd like to point you to one great site that explains everything: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/
Read through some of the articles there and then come back here with a little more specific questions. It's hard to help you when you post such broad question

Bianchigirll 

Welcome to the forums, hopefully we can help you out.

I am not sure if you can find a red multispeed chain, it will get dirty anyway.

I want to replace the following:
1. Wheels and rear cassette (can i use these wheels with a 9 speed 105 cassette?) NO, those wheels are for Singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
2. front cassette (double, not sure what kind) why? (crankset and chainwheels not cassette)
3. Brakes Why? what are your current brakes?
4. Now, I think I want to keep my downtube shifters....do lines come with 105 rear derailer? NO you need to buy 'lines' or cables seperately.
5. Seat - I want something sporty, but comfy Brooks B17
6. handlebar tape
7. Brake levers Why? what are your current levers

why do you wish to make the upgrades? unfortunately with your Alloy frame you may not be able to put 9/10spd wheels on it as the spacing between the dropouts is not wide enough. what are the current components? a few better pics of the bike would be nice

upgrading and personalizing a bike is always fun, but I hate to see people spend money upgrading things 'just because' (although I do it at times but I use alot of used parts and I am not paying for labor). simple things like tires, seat and bartape are a great way to change a bikes looks. but chainging wheels, brakes and cranks just for looks can be costly and cause things to not work right.

tomedkaz

Thank you ladies and gents for your quick responses.
I'll snap a few detailed photos later today and will post an update.

But, I think the bike needs everything other than the frame. I wonder if it makes sense to go with the restore project or just buy a new bike.
On a side note, I found a bike online the other day, Gavin Acele with Shimano 105 components. I wonder if it makes sense to buy that instead. What do you reckon? (I'm not into flashy bikes/brands/etc)
https://www.roadbikeoutlet.com/gavin-...orks-html.html

Thanks again

Tom

tomedkaz

making progress - replaced the bottom bracket

tomedkaz

Bump!
I learned a lot about my bike. For starters, it's a 1991 Trek 1000. Click Here for a write-up on the bike.
I already purchased a red seat and a red bar tape to go well with my Superman theme. I also purchased a set of Shimano 105 brake calipers and brake levers. I was initially going to go with 105 levers, but decided that I want to keep my downtube shifters.
The next step is something big, and it's where I need your help. I need to find a set of yellow wheels (700c) as well as an 8 speed cassette and all the components. Could you guys/gals suggest something for me here?

Thanks!

Beach Comber

I can't help on the wheels, but it seems that a Superman theme bike would need a Kryptonite lock, no?

tomedkaz

Haha that's a fantastic idea!! Thanks, i'll buy this

Oh, one more thing. Since I currently have 6 speeds in the rear, my spacing is most likely 120MM. I wonder if I can squeeze an 8 speed cassette there.

Beach Comber

Its probably a 126mm. And it might be a freewheel. Does the hub look similar to the front wheel hub, or is there a noticeable hump where the hub is thicker toward the cogs?

tomedkaz

Appologies - it's a 7 speed in the rear - I made a typo above. I'd inspect it now but I spend 12 hours a day at work and the bike is at home...i try to buy all the parts online.
Can I simply measure the spacing? I'm assuming it's measured from the inner walls?

The front and rear hubs look very much similar - there is no significant hump in the rear.

Actual photos:

Beach Comber

Is that the original paint? If so, I believe you actually have a 1992. 7 speed cassette. It still may be a 126mm spacing. Measure it when you get home. If so, to get 8 or more speeds will require a new cassette and hub (or a new wheel if you don't want to break down and reuse the rims and spokes. It might even require a new RD, depending on the spread of your cassette and the corresponding range of the RD. And if its indexed, new downtube shifters (or brifters if you so choose). And you'll need to have your stays spread for 130mm.

If its already 130, you can keep the save the hub (wheel). But you'll still need cassette, shifters, and possibly a new RD.

Thats a lot for two extra gears.

tomedkaz

Thanks for opening my eyes. It's a lot of $ to spend on 2 extra gears.
And yes, that's the original paint. All the research I've done indicates that it's a 1991, but you might be right.
I think for my level of riding I should just stick with a 7 speed cassette..the one that's there is still in a decent shape. And since i'm having problems finding yellow rims, maybe i'll just get yellow tires instead...for now

If I were to replace just the rear derailleur, could I go with something like one of these below? (I like #2)
1. https://cgi.ebay.com/Shimano-105-Vint...item4cf76c2499
2. https://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-SHIMANO-105-...item35b2d97c81

Beach Comber

To nail down the date, find the SN and compare against vintage-treks.com. Rule of thumb is, anything real late in the year (November or December), could actually be the next model year. Your paint and decals match a 1992. Your frame still could be a very late 1991 built.

BTW - if you are looking to change the gearing range, you could also look at changing the front chain rings. For example, if you have a 48T now, going to 52T would give you wider range. More research would need to be done - just something to think about.

The 105 should work fine for you. Personally, I'd go with the new one, as you aren't really looking to preserve the bikes original look.

EDIT: Caveat to the above. Check what shift levers you have. Need to make sure they'll work with a 105 RD.

tomedkaz

You guys have been a great help - thank you very much.
I'm going to measure everything tonight and make all the remaining purchases. i'll post photos once the project is complete.

Speaking of front chain rings, i kind of like mine since they're actually oval - i really like the power distribution with oval rings

tomedkaz

BUMP!!

A quick update - the bike is ready to go!
An aluminum 1991 Trek with all new Shimano 105 components as well as other goodies. She's definitely a head turner!

dedhed

You can get yellow rims laced on your hubs.

https://www.prowheelbuilder.com/veloc...-700c-rim.html

stonefree

Nice. I like adjusting the colors also. That is definitely an art-bike. Good work. Very clean and simple.