Asking for advice/help again.
 

The first time around, everyone was very helpful. This puts me to my new project.

I bought a new nashbar carbon bike. It's great. At this point, I don't really want to ride it on days when the weather isn't so great. In time, I'm sure it won't bother me, but right now, I think I'll stick to dry days.

I bought a Trek 400. It's a little rough. I'm okay with the rough part, (sort of, not really in my nature) but it does need some work.

I am asking for some input on what parts I need to get.

Here is the bike.
http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psm3l9vlbb.jpg

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...pskhtufldi.jpg

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psxajm6pjq.jpg

The shifting cables are rusted. I think they need to be replaced. They work, but look bad to me.
http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psmhbf2h81.jpg

The brake cable was broken on the left side. It needs to be replaced. I rigged it with a washer and a piece of a cotter pin. It works, but not safe, or right.
http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...pszeee7dad.jpg

The tires are shot. I need new ones.
http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psilhmmr4c.jpg

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psy36vfpmc.jpg


For the tires, I'm wondering about something wider. More of a cyclocross tire? It that possible? There's some room in the front, but the back is a little snug. I can get exact measurements if needed.

For the brake cables. Would it be wrong to switch styles? I know they make something that is similar to the newer style on the Nashbar. I know the shifters wouldn't be there, but the feel would be similar, when riding.

For the shifting cables. I actually like the friction shifters and I am good with them on the tube. I have no desire to change that, just new cables. I have read some posts about Jagwire kits. Would that be a consideration.

I'm not worried about the seat. I can figure that out.

I appreciate any help I get. The actual mechanics I can figure out. The right parts, I can't.

Thank you in advance.

If I read you correctly, this is intended to be "B" bike, or as we used to call them a "stoney bike" to be ridden when conditions are such that you wish to spare the A bike the abuse.

As such, I wouldn't put any more into it beyond what's necessary for it to work decently.

That's something I certainly can't evaluate from a few pictures, but you can easily enough. Simple rule for B bikes. If it's broke, fix it, if not wait until it's broke.

Good point. Tires are shot. Replace.

When I look at my own pictures, I think I can clean and oil the shift cables and they might be good for a while.

Brake cable, not right. Needs to be fixed.

Safety first. That means tires, tubes, brake pads and cables.

Forget about Jagwire. Its a waste of money on that bike.

Then do the shifter cables and any other work to the shifting system.

The chain looks rusty. Probably needs to be replaced.

Rotate the bars down so that the drops are parallel to the ground, set the stem height to fit you and rewrap the bars with fresh tape. Any tape will do - you don't need $40 Lizard Skins.

And then cut down that Pampas Grass. It is a nasty, invasive species and an eyesore.


-Tim-

Really, how expensive are cables? Replace 'em!

Tires, tubes and brake pads too. Check the chain for wear. If it's stretched even a little bit, replace it. Otherwise, clean it as best you can and lube it.

I'd reposition the hoods a bit and wrap with fresh tape. That seat looks a bit rough too so you probably wanna mount a replacement there as well.

Check and true those wheels.

None of this stuff has to be high dollar, but doing it right will make the bike ride faster, smoother and climb with incredible ease. You'll look years younger while riding it, and the ladies will swoon as you go by. Guaranteed.


-Kedosto
(Do ladies even 'swoon' anymore?)

It's bamboo. It's great. It gets about 12' tall and blocks the west sun, from the living room.

I had to look up pampas grass. I'd never heard of that. Now that I've seen a picture, I've probably seen it, but I can't think of any right now. It may be something that does better in a warmer climate.

I don't mind the handlebars where they are at. I have read that some people want the lower portion parallel to the ground, but others want it them pointing downward.
The bike does feel a little bit tighter than the Nashbar. Measures the same. Maybe it's because the handlebars are tilted up. Either way I'll probably leave them.

In that position anyway. Yes to the new tape.

Even though the tires are shot, they don't leak air. I've ridden it a little bit. I average 1 mile per hour slower on it, than on the Nashbar.

Thanks for the replies.

I didn't know about the Jagwire. Just read some posts. Since it was only $26 I thought it might serve the purpose.

Cables, housing, brake pads, new tires, and a nice polish.

Before you put anything new on it, take off all the components and clean them up good. If you are able, clean and repack the hubs and bottom bracket, if the bike is in that shape the grease is probably old and dried up.

Even $26 is quite a bit for cables, but if you go that route, it'll be good for a long time. If you are thinking a new set of brake levers, go for it. I put new aero Tektros on my vintage touring bike, and love them. I think they cost around $25 from Niagara. I never trust old brake pads, for the $4-5 a cheap set costs it isn't worth my safety to save cash on old brittle ones.

Are the wheels 700 or 27"? If 700, you have all the options in the world. If 27", you probably won't find much cyclocross-y, but most of what is commonly available will be the equivalent of a 32mm.

If you want to be thrifty, you can probably salvage the bar tape, but $5 for cheap cork stuff will complete the rebuild. Bars are already setup how I prefer them, with the bottoms pointing at the rear dropout.

Other than that, looks nice! I've got a 400 frame sitting around that is getting built up into a city bike this winter.

If that were my bike.....
Give the bike a thorough cleaning
New tires and tubes
New derailleur and brake cables and housings
Take apart and service bottom bracket, wheel, and headset bearings
Measure chain for stretch, and if it's good, clean and lube.

I'd replace the saddle and bar tape, but that's just me. I might even touch up the paint a bit.