The FB Marketplace gods smiled upon me and I found a very nice '97 730 in my size and close to home! I initially thought the price was too high but that was not the case. I headed to pick it up and was pleasantly surprised by the condition of the bike . I was told it was stored inside and gently used and I agree. Other than being dusty/dirty, the bike is in amazing condition. It has some minor scratches but the paint is in excellent condition and will clean up very easily. The original tires were replaced with Bontrager H2 700Cx32s and brake pads were also replaced - the tires will end up on a sale bike and the pads reused when reassembled. The plan is to clean it up and enjoy it for myself because everyone needs a nice Multrack in their stable. These are pics in as purchased condition.

Because I cannot wait, the 730 ended up on the stand and is getting some much deserved love. Checked the Shimano HG clain and it is good so I'll clean it and the cassette for reinstall.


Chain checks out good.

Ready for BB removal. Then removed the crank and sealed bearing BB to aid frame clean up and to prepare for the easiest removal BB removal in my bike repair history.


Drive side BB out without profound use of questionable words.

Non-drive BB removal was also super easy.

The top bar has some light scratches that I can remove with Mothers Mag wheel polish followed by Mothers Cleaner/Paste wax. Again, the frame is in amazing condition. I cannot wait to see this cleaned up and in full sun.

As much as I love a vintage frame with modern components, this one is telling me to honor the original when making changes. As of this morning, the plan is to upgrade with some new vintage and nice used vintage parts when it goes back together.

• Drivetrain - STX of some type (I like the look of it and have parts on the shelf
• Brakes - STX RC vbrakes that will accept the like-new canti pads currently on the bike. I'll clean up the Alivio parts and rehome the group together.
• Wheelset - keeping the original for now
• Tires - probably Panaracer GK SS+ with tan sidewalls

Modern additions include

• Like new silver Sugino 165mm crank (scored from a forum member) and VO sealed BB
• Silver VO Quill stem adapter, stem, and Hot bars (I am considering Siene bars but the Hot Bars are on the shelf)

Future additions planned:

• Silver VO fenders
• Silver VO sealed bearing headset (currently out of stock)
• Rear rack

Seat tube measurement for reference - looks like a 48cm/19" to me.


The Sugino crank that will get installed with a new VO BB.

It's in good condition, but I don't think that's a '94; that "comic font logo" was first used in '97. That Alivio crank is a 97 also, 96 being skinny

Old school Vs and Cantis used different pads, so not compatible. Some modern cantis use V style pads but old school Vs did not use canti pads BITD

Thanks! I tried to update the title but no luck.

Updated thread title

Well, I stripped it to a bare frame, polished it with mother’s Mag wheel polish and then used Mother’s Cleaner paste wax. Looks great and the scratches are much less noticeable. Next came the Velo Orange bottom bracket, Sugino crank, and reused pedals that were on the bike. Also installed my spare Specialized Toupe saddle on the original seat post.

The current plan (subject to change):
Panaracer GravelKing SS+ 700Cx40 tan walls - Found them for $40/tire
Velo Orange Hot Bar
Velo Orange stem/quill adapter - need to order
Velo Orange fenders
Upgrade freehub to allow for more gears
Silver or Titanium bottle holders
Still undecided on drivetrain but STX RC is still in the running

lookin good !

Thinking more about brakes and drivetrain. I’ll leave these here for future reference. The STX RC v brakes will clean up well but I’m undecided in levers. I missed a set of cheap NOS Shimano levers like the used set.

The used STX RC 3x8 shifters are would also cleanup well but the NOS set is… well, NOS.

Cleaned the headset and reinstalled the fork along with the STX RC v brakes/Koolstop pads. The Specialized Crossroads are placeholders until I get the tan wall goodness it is screaming for. I’ll clean up the wheelset during my next round of work. Yeah, this is going to be a good looking bike.

The curse of a creative mind - looking at the 730 and seeing all of the possibilities for it.

Option 1 - Build up using vintage 3x8 STX-RC group and current wheelset for a fun, practical ride. Add some fenders and some tan walls to further enhance the 90's vibe. And a silver back rack to bring it all together. This feels right on so many levels and was the original plan.

Option 2 - Add GRX-810 derailleur, a 46/30 crank, Velocity rim brake 650B wheels, and build up a super fun gravel bike while holding onto the Multitrack vibe - I like this a lot too - a Restomod if you will.

Option 3 - Add spare set of Mavic Cosmic rim brake wheels, spare R7000 105 derailleur, 2x crankset, and 700Cx32 Panaracer GravelKing SS + and hit the paved trails. Light, fast and fun paired with CrMo deliciousness. Think of it as a super-fast Multitrack Flatbar Remix. Why? Because I can but doesn't quite feel right...

If you go with the 650b what brakes would you be using for the smaller rim?

Good question and would need to research it. Initially Pauls come to mind but there are others to consider.

If your posts are removable, with BMX brake post extenders, one can run regular brakes without looking for extreme vertical adjustablity.

No additional work since the last post but the plan is progressing. Thanks to another round of chronological advancement celebrated more by others than myself, I have some extra money to fund a Velo Orange order. Delivery scheduled for 4/13.

The 730 is receiving a few items from the order including:

• Silver 31.8mm 70mm threadless stem
• Threadless Stem adapter - Silver
• Seine bars
• 700c Smooth Fenders, 45mm

I'm over the free shipping threshold even after using a coupon code <insert happy dance>

Of the previously proposed options, #1 has a clear lead - STX RC 3x8 using nice used and NOS parts. I'm watching NOS RD and brake levers but hoping prices drop. it's just too nice to stray far from the original formula. Also. some digging revealed STX was the the group used on the 750s of the time so my choice seems logical. #sometimesIgetlucky

Late braking news - I'm going to use this Jagwire Titanium housing purchased for another project but not used. It'll pick up the Titanium lettering.

The Velo Orange parts arrived today. I’m trying the Seine bars and like the feel so far.

^^^The VO stem and quill adapter are quite elegant.

Yes they are and by far the nicest I have used for multiple conversions. The more I work with the VO stuff, the more I appreciate the quality. Interesting... since I ordered on Friday, the quill adapter and fenders have sold out.

She's really starting to come together. Nice.

Korina Thank you! Back fender is almost installed and I'm thinking through the top mount for the front fender.

More work this morning. Waxed and finished the fender install, cleaned up the black water bottle cages that came on the bike, and reinstalled them for now.I really would like to find cages that are similar in color to the titanium color in the lettering.Silca Ti Bottle Holder love the look but not the price.

Update from the bike stand - know additional work on the 730 until I get the next round of parts.

Last night I made an offer and won a NOS STX RC derailleur on eviBay which should be here by next weekend.









I’m still undecided on the brake levers. I’m watching for a nice used set but a NOS set has my attention.

Found a new SRAM 8 speed chain on the workbench so I need order a cassette.

Also Undecided on the saddle, grips, and pedals. I’ll stick with black for now but have some ideas in mind. Pedals will likely be upgraded to silver

Shimano PD-EF202 Flat Pedals

Sold the Trek 7300 today and have funds to cover the next round of parts. I decided to go with a Charge Spoon saddle in brown. The big river says it’ll be here on 5/1.

Ordered a nice used Shimano STX RC FD-MC36 front derailleur on eBay this morning. $20 shipped seems quite reasonable. If I’m lucky it’ll be here this weekend.













On a different note, the big river says the saddle I ordered last night is out for delivery. 😳