bill pia

Hi folks! Due to a new job that requires half of my day be spent in my car, poor lunch choices in said car, and poor habits that are catching up to me, I decided to start riding again. I've had the job for 6 months and gained around 10 lbs. So much for promotions being good for you. Previously I strictly rode mtb's and thought that would be fine on the road. I dusted off the old rock hopper and went for my first ride last Sunday... and yeah, it's not for road riding, to me at least. So, I found a 2008 Trek 7100 on craigslist for a hundred bucks and snatched it up. Frame was solid, no real component issues, and the tires still have a couple hundred miles worth of tread on them. I took it out yesterday and today- HUGE difference!

A few things though:

1. Can you please recommend a different derailluer and shifting system for my new purchase? Not a huge fan of the twist and the derailluer seems kind of slow even after a tune up at the LBS.

2. I'm assuming the front supension will need to go soon (previous owner commuted 20 miles a day, and road 60 on weekends), should I ditch the suspension all together, or is it possible to install one with lockouts?

3. Are disc brakes possible on this bike, and are they worth it?

Yeah, I know, should have asked the tech who tuned it up, but I didn't think of any of this until today. Thanks in advance!

jsdavis

What's on the bike right now? I'm assuming the bike is a 7 speed so your options might be limited.

Front suspension you can ditch, but a rigid fork and installation might be be over $100. That bike might already have suspension lock out -- you'll have to check.

Disc brakes you'll have to check the hubs for mounting holes or Centerlock ridges. The fork will need mounts on the non-drive side for the caliper.

My opinion is ride the bike as is and buy a different one that suits your needs more when you are ready.

a1penguin

Ditto what jsdavis says. Go back to Craigslist and scope out a real road bike. Keep the 7100 for winter riding or sell it on CL.