How to modify a Trek Navigator 100
 

Hello everyone, I just bought my first good bike. And I seem to be compulsive when it comes to modifying anything I buy. What are some easy things I can buy to make my bike lighter/better? Any tips would be appreciated. Here is the link if you want to learn about it.http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...d=1210600&f=27

Planned Mods: MKS Pedals (Stock ones are slick and flat, and fugly) and upgrading to a SRAM PC-68 chain( stock chain is noisy and my master link was stretched)


Thanks!

Forget about the chain. If the link was stretched, have the shop replace it under warranty. As far as it being noisy, that is usually due to improper tension on the shifter cables.

The bike is more of a comfort bike vs. a mountain bike. Great for commuting around school, which is why I presume you purchased this bike.

If you plan on taking this bike off the pavement an onto some trails, you kinda bought the wrong bike.

If it's going to stay on the pavement and some ultra light off road, then it's the right bike for you.

As far as upgrading. I'd start with your "touch points" the areas that are very specific for each individual rider.

The saddle (seat) is a big one. Everyone's butt is a bit different. It takes a lot of trial and error to find a saddle that is really really comfortable. This however is a new rider's nemisis. If you haven't ridden in awhile, ANY saddle is going to hurt. You need to tone your butt muscles to get used to riding a bike again. This usually takes a week or so of regular riding. After that, your butt doesn't hurt as much.

Other touch points include the grips which really make a big difference in the "feel" of the bike. Stock grips are usually the cheapest crap that the manufacturers can find to stick on new bikes. Grips come in different diameters and durometers (hardness) and materials (rubber, cork, foam).

If you've got smaller hands, stick to a smaller diameter grip.

Personally, I like ODI lock-ons, in the ROGUE model. I've tried the Ruffian's, but prefer the squishier (sp?) Rogue model. The YETI ones are also very comfy. www.odigrips.com

You are already getting new pedals, so that's the last touch point.

Other things to consider are new shorts, gloves, jerysey, shoes.

You DO have a helmet right? If not get one! I've been hit by a car three times and have had too many other crashes where I've banged my head to NOT be an advocate for helmet use.

Other things are a saddle bag to hold a mini-tool, tire patches, spare tube, some change and such things.

Why not get a new chain, if the stock one got messed up after 100 miles then I figured that I'd just get a better one. With the grips it has the gripshifters which I like very well so I believe I will leave those, thanks for the suggestions.

If the chain is screwed up that's the LBS's fault. THe shop i work at always goes over every bike before it goes out and makes sure everything works great

Forget the pedals and chain. If your serious about modification, the first thing you want to do is upgrade the fork to this:

http://shop1.afrobike.de/images/marzocchi-MonsterT.jpg