Need help with parts decision
 

Hello,

New to the forums, I have a 1993 Trek 830 Rigid, I have had it since new. I started purchasing parts in 2002 to upgrade the crummy stock parts (with to many miles) and to go from 7 speed to 8, most of the parts I have never had installed and quit ridding around the same time. Now here it is 2006 and I want to start riding and want to know if I should pay a shop to install the parts I purchased, see below lists, or should I get better/newer parts. One of my main concerns should I stay rapid fire or go with SRAM (grip shift or attacks) I purchased SRAM attacks and never installed, Should I install the used Shimano XT derailleur (to which I read reviews and now seems SRAM X0, X7 are better derailleurs) and suggestions for a front 28.6 derailleur, the front (Altus) hasn't worked right ever, I also need to think of changing the stock headset, and the stock crank and bottom bracket.

As for my riding, I'm a heavy rider 5'10" 250 pounds, and ride light trails (nothing to heavy as I feel my parts are close to breaking) and street riding.


In my parts box
- Full black Mavic wheelsmith rims with XT hubs (forget the model# and spokes)I know they are 8 speed hubs, Presta Valves. I will probally finish them with velox cloth tape
- Used but in good condition XT rear Derailleur
- SRAM Attack

so far what I have upgraded
- Brakes to 2002 Shimano LX
- Aluminum Kore 3 degree bend straight bar, profile grips
- Avenir Titanium Bar ends
- changed the stock cassette to HG70 and sachcs chain
- Controltech seat post
- Vetta seat (with magnesium rails)
- Panaracer Smoke rear and Dart front tires

I thought the SRAM and shimano are not compatable? The sram's shifting system has different shifting ratio or something than shimano's. and no, I dont think they are messy enough for you to bring to a shop for installation.

The Attacks are Shimano compatible, that is if I want to stay shimano. I tried the grip shift on a rental bike on vacation a few years ago, and liked them, but I never really seen anyone on a trail running grip shift.

I could put the shifters on, but I don't think I would figure out the rest of assembly (derailleurs, cassette, crank, adjustment) I did the handle bar, bar ends, seat, post, pedals my self...but anything above that is above my knowledge . Funny I can build a computer, light work on my car, but when it comes to fixing my bike I'm clueless, I tried looking at some books a few years ago, I guess I should give it another shot.

the parktool website explains almost everything that you can possible fix on a bike. all you need are just a workstand and tools.

My son upgraded our neighboor's 5 speed trek 4000 something to a 9 speed - he started talking about using a hacksaw on the rear axel & I tuned out.... but it seems to work!

www.parktool.com is the Park Tool website and has a great repair manual as part of the website.

I'd suggest doing the work yourself. There isn't anything that you can do installing shifters that would be devastating.

Worst case is you cut the cable too short ($5.00 for a new one) or cut the cable housing too short (again maybe $5.00 of material).

If you get hung up on anything, send me a PM and I'll talk you through it!

Thank you for the link , the work don't look to bad...Probally be a few months before I do this, trying to drop some weight before I install the new rims, and decide what parts to go with.

One last question, if I do go with an SRAM drive train, will the 2002 XT rear hub accept a SRAM cassette?