geekinsyde

Alright so these past few months been pretty much trying to find a LOW budget mtn bike...been reading the articles highly recommending not to get a bike from big box stores so was looking at thrift sales, craigslist, LBS etc....finding one under $300 was tough in the area I live in Wisconsin....it's basically bikes from the $100 or less or $300 and up....a few times I lost out on some that I really wanted....there were a few Gary Fisher bikes that I was excited about but I didn't contact the person soon enough and someone else beat me to it.... after a few months of looking I ended up getting my hands on a used 2010 Trek 3700 for $120...guessing it's entry level I'm sure...the bike was definitely beat on...but she'll do...it needs a tune up first so need to take it to my LBS as the derailleurs aren't quite shifting the best...but anyhoos...I will mostly be riding the country roads....maybe a few off road areas but by no means hardcore ditch jumping, etc...just looking for some exercise and I'm kind of a DIY guy so am looking forward to tinkering on this bike....so I'd like to swap out some stuff...tires, shifters (just because they are so scraped up), handle bar, grips and seat...

now the biggie...2 things I would like to change out would be the crank and to get disc brakes added. I believe this bike has the mounts to add these...but from my limited knowledge...is it correct that I will need to get a new wheelset? And if I do that...then my shifters/brakes will need to be replaced as well, correct? Since it's an all in one?

And granted I understand this is not suggested as I know it's better to buy a nicer bike with those options on it...but this is more of a learning process for me...so when I do finally upgrade a bike...I will know what to look for..what parts are quality...I will be a more informed buyer...

Here's a link to a photo of the bike...
https://24.media.tumblr.com/428baf32...q3yo1_1280.jpg

Here's the details of what I've found on the bike....THANKS EVERYONE!


Components
Component Group Mountain Mix
Brakeset Tektro V-brake brakes, Shimano EF-50 levers
Shift Levers Shimano EF-50
Front Derailleur Shimano C051
Rear Derailleur Shimano M-310
Crankset Shimano M151, 42/34/24 teeth
Pedals Wellgo Nylon Platform
Bottom Bracket Unspecified
BB Shell Width Unspecified
Rear Cogs 7-speed, 13 - 34 teeth
Chain Unspecified
Seatpost Bontrager SSR, 31.6mm diameter
Saddle Bontrager SSR
Handlebar Bontrager Approved Riser
Handlebar Extensions Not included
Handlebar Stem Bontrager Approved
Headset 1 1/8" threadless VP-A68-TK

Wheels
Hubs Formula FM-31 alloy
Rims Bontrager 550
Tires 26 x 2.00" Bontrager LT-3
Spoke Brand Unspecified
Spoke Nipples Unspecifie
- See more at: 2010 Trek 3700 - BikePedia

tk1971

I'd leave it alone and ride it until something breaks, then either fix it (if it's a cheap fix), or get another bike.

Just not worth it. Components are insanely expensive when you buy retail. Take-offs and clearance components are more reasonable, but won't normally come with stuff that a kit would normally come with (mounting screws, cables, etc).

You bike is another typical budget hard tail from a known brand. Nothing really spectacular on it other than the name brand painted on the frame.

To give you an idea of costs: Budget Hydraulic Disc brake kit $100 take offs, Discs $20 a piece (need 2), and a crankset is at least $150 - $200.

Depending on your riding conditions (wet, sandy, etc), you might benefit from a better set of pedals. Plastic pedals will slip. Slipped pedals usually means pain and a lot of swearing.

cobba

The frame will need a bolt on brake mount, Trek dealers should be able to get you one or you can buy one on ebay.



IS Mount (a IS to PM adapter will be needed to attach a PM brake)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Disc-Br.../350999243075?



Post Mount (a PM brake can be attached directly)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Disc-Br.../151217503364?

Zephyr11

I wouldn't bother upgrading the crank. Probably one of the least noticeable upgrades, IMO. Pedals, saddle if the current one is uncomfortable, fork...all stuff I'd upgrade first, though as mentioned above, your best bet is to upgrade things as they break and otherwise save your money towards a new bike.

You'd need a new wheelset if your wheels aren't disc ready.

jimc101

As that is set up, it's more a jump bike (style, not strength) than a MTB, get the saddle raised a lot higher, dump the bottlecage (it's broken) and just ride as is. As noted above, disc's need new wheels as well as the braking system, although if you have a 7 speed freewheel, you may be replacing the rear depending how quickly you can break the axle.

JonathanGennick 

Don't add disk. Many of us have been there in that same boat of wanting to add disk only to find out that doing so is a huge can of worms. The "one thing leads to another" syndrome sets in, and you end up having to replace half the parts on the bike. Not worth it.

I agree with those who have said to ride the bike as is.

However, if the scuffed shift/brake levers bug you, then you could throw $50 or so at some new ones:

Universal Cycles -- Shimano EF65 Shift/Brake Levers - 7 Speed

IMHO though, it is not worth it to spend that much on cosmetics when you're hard up for cash to begin with. OTOH, some shiny new levers and some new grips will do wonders to spruce up the look of the handlebar zone. So you could do that, and it might be fun.

geekinsyde

Thanks everyone! And thanks Jonathon for that link for the levers...yeah having fun tinkering around and doing some riding....I think I will just end up not worrying about disc brakes and just leave as is and just try and clean 'er up a bit...this will work for now. Weather is starting to come up to the 60's in Wisconsin so time to enjoy the ride!

JonathanGennick 

Yeah, definitely get out and ride. I fell off the bike last year -- proverbially, not literally -- and I have suffered for it. This year is a rebuilding year.

BTW, my primary ride these days is a bike with rim brakes. They really do work just fine. I have several sets of very nice disk brakes that I could use, but this particular bike is one I threw together out of bits and bobs that I had lying around, and it ended up with rim brakes. I like the wheelset on at it a great deal, so I just ride it that way -- rim brakes, rigid all the way, and my best riding buddy thinks I'm nuts. But I know what I like, and that's what matters.