Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

Was thinking of re-newing/upgrading some of the bits on my 11 year old Trek.

Still has 100% of the original equipment on....bike was used plenty (on road) in earlier years and less frequently over recent years.

It has gripshifts on at the mo which are very worn. I like the way they function but I'm guessing there are newer/better shifters out there now?

Also looking for a cycle computer pref wireless. Any recommendations and est costs?

Cheers,

Bob

pwhittle

Gripshift have come a long way in the last few years, though I've always preferred Rapid Fire+.
Beware though, there are different rear-mech standards now, mainly at the higher end. Some require specific shifters (like Rapid Rise)
I've had a few wireless comps, but they've all been unreliable. I'd stick with wired unless it causes big problems.

Jonathan Davies

Might be questionable whether it's worth doing. I assume your Trek has an aluminium alloy frame, which on an 11-year old bike might not be all that great now. Dinks and dents can weaken old ally frames.

Even if it's fine, component costs add up fast. Unless you've changed the chainset before, it'll probably be fairly worn and need doing sooner or later. The cost of a new chainset and shifters isn't far off the cost of new bike these days.

I've got an old (15+ yrs) Chas Roberts steel frame mtb... it's a wicked handmade frame, albeit a bit heavy by modern standards, but for the cost of upgrading the chainset and wheels I could get a brand new ally frame bike instead. So I bought a Trek... which I hated, unfortunately, so I sold it a few months later.

I suppose the moral is that renewing components is v expensive but worth it if you like the frame enough.

I do think ally frames are more prone to breaking though.

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

Popped it into the local bike shop to have a look at some bits.

Decided that I perfer the gripshifts over the rapid-fire so have ordered some new ones (£10) along with new grips (£5).

The frame is made of chromoly and is lovely and solid - the bike overall is nice and light.

The shop said they dont have problems with the Cateye wireless computers but do with some others.

This one looks good:

"CATEYE MICRO CORDLESS (£35 rrp)
The new Micro computer offers the latest in cordless technology along with 10 great functions and 12 features to give riders all the information they will ever need. In addition to all of the functions you would expect to find on a performance computer the Micro also features dual trip distance, dual elapsed time and dual average speed for accurate training information.

The Micro also features a backlight for riding at night, a menu screen for easy set up and operation and the ability to switch your ride information from MPH to KPH and vice versa.

Functions:

Current speed
Odometer
Clock
Maximum speed
2 x trip distance
2 x trip time
2 x average speed
Features:

Cordless transmission
Odometer set
Dual tyre size
Auto-power saving
Sleep mode
Auto or manual start / stop
Universal mount
Backlight
Stem and handlebar mount
Pacer arrow
Switchable readings (MPH/ KPH) and menu screen."

May upgrade the brakes to V brakes at a later date also....


new saddle might be nice too.....

Franx2

What Trek is it? I had one for a while as well, before I found my Endorphin
I've never been a huge fan of gripshift either tbh, although I know a few people who swear by them also....
I'd try on the internet for parts, as there's a massive amount there, with pretty good savings too - www.wiggle.co.uk among others. chain reaction os another, although I can't remember the address

What were you thinking - upgrading the whole lot, or just a few bits?

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

Its a Trek 830. I'll get some pics up tomorrow.

I managed to get the bits off ebay at half the cost of what the shop wanted for the exact same items.

Just renewing some tired parts. The brakes work well although can drag ever so slightly due to having cracked spring housings.

Depending on cost I may just replace like for like on the brakes (sub £20). I remember when I brought the bike new it had fantastic brakes....fronts were strong enough to flip the bike. Not sure if V brakes would be worthwhile?...costs est £20 extra.

Franx2

Interested to see the pics

I'd say V-brakes are definately the way to go. Mine won't take discs, although I don't really want 'em anyway tbh, but I've never had problems with the V brakes that I can remember. I considered hydraulic rim brakes for a while, although I'm told there's no great benefit to them over normal ones.
I doubt very much you'll be able to get hold of cantilevers now. I know Shimano made them 4 or 5 years ago, but I've not seen them anywhere.

The problem is, they're like cars.... It's hard to know where to stop

Ennoch

The only different standard is for SRAM ESP kit.
Rapidrise has the spring fitted the reverse way on the rear derailleur.
SRAM ESP has a 1:1 cable pull ratio instead of the normal 2:1
SRAM make shimano compatible shifters. instead of calling them X-0/9/7 as the ESP versions are etc they are labelled Rocket/Attack etc.

It is possible that you could track down some old calipers from the shimano back order catalogue although it is likely that all spares are gone. V-brakes are easy to fit although you will not have the stops on that frame for running any open section of cable. The adaptors are no longer available so it will have to be a full length of outer from the lever to the brake No biggie but it will feel a little different to the front.

Chain reaction are great, very swift delivery and it is included in the already discounted prices. many web shops could learn a thing or two! www.chainreactioncycles.com

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

stumbled across this which covers everything on maintenance:

http://www.cyclemechanics.co.uk/

Looks like I will be taking it to bits a cleaning and lubung everything - not been lubed in over 8 yrs!

I have managed to source some brand new shimano cants but not fully decided

At least modding bikes can be relatively cheap

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

Its raining so no pics today.

V Brake kit is £10 more than replacing the current brakes.

Franx2

Is that the Shimano canti brakes you're looking at? They do still make them, it seems. I'd try V-brakes first though, as I've always found them a lot better personally, although others may disagree

Although having said that, I've a feeling that normal levers aren't quite right with V-brakes, so might have to upgrade them as well?

Sbradley

Try Edinburgh Bicycle for good service and pretty good prices, too...

SB

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

I'd be inclined to try a decent set of Shimano V's too: easy to fit, easy to set up, but need new levers. The stopping power is awesome.

Have a look on E-Bay at Mike's Super Cycles, (Onza Boy), and Woolly Hat Shop, both of who have had amazing offers recently, like two good tyres for £10, an LX front mech for £4 etc etc.

Alcazar

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

Yes Shimano cantis. V brake kits are £30 upwards.

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

inc levers

Franx2

Very good I imagine you've put new blocks on the old brakes though? Do you need new brakes, or just fancy a change?