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View Full Version : Re: Upgrade 20 Year Old Trek 400 Road Bike?


Ken M
December 20th 05, 09:11 PM
Steve Sr. wrote:
> Bike gurus,
>
> I have a friend with about a 20 year old Trek 400 Road bike. I am
> guessing at the age so here are some more clues. The crank is a Sakae
> SX with 52-42 eliptical chainrings. The drive train is 6 speed in the
> rear with down tube friction shifters. The front der is Shimano
> FD-Z204. I didn't get a close look at the cluster or rear der but I
> suspect it is also Shimano.
>
Well that Trek is a fine piece of equipment. The drive train is a little
old, but could certainly be upgraded at a latter time.

> The first thing I would like to do is replace the eliptical chain
> rings with regular round ones as my friend claims knee problems from
> the eliptical ones which is why she has stopped riding it. I think
> this should be relatively easy to find a set of 52-39 rings with 130
> BCD for the existing crank.
>
> However, I have a question concerning the fact that the original drive
> train was 6 speed. I doubt that I will be able to find 6 speed rings
> and maybe even 7 speed rings. What will work best with this
> combination? How about what chains will fit the wider cogs in the
> rear? I couldn't find any 6 speed chains in my last trip to
> Performance. Any suggestions?
>
You can get a generic chain 1/2 x 3/32 to go on there. With that being a
steel frame it can be spread or "cold set" to the proper size for an 8,
9 or even 10 cog cassette.

> I would like to take any upgrading slowly as I suspect that if I can
> solve the knee problem with the existing bike it would be much easier
> to convince her to spring for a newer bike that may be a bit more
> ergonomic and probably fit better.
>

more ergonomic and probably fit better? Most road bikes have just about
the same design or geometry. Some bike companies offer "relaxed
geometry" or comfort type road frames. If the old bike wasn't properly
sized this could be part of the problem as far as being uncomfortable,
but may or more likely not be the cause of knee pain.

Ken
--
On the internet, nobody knows you're a jerk - unless you act like a jerk
on the internet too. - Quote modified by Ken M.

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