I'm currently riding a Trek 930, vintage 92 or 93. I'm putting about 1500 miles a year on it, but
I'd like to shoot for more. Most of my riding is on paved trails and roads (Coyote Creek Trail,
Bailey Road, organized rides), but I've done a bit of riding on the dirt trails (Santa Teresa
County Park).

I'm somewhat happy with the 930; I like the dirt/road tires that I'm using on the 26" wheels, in
that I'm not as prone to flats as most people on pure road slicks are, and I don't have to worry as
much about road hazards. I also like the somewhat more relaxed position I'm in. However, I seem to
be having either saddle or saddle position problems that I can't straighten out.

The bike is getting worn out. Well, rather, a lot of the componentry is getting worn out: the
springs in the shifters are losing their spring, the cogs and the chain rings probably need
replacing, the front deraillure seems to not be able to reliably shift any longer (either the chain
refuses to jump down, or it goes too far and completely off the chain rings). It's also a 21 speed,
and 7 speed componentry is almost impossible to find any more.

The bike was/is hardtail and no front suspension; I've installed a suspension seatpost that I'm not
too happy with.

I'm on the heavy end, but I'm in the process of slimming down. I'll always be a clysdale, being 6'1"
guarantees that, so the bike must be capable of carrying at least 200 pounds, and realisticly more
than that.

I don't think that I'll be touring with this bike; the most I've ever done has been two metric
centuries, and I'm still trying to recover from my last one a week ago.

Do I get a new bike, or just do a massive componentry replacement on this bike? The LBS I got it
from is still in business, but I'm not comfortable with their work (but they do turn it around in a
day; as the joke goes, "That restaurant is really bad: the food is terrible, and you get so little
of it!") I'm a little afraid of other LBSes because of repair turnaround time: this bike is the
only one I've got, and I know from past experience that if I stop riding, it's really difficult to
start again...

I am capable of some mechanical work, but adjustments scare me: I've never been able to figure out
how to correctly adjust a front deralleur and avoid mis-shifts. Time, OTOH, is not something I have
a lot of; I'm grateful in this economy in this area to have a good job, but the work details do not
leave me a lot of time (I make time to ride; it relieves stress, and prolongs my life, and I do it
with a lunch break from work).

Sam

"Sam Yorko" <JOATnospamMON@computer.org> wrote in message news:3F09F108.96056245@computer.org...
> I'm currently riding a Trek 930, vintage 92 or 93. I'm putting about 1500 miles a year on it, but
> I'd like to shoot for more. Most of my riding is on paved trails and roads (Coyote Creek Trail,
> Bailey Road, organized rides), but I've done a bit of riding on the dirt trails (Santa Teresa
> County Park).

<<snip..>>

> Do I get a new bike, or just do a massive componentry replacement on this bike?

<<snip..>>

> Sam

IMHO, get a new bike. There are many arguments for and against, but in the end, it might be your
best option. Component upgrades are worthwhile if you have a good frame that you really like, but
the 930 isn't stellar in that regard, good but not great. Components cost a lot more individually
than if you were to buy them all on a new bike, not to mention the installation which you admit
you're not too good at. That means you should probably have them professionally installed so they
work properly and don't get damaged during installation. So, all things considered., clean it up,
sell it used and find a new bike you like. Many things have changed in mountain bikes in 10 years
and you might find a newer bike to be far superior to your old one.

Cheers,

Scott..

Definately keep and fix. For $200 or less, your repairs are minor.

But since you are short of time, and have a good job, a new bike makes sense. Since you want to ride
more, go get something really nice. We either have $ and no time OR no $ and lots of time. When you
lose that good job, at least you'll have a good bike.

And Sam, please shop around for a good bike shop.

"Sam Yorko" <JOATnospamMON@computer.org> wrote in message news:3F09F108.96056245@computer.org...
>
> The bike is getting worn out. Well, rather, a lot of the componentry is getting worn out: the
> springs in the shifters are losing their spring,
>
> Do I get a new bike, or just do a massive componentry replacement on

Kevin wrote:

> Definately keep and fix. For $200 or less, your repairs are minor.
>
> But since you are short of time, and have a good job, a new bike makes sense. Since you want to
> ride more, go get something really nice. We either have $ and no time OR no $ and lots of time.
> When you lose that good job, at least you'll have a good bike.
>
> And Sam, please shop around for a good bike shop.
>
> "Sam Yorko" <JOATnospamMON@computer.org> wrote in message news:3F09F108.96056245@computer.org...
> >
> > The bike is getting worn out. Well, rather, a lot of the componentry is getting worn out: the
> > springs in the shifters are losing their spring,
> >
> > Do I get a new bike, or just do a massive componentry replacement on

I've got to agree. The old bike can be rebuilt, but your story says a new bike is the best option.
Seeking out a new shop sounds reasonable too. Have happy rides Bernie

In article <3F09F108.96056245@computer.org>, Sam Yorko <JOATnospamMON@computer.org> writes:

> I'm on the heavy end, but I'm in the process of slimming down. I'll always be a clysdale, being
> 6'1" guarantees that, so the bike must be capable of carrying at least 200 pounds, and realisticly
> more than that.
>
> I don't think that I'll be touring with this bike; the most I've ever done has been two metric
> centuries, and I'm still trying to recover from my last one a week ago.

I sort of get the impression that you're in the throes of one of those head vs heart dilemmas, and
are leaning toward some sort of touring bike. On one hand, the old 930 has served its purpose well,
on the other hand, there's the allure (and practical benefits) of a new bike with up-to-date
componentry.

It sounds like you're leaning toward getting a new touring bike of some sort, but are perhaps
concerned it might be "too much" for your purposes (since you mention you don't plan on doing any
tours). But I don't think you need to do a bunch of touring per se, to get good use out of a touring
bike.From what I've read here, a *well fitting* touring bike can provide a most wonderful balance of
speed, comfort and versatility. And in the process of getting one, there could be a good opportunity
to experience a real, professional fitting; something I wouldn't mind having, myself.

Of course, you'd then be stuck with the dilemma (or trilemma) of which brake lever/shifter system to
go with :-)

I think after a decade of the trusty ol' 930, you're entitled to a new bike. 'specially if you can
afford it. One can always rationalize that it's an "investment" -- just not necessarily a financial
investment ;-)

Indulge. Eat a peach.

cheers, Tom

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[point] bc [point] ca

"Sam Yorko" <JOATnospamMON@computer.org> wrote in message news:3F09F108.96056245@computer.org...
> I'm currently riding a Trek 930, vintage 92 or 93. I'm putting about 1500 miles a year on it, but
> I'd like to shoot for more. Most of my riding is on paved trails and roads (Coyote Creek Trail,
> Bailey Road, organized rides), but I've done a bit of riding on the dirt trails (Santa Teresa
> County Park).
>
Free advice: You want to be talked into a new bike, and after 10 years, that's not unreasonable.
1. Figure out whether you want a better road bike, or a better off-road bike. Buy that.
2. Keep your old bike. If you get a road bike, fit this one out as a pure mountain bike. (or if you
get a mountain bike, put high pressure slicks on the old bike).
3. Use the old bike as a "learning" bike -- learn how to overhaul (re-grease) hubs, re-true wheels,
etc. on the old bike. Even if some of these repairs don't take, you will still have something to
ride. The best way to learn bike maintenance/repair is to do it, and an old bike let's you do it
with little risk.
4. Ride the old bike in bad weather, or where there is more danger of theft, or to use slightly
different muscles, or when the other bike is in the shop, or in the winter.

There's a lot to be said for having two bikes that have different personalities.