- Jun 8, 2000
- 9,773
- 0
- 71
I recently got a new bike, an '01 Trek 7300 Hybrid. I got a great deal on it and I'm very happy overall, but I want to customize a few things, and I wouldn't mind hearing any opinions about the bike setup. An average ride is 20-30 miles a few times per week, time and weather permitting, and I intend to keep my bike for a long time.
I've got a lot of questions, so don't any one person feel obligated to answer everything.
I've already lost the heavy steel original handlebars in favor of some Specialized Al straight MTB bars I had sitting around. I've also upgraded the Grip-Shift style shifters in favor of Shimano 8-speed STX-RC trigger shifters.
I was told at the time of purchase that they're the best current 8-speed shifters available, and they look/feel decent, but are they really decent stuff that will last a long time? Where did STX-RC shifters fit into the line, higher end, mid-range, or low?
Should I be looking at replacing the SRAM 5.0 8-speed cartridge soon? If I go to a 9-speed cartridge and shifter, will my existing rear derailleur still work fine?
I've got Pro Max something or other V-brakes. They look cheap-azz and I think they could feel quite a bit better in use. I'm wondering if I should step right up to XTR brakes because of their replaceable bearings, should I just get the Deore XT brakes with the replaceable brass bushings, or will Deore LX brakes with non-replaceable bushings be fine for years and years?
How much should LX, XT and XTR brakes/cable/levers cost online or at the LBS?
Are my Shimano Nexave cranks POS porkers that I should trade up (and notice the difference)? Where did Nexave fit into the line, low-end, or mid-range?
Lastly, I think the stock Shimano Nexave front derailleur shifts like crud. I've gathered from MTBR that the XTR front derailleur is the one and only FD to buy for precise, dependable front shifting. Is this true in the experience of all you serious riders out there?
Thanks, everyone.
I've got a lot of questions, so don't any one person feel obligated to answer everything.
I've already lost the heavy steel original handlebars in favor of some Specialized Al straight MTB bars I had sitting around. I've also upgraded the Grip-Shift style shifters in favor of Shimano 8-speed STX-RC trigger shifters.
I was told at the time of purchase that they're the best current 8-speed shifters available, and they look/feel decent, but are they really decent stuff that will last a long time? Where did STX-RC shifters fit into the line, higher end, mid-range, or low?
Should I be looking at replacing the SRAM 5.0 8-speed cartridge soon? If I go to a 9-speed cartridge and shifter, will my existing rear derailleur still work fine?
I've got Pro Max something or other V-brakes. They look cheap-azz and I think they could feel quite a bit better in use. I'm wondering if I should step right up to XTR brakes because of their replaceable bearings, should I just get the Deore XT brakes with the replaceable brass bushings, or will Deore LX brakes with non-replaceable bushings be fine for years and years?
How much should LX, XT and XTR brakes/cable/levers cost online or at the LBS?
Are my Shimano Nexave cranks POS porkers that I should trade up (and notice the difference)? Where did Nexave fit into the line, low-end, or mid-range?
Lastly, I think the stock Shimano Nexave front derailleur shifts like crud. I've gathered from MTBR that the XTR front derailleur is the one and only FD to buy for precise, dependable front shifting. Is this true in the experience of all you serious riders out there?
Thanks, everyone.