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Tijs
@dsalmon
Panicking about returning to the UK with no job I bought an early 90s Trek off eBay. Ambition is to use it for my first forays into the world of audax while I save for my dream bike.
Like any eBay purchase, I’m already regretting it. Current owner has done a respray and added terrible decals that don’t match the frame date or don’t make sense.
From what I can tell the groupset was updated to shimano sora at some point, he’s kept the brifters and groupset but swapped in some bits from the parts bin - ribble (?) wheelset, awful bar tape and fugly seat. Pics of state of bike when he purchased it below.
All aesthetic so not a bad place to start from. Will collect it in mid-March, hopefully use Railway Touring Club ride as a test run, and slowly upgrade parts throughout the year once I have an income. Likely to be all second hand parts though.
Thinking to:
Go 2x10. Internet research suggests need a spacer if swapping in a 10spd cassette but otherwise straightforward.
Will need new chain and decent brifters - 105? Suggestions welcome but has to be wallet friendly. Need to think about gear ratio - audax/light touring friendly but not too spinny.
See if wheelset needs to be lighter. Opportunity to go full audax and get a front dynamo hub? Hmm, could be spendy but opportunity to learn how to build a wheel.
Wider tyres - 28mm depending on rim width of existing wheels.
Mudguards - GB, size tbc.
Change finishing kit, Look pedals to give a nod to its 90s trek heritage and a cambium carved saddle.
Get rid of those decals. First priority (no ££ needed!)
Rack/suitable luggage - probably a super c bar bag and saddle bag.
Need to do a proper shopping list once I’ve seen the bike in real life and worked out monthly spend.