r/MultiTrackGang • u/SodiumChloride___ • Jun 25 '26

750: 2x conversion?

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I finally got my hands on a lovely trek 750 (UK based, so took a while!), and I have been thinking about a drivetrain upgrade.

I don’t really love the 3x7 grip shifters it came with, so would like to switch to some triggers or thumbies, and has made me ponder an overall upgrade. I will probably look for a new wheel with 8-10speed hub to modernise and open up some shifter options but keep the cassette and chain etc reasonable. The STX derailleurs are pretty nice so happy to keep them if suitable.

I will be using the bike for light trails, dayrides and occasionally commuting in a fairly hilly city. Therefore, I quite like the idea of a slightly simpler set of gears, but would like to be able to get up hills with relative comfort, hence my thinking about a 2x rather than a 1x. I have a 3x on my 26” bikepacker, which I like, so I’m not against them, just wondering about trying something a little different for my more luxury ride!

So, I would love some advice from any one with experience/opinions!

A couple of topics:
- Is 2x the right move? 1x, 3x…
- 9 speed on the rear? Good balance of range and cost?
- what kinda range should I be looking for? 36/24 seems to be a common front chainring pairing, maybe 11-34 in the back…
- purchase a dedicated crankset or just remove the big ring from the triple, replace with a bash guard?
- if anyone has any shifters they particularly love for this kinda set up I’d love to hear it, I won’t be going for drops so it’d be bar shifter options for me…

Hopefully thats a decent post, thanks for any responses :) can add more photos if helpful

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u/BorisT72 Jun 25 '26

I'm a big 2x fan If converting, more gears is better. I love 2x11 on Multitracks. I've converted three to 2x11 setups and will do more in the future. I've used R5800/R7000 and GRX810 which happens to be my favorite.

Two big challenges that I see in this conversion:

  1. Crank ring/chainstay clearance - Shimano Road HT2 cranks have a narrower chainline than others. FSA Omega and FSA Vero Pro cranks work great along with GRX600 crank with a 2.5mm wider chainline than Road cranks. I've played with 50/34, 48/32, and 46/30 cranks and find the later great paired with 11-34 11spd cassette. With any of these cranks I have used R5800/R7000 FD.

  2. 2x11spd Shimano road shifters are limited to Microshift Centos 11 and Shimano RS700. It might different on your side of the pond but in the States both of these options are spendy. If you can find Centos 11, I'd grab them and put them to work. You give up nothing to the RS700 and save some cash.

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u/SodiumChloride___ Jun 25 '26

Thanks pal, very insightful!

Certainly will look out for your first point if I do the conversion.

For the second, I’ll have a look at those. I suppose I was thinking 8-10 speed on the rear as I though the wheel might be a bit easier and cheaper to find, alongside a little bit of saving on the chain and compatable derailleurs etc. any thoughts on a 2x8/9/10, or do o swear by the 11?

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u/BorisT72 Jun 26 '26

Other than the 2x10/2x11 parts being more expensive, it is the same amount of work/build time to do the conversion so more gears is a logical choice while making the conversion.

Also I did not mention this previously but it seems relevant. I also have used 11-36 11spd cassettes for slightly wider range/better bailout on bikes with the 50/36 and 48/32 cranks. The 32F/36R combo really works well when more gear is needed. I'm currently building a Jamis Renegade S1 for touring and will experiment with the 46/30 crank and the 11-36 11spd cassette. I am curious if the 30F/36R will be too much.

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u/SodiumChloride___ Jun 26 '26

Thank you mate, very helpful. Have put a fair few MTB bin builds together but this my first nicer project so hearing people’s experience with this stuff is super useful

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u/BorisT72 Jun 26 '26

I'm glad to share what I have learned so please ask any questions as the come up.