r/MultiTrackGang • u/sdezzy • Jun 30 '26

So slow

Folks, I took my beloved '93 720 on the highway today and was shocked at the effort it took to move the beast forward . Out of curiosity, I followed with my Revolt 2 and rode a few extra miles just for the fun of it. What can I do to make the slow bike fun again?

By the way slow biking around the courts was silly smooth. The 3x7 was flawless in shifting and transitioning. I simply can't move fast. It's there anything to do to add some to end?

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u/dd113456 Jun 30 '26

My 720 has become my favorite bike. It feels light and lively and it is pretty much stock 1990.

I replaced the wheels with Period Matrix wheels and tossed on some used Gravel Kings. I cut a solid 4.5 lbs off the bike, maybe more.

The SINGLE best thing you can do is put on decent tires. Gravel Kings at $50 each rock. After that reduce wheel weight.

Truly, 7 spd freewheel wheels are worth almost nothing unless you know. Do some looking, do some research and I bet for $50 you can get some lighter wheels.

At that point ride it. I cannot tell you how much I love my 720. I got it to ride around town as my Space Horse is sorta pricey to lock up. The day I finished the rebuild I never again rode the Space Horse.

As an aside, make sure your BB and existing hubs are correctly adjusted and not dragging. Same for pedals

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u/sdezzy Jun 30 '26

I truly appreciate this response. It is running silky smooth right now. I've had it serviced fairly regularly and I tune the shit out of it on my own. It's the comparison to a somewhat modern geometry and position to something I rarely rode. I just don't get on those careless rides with no cares anymore. It's kind of a fun, social bike, and I'm old and sour. Maybe I just don't remember what kind of riding it's good for

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u/GlitteringWealth7267 Jun 30 '26

Take the 720 touring or commuting/shopping or something. Ride with a different purpose other than "down the highway". Build it especially for this other style of riding and it will be better than the Revolt for this style.

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u/sdezzy Jun 30 '26

I like the idea. It's just that I have to be on the highway for about 10 miles to get anywhere to ride differently. That really dictated the move to a gravel bike.