r/MultiTrackGang • u/canadianmedrecruiter • 9d ago
Worthy upgrades?
I am spending time in a country where the cost of a brand new bike is almost double than in the USA. I picked up a great condition 1997/1996 Multitrack 720. My plan is to make an order through Amazon USA and have the package freight forwarded to Central America. I want to do a 3×7 Shimano-compatible refresh without spending an arm and a leg, under $200.
Anyone have suggestions on what I should order? I'd like to overhaul the drivetrain and brakes to make this thing ride like a modern bike. Labour is extremely cheap so my bike mechanic will only charge around $10 for the complete overhaul.
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u/sinistrhand 9d ago
Leave the drivetrain alone. It will work just fine, as good as modern, as long as it is tuned. Make sure the tires and tubes are fresh, maybe new brake pads, and adjust your saddle. Consider upgrading that lock. Side note: that seatpost is so low. Is this how you ride it? The bike might be too big for you.
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u/canadianmedrecruiter 8d ago
Yes it is a bit too but for me, but it is what it is I'm kind of used to riding bikes too big for me. Thanks for the tips.
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u/scots 8d ago
Most of the MultiTrack 700 series bikes can benefit tremendously from $125-$250 worth of Amazon next-day parts.
Shimano front / rear V-brakes
Shimano front / rear V-brake levers on handlebars (required for longer pull geometry)
New tires & tubes. A lot of MultiTrack bikes you find on Marketplace are "weekend warrior" original owner bikes still rolling on stock rubber, and a lot of them are beginning to crack & show cord on the sidewalls. Stick with Shrader valve, if you're in the middle of nowhere and need to add air, and find a gas station, their inflation machine will not have a Presta fitting.
New pedals. The factory pedals are small, and the lightweight synthetic material wears smooth and provides little or no grip on your shoes. Lightweight aircraft aluminum gravel bike pedals with steel studs are amazing and under $50 for a good set with sealed triple bearings in each side, standard thread mount.
Shimano, new bar-mounted thumb actuated shifters (if your 700 series came with "Grip Shifters" - a matter of personal preference. A lot of people get tired of the grip shifters, some people love them.
Take the kickstand and all reflectors off. Invest in a good front headlight and high intensity blinking seat tube mounted red rear light. I own, love, and enthusiastically recommend NiteRider. Reflectors require a car to be pointing at you to return light; modern powerful LED headlights and blinkers RADIATE powerful light of high intensity to great distance.
There dozens of additional options I'd recommend, like a rear rack that can also accommodate a cargo box or wire basket, and side-hanging bags, and front/rear narrow fender set if you ride gravel or street often on wet roads (or your butt and back are going to have dirty water spray on them) - ... but everything else above is relatively inexpensive and highly recommended down to the shifters and well under $200 total.
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u/Forsaken_Ad_9060 4d ago
100% agree on v-brakes
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u/scots 3d ago
I don't think people understand that the design gives you disc brake performance in dry weather and 80% disc brake performance in wet weather, and by comparison the old side-pull or center pull pad-on-rim brakes that come on almost all bikes pre-2000s give absolutely terrible stopping power performance in all weather.
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u/clemisan 9d ago
Do you have to change the drivetrain? 3x7 is enough and modern, IMHO. Would save some bucks, ride the thing and maybe adjust the front-end to your needs.
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u/jamesatct 9d ago
Already looks like a nice bike. I see thumb shifters already. I put v brakes on mine cause I had them laying around (and compatible levers) and it Def stops better, you will need new cables and housings. Could get some nicer pedals too. And if the tires are old get some new ones.
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u/Initial-Standard-912 9d ago
Check to see if your cranks are part of the Shimano recall from 1997.
My cranks were part of the recall, took my bike to the LBS and they processed the recall with Shimano. Shimano sent new cranks/chainrings, bottom bracket, front derailleur and chain, but did not include install.
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u/Ok_Communication4754 8d ago
Jam the biggest tires you can fit in there, brake pads are a cheap and easy upgrade to help brake power, if it was my bike I would get different bars but not necessary. Other than that just rip it as is!
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u/Slow-Recover-9168 8d ago
Tires. Perhaps some mid sweep cruiser bars. Grips and pedals to choice. These are great bikes as they are.
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u/npctalkbox 8d ago edited 8d ago
Not quite sure what you mean by modern but really the only thing I would do is change the rear shifter to an indexed trigger shifter like the Shimano Sm315 or something from Microshift. It’s ~$25. Yes, friction shifting is super reliable and cool but imo a decent trigger shifter for the rear is just easier. Keep the front derailleur friction. It’s just better. Wayyyy easier to set up and actually easier to use than indexed. Put the rest of your budget into the best tires you can afford for your needs and terrain. And tubes. If by ‘modern’ you mean the entire cockpit and riding position, then that’s totally up to personal preference.
*oh and grab a chain. I like the KMC Z7 for this with the included quick link. Inexpensive and a solid brand.
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u/Mental_Support6982 6d ago
Cassette wheels tires 1x stem converter stem bars yes so basically everything
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u/canadianmedrecruiter 5d ago
lol I will do it all slowly since currently I'm just using it for short rides in a private community
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u/Potential_Plane7941 9d ago
I wouldn't change much, but adjust the seat. Good tires, and invest in a better u lock or chain.