Swapping handlebars on 1997 Trek Multitrack 730 for Upright ride
 

Hello, Way back in 1997 I bought a Trek Multitrack 730 bicycle. I rode it around Central Park in Manhattan for a year or so but never really used it much after that. I recently decided to dust it off and begin to use it here in upstate New York along the Erie Canal towpath trail. My problem is that a couple of years ago I seriously broke my left arm at the elbow. I have a steel plate and 6 long screws holding my elbow together. The handlebars on my bike force me to lean over and put quite a bit of pressure on my arms while riding. Is it possible to swap out the handlebars with something that would give me a much more upright position while riding? Is it possible to use the same shifters and brakes or do I need to swap those out as well? Thanks for your suggestions.http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=456217

You can change out the handlebar and possibly the stem. I would suggest in addition to getting a bar with a little rise, also get a bar that puts your wrists in a more natural position. Thinking about the Nitto Albatross, Velo Orange Tourist, Jones Bend H bar, or the Soma Sparrow. Just make sure whatever you buy fits your stem.

Thanks so much. I will check these out. I rode the bike last night and wasn't thinking at all about my elbow and when I got home It was clear that I have to make a change. Thanks again!

That is a fine bicycle that is worth putting a few bucks into. I have a virtually identical Bianchi Advantage from the same year that still rides great. I gave it to my son last year.

If those are the original tires, you might want to consider replacing. Even if the bike had low miles, the rubber in the sidewalls hardens over time.

They are the original tires... I have ridden the bike twice in the last two days and so far so good but I may be riding on borrowed time. I do plan to replace the tires as well as the handlebar set up and maybe the saddle. My body is no longer the same shape as it was in 1997...

Did you end up swapping your handlebars? I have a Multitrack 730 and just seeing what kind of conversions others have done. Thanks!

Multitracks are ripe for updating/reworking. They've got great tire clearance and good compatibility for swapping out componenets. If you check out xbiking over on ****** you'll see loads of cool ideas. Drops, alt bars, bikepacking builds, the works.