Swapping handlebars on 1997 Trek Multitrack 730 for Upright ride
06-06-15, 08:01 AM
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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.
06-06-15, 08:13 AM
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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.
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06-06-15, 08:30 AM
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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!
06-06-15, 08:46 AM
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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.
06-06-15, 03:24 PM
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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...
06-03-22, 02:13 PM
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Hello, Way back in 1997 I bought a Trek Multitrack 730 bicycle. 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.
06-19-22, 01:06 PM
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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.
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