nathand

I've done exactly that - swapped out the saddle and seatpost, cleaned up most of the drivetrain, and fixed the brakes. One of the brake studs on the fork is broken off, someone used a problem solvers kit to replace it but installed it poorly such that braking forces bent the bolt. Fortunately a neighbor had the correct tap, and with a longer bolt it's all secure now. I also replaced the rear tire (not shown in this photo) since it spontaneously split, fortunately not while I was riding it; I should probably replace the front too. I'm really surprised at how much fun this bike is. I'm no longer feeling the urge to do a drop-bar conversion in a hurry; I am happy to ride it as is for errands around town and my short commute. It might replace my 930 for towing the kid trailer due to the V-brakes and more upright riding position.

hokiefyd 

Yes, definitely! If the tires are of the same age (and they appear to be), the front tire is likely compromised as well. And the front tire is the tire more critical to safety (since a front tire failure is much more difficult to control and/or recover from while riding than a rear tire failure is).

mikehuangsd

neat, another thread I can post this bike to. A 2007 Trek Multitrack 7000 with beefy tires and drops:





I sold it last night, and now I'm sad.

Korina

Heh. Those old bikes can have that effect. Definitely change out that front tire ASAP. I rode my 8 mile commute on an upright bike and never had a problem; I only ever reached a blistering 14mph, but that was the motor and I was never in a hurry to get to work anyway. Enjoy your ride!

tdipail

Loving seeing all these Multitracks!
Posting pics of mine soon

DorkDisk

Here's my winter all-rounder I built starting with a '94 750 frameset.





weight with pedals

hokiefyd 

That's a nice weight savings over factory. I see aftermarket wheels (with relatively light tires), a hollowtech crankset, and perhaps light bar/stem/seat post. What made the biggest difference in terms of weight reduction?

fishboat

Nice job. My GF has a drop bar converted gravel/touring bike built on a '91 750...runs 700x38's on it. She loves it. Handles a full touring load with ease. I wouldn't have thought it could reach sub-24# levels..wonderful bike.

DorkDisk

It was a frame-up build so no reduction to be made, more of an additive process. Generally, a modern high end hollow crankset can drop a pound over a low end square taper one; but this one is Deore M6K, so its not as light as could be. Modern seatposts are sub 190g@350mm, this stock one is 310g@300mm. Campagnolo Calima wheels are not light at 1800g; a friend offered some used Ksyriums which would've chunked off another pound but I wanted new brake tracks.

Basically, every part on it is not the lightest, but is good and not heavy. The only truly weenie thing I did on it was to run a Ti quill bolt.

For sure, if I were to go on a tour, this would be the rig I would take.

fishboat

Sub-24# without trying too hard..even better. As time passes I continue to be amazed at how versatile the 750 frame is. My GF's 750 is 3x8 Claris with 1800g wheels. Nets out in the 28-29# range with pedals, front and rear racks, 400mm seatpost, 700x38 gravelkings....

I have a '93 Trek 970 that I did a DB conversion on and now use it for touring. Basically the same geometry as the 750 (early 90s), and the 520, but different tubing, with XT components, Tourney 3x7 shifters. Wonderful bike. That said.. I may have to pick up a 750 at some point just to mess around with.

hokiefyd 

My '97 750 is in the 28 pound range, but it's got a pretty heavy wheelset and rear hub (all stock). The rear hub is a roller clutch which is pretty heavy. A different set of wheels would probably shave a few pounds just by themselves. The original Matrix wheels usually offer a LOT of resistance to fresh tires being mounted also, and I've been thinking about different wheels just for that reason.

tdipail

My new Multitrack. A very nice riding bike indeed.

Year?

nathand

Looks like a 1998 to me. Vintage Trek shows one of the color schemes for that year was black with green decals, which appears to match yours, and yours has the same v-brakes, adjustable stem, and decals as my 1998 730 (although mine is a different color). I'd guess it's the 19" frame.

DorkDisk

These are very similar to the very versatile Surly Crosscheck, but from the 90s and made in USA. Even weight is comparable; 5lbs for frame, 2lbs for fork.

I wouldn't mind a 970 or 990 but I have lots of 90's 26" steel already.



Crosscheck and Multitrack

Kobe 

I have been looking for a 750 or 790 in 23" at a reasonable price for years. When this '92 790 came up on FB marketplace I jumped on it even though it's going to need some work. The seller was asking $250 but came down to $225 even though he had 4 or 5 people wanting to look at it. every part seems to be original except for the tires. The paint is in pretty good shape only needing a few touch ups. I plan to put some wider bars, 54cm seems tiny by today's standards, and maybe upgrade the brakes to my favorite Tektro CR720's. Is there any value in keeping it stock or at least keeping the parts around? None of my bikes are stock, but I never seem to find them this original.

katsup

Not really, other than having a spare part should you ever need (if they are still compatible).

​​​​​​Nice bike.

bh85

I acquired 1992 750 - 21” frame and I’m 5’8”. I wonder if it will be too tall. I did do a mock up on my other bike with stand over, which I’m most concerned and it wasn’t too bad. I’m not too concerned with reach because I can adjust it. Is anyone else 5’8” riding a 21”?.

I got frame for like 100$ and I sent it to get powder coated gloss black. I plan to turn it into gravel bike/commuter.

wrightstuff

I'm 5'9" and my 21" 1992 790 fits like a glove. Be sure to post pictures of the build once it's done!

bh85

Will do. Hopefully I will have it done by the end of this month. I’m still deciding what group set to do. Was thinking 1x10, new deore10 speed rd with 1x fsa vero cranks and miscroshift 10 speed MTB bar end shifted. I don’t think chain line will be a problem?

tdipail

It’s going to be a compromise. On my two street biased MTB’s that are now both 1x9’s the chain is not too happy in cog 7, 8 and especially 9. Lots of noise/stress, and from above it is easy to see the misalignment. I shimmed the crank so it is straightest on cogs 1,2 and 3 though, where most time is spent.

bh85

Do you think it’s because of the crankset? Not made for 1x.

tdipail

The crank I run is made for 1 ring
it is a race face evolve.

Anemic

Great work finding & rehabbing these fine old Multitracks! I have to update the thread with photos of my kids college Multitracks. They both requested dropbar conversions with fenders and they turned out great. I can't waitt to show you the 1992 790 I found, which was sold new from the shop I ride for today, to a Dr who NEVER rode it! He aged out two pairs of new unridden tires. It's that brilliant lapis blue paint job and the lugged frame. Fits my son just great too. Last time I tried to upload photos, I had lost my privileges due to inactivity. What is the max tire clearance without fenders on these frames? I have a hole in my own quiver between CX & MTB and could use a bike for GravelKing 43s, thanks.

tdipail

My black 730 above has 38's on it now. Its tight with fenders so I'd say 40's or maybe 42's are possible without them.

dae91n

Love seeing all these builds!