Bringing old MTB back to life

[mike9009]

Hi

I have an old Trek 930 Single Track MTB, which I would like to bring back to life. It has not been used in anger for about 20 years and dates to about 1993.

The rear wheel was trashed and so currently it has no cassette or rear wheel.

It has a mixture of group set, including Deore DX thumb shifters, Deore DX rear mech ( short cage), Std XT brakes, XTR front mech, so old but not rusted and in pretty good condition. I would like to keep some originality but I would like to

1. Change to a V brake set up. I think I can keep the original levers and upgrade with some current Deore V brakes? Possible?
2. Buy a new rear wheel. It looks like an 8speed free hub with a spacer will allow an old 7speed cassette to work. Any issues around the drop out spacing here or is it all standard? I have a new chain already suitable for a 7 speed cassette.
3. Any recommendations for new rubber? Planning on using mainly on made-up tracks and on road so considering some 1.5" width tyres.

I will replace all cabling with new (inner and outer). Anything else to consider?

Thanks for any advice.


Mike

[Howaboutthis]

Some say a wider tyre at the correct pressure rolls just as fast, but is more comfortable. Semi-slick seems sensible, I'm tempted by the Schwalbe Hurricane which has puncture resistance built in. Good luck with your project, let us know how you get on.

[anonymous-user]

Headset bearings

[m_cozzy]

To actually use properly or for sentimental reasons? Tbh you are best off slinging it and buying a new or second hand modern one.

[sam.rog]

1. Change to a V brake set up. I think I can keep the original levers and upgrade with some current Deore V brakes? Possible?

It looks like the frame has provisions for running v brakes. Shimano xt are good or Avid sd. If the frame was canti only sometimes its wise to fit a brake booster as the rear stays can bow from the extra force of v brakes.
Well setup cantis are fine for most uses. I use koolstop salmon pads and find braking fine.

2. Buy a new rear wheel. It looks like an 8speed free hub with a spacer will allow an old 7speed cassette to work. Any issues around the drop out spacing here or is it all standard? I have a new chain already suitable for a 7 speed cassette.

Loads of old wheels on ebay. Prices have increased since the lockdown. Check the rear hub spacing. I think most by then were 135mm but some still used 130mm.

3. Any recommendations for new rubber? Planning on using mainly on made-up tracks and on road so considering some 1.5" width tyres.

I would fit a 2” or above if you have room. The wider tyres are proven to be faster. You can run less pressure for comfort which means you dont fatigue as quickly. Plus its more pleasant.

I will replace all cabling with new (inner and outer). Anything else to consider?

What condition is the bottom bracket in?
Headset bearings?
Pedal bearings?
Normally a strip, clean and regrease will be fine if the ball-races aren’t pitted or worn.

[Justin S]

Cantilever brake levers with V brakes will not pull enough cable and make them feel really mushy and not great.
I had a 930 as a bitsa hack bike and it rode fantastic. Was a great steel frame .
I just gave my neighbour a wheel for his bike or I could have helped there....... sorry..... I am sure that using a rear wheel with the right spacer will allow a 7 speed cassette. All QR rear wheels have the same spacing.