A project bike I’ve been resorting.
Purchased this 1997 Trek 850 off a guy called Greg who had owned and cherished it since new.
Inspired heavily by the awesome vintage bike builds over at billobikes I wanted to create my own. It’s been super fun speccing this out and learning more about getting a bike tuned up. Really like the idea and look of having a older steel tube frame with a modern group set, especially an enormous 1 x 11 drive chain.
Love how tight the tolerances of everything are, mostly by luck. The 2.3 tires only just fit and the rear derailleur is massive.
A local bike shop had found the wheels for me, an unusual request, being 26” rim with a 11 speed hub. Hindsight I wish I had given building the wheels a go! I hear it can be tricky but would be fun to learn. Maybe on the next one!
It’s feels amazing to ride, super solid but lightweight. Plan to have it as a daily town ripper with plans to rig it out for mini tours.
