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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

1954.0. "TREK 830 Information Request" by MEALA::B_WALSH () Wed May 29 1991 14:03

    
     Folks....  I've recently purchased a TREK 830 (4130 CH-MO)
           tubing ,alloys,Shimano exage 300LX gearchanger,shimano STI
           gear selectors etc....
                                 As this is my first mountain bike I'd 
           appreciate some information on the above with regards
           to equipment pricing etc...
                                    I intend to use it as for general run 
           around not competition.       
    
            
              I'd appreciate any information....
    
                                      Regards..... Brian.
    
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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1954.1Good BikeCTHQ1::FREREEllas Danzan SolasThu May 30 1991 11:366
    It's a very good entry level mtn bike.
    
    Since you have already purchased it, can you expand on the "equipment
    pricing, etc" part?
    
    Eric
1954.2Was I sold a sausage MEALA::B_WALSHThu May 30 1991 12:4630
    
    
     Eric....thanks for the reply...
                            I purchased the bike secondhand here in Ireland
     for 165 pounds ($260) because it looked like a fairly good buy, as I'm
     new to the mountain bike scene it's only after buying the bike that
     I've starting reading this notesfile to see if I could trace the TREK
     brand which seemingly are not available here in Ireland.
                              Re the equipment pricing etc... I was trying 
     to source what level of equipment the bike had - was it good,middle of
     the road or what ??. Also what price the bike was new ??
                              Is TREK an American manufacturer - as this
     bike was made in Taiwan ? also from this notes file I've not seen the 
     TREK 830 mentioned for quite a while mainly TREK 1200 etc...
         What's the Shimano 300LX equipment like ?.... I'd appreciate info
     with regards to where the TREK 830 lies on the TREK bike ladder also 
     where the Shimano 300LX equipment is placed. Also how does the tubing
     (CH-MO 4130) compare to Renolds tubing ...?
    
                                         Thanks for your interest..
    
      
    
    
      
                                                           
    
    
      
     
1954.3Shimanor range...VAOU02::OWONGSKIWI in Canada (VAO)Sat Jun 01 1991 00:4712
    From memory this is the order of level for the Shimano
    mountain bike range :-
    
    DEORE XT	Top
    DEORE DX
    DEORE LX
    500 LX
    400 LX
    300 LX
    200 GS
    100 GS
    
1954.4I love my TREK!BUSY::BLANCHARDMon Jun 03 1991 19:519
    hi !  Ijust wanted to add that I bought my TREK 820 last spring
    and it has been great.  I did a lot of shopping around and this 
    was the best bike for the price.  All I needed was an entry level
    bike, and I'll work my way up from there.  I haven't had any problem
    at all with it, and it is a pretty tough bike...
    
    I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine!
    
    monique
1954.5Re .3MEALA::B_WALSHTue Jun 04 1991 06:266
    
     re .3 ........  thanks
                            Any idea what price differences would be ?
    
                                                                 B.
    
1954.6One for my sonDPDMAI::GUYERTue Jun 11 1991 14:548
    I bought my son a Trek 830 last summer.  I believe I paid about $380
    dollars for it.  He is quite hard on the bike and so far I have not had
    to do anything but adjust the front derailer cable.  He likes it very
    much and according to him it is an "in" bike.  All his friends are
    envious.  Aside from it's prestige factor, it does have a good list of
    components for the price (good value).  I peronally don't like the STI
    shifters but my son does and that's what counts.  It should be a good
    reliable bike.
1954.7More problemsMEALA::B_WALSHWed Jun 12 1991 06:3618
    
    I find the bike very pleasing to ride and have started to take this 
    sport a bit more seriously - taking to the hills - very mountainous
    and scenic area around here I don't know why I'm not biking for years.
    
            Re - your adjustments to the front derailer mine definately 
     need adjusting ;
                       Is there a specific starting point and step by step 
     method for adjusting the front derailer with STI levers ? Should the 
     front derailer move a cog with each click ? I have to go 2 clicks -
     should it be stiff ?  what do the 2 screws on the derailer do ??
    
                Any help appreciated ..........
    
    
                                          Brian...
               
       
1954.8Rear derailleur is set the same wayELMAGO::TTOMBAUGHA Fistful of EpoxyWed Jun 12 1991 12:1334
    re .7
    
    The two screws on the front derailleur set the inner and outer limits
    of travel. They have no effect except at the extremes of derailleur
    movement. 
    
    There should be an "L" and "H" stamped near each screw, low for
    inner adjustment, high for outer adjustment.
    
    If you need two clicks to move between each chainring, the derailleur
    cable tension is probably out of adjustment. 
    To adjust, put the chain on the outer ring and turn the threaded
    shaft on the end of the cable housing where it enters the derailleur.
    It may be necessary to loosen the lock nut first.
    The goal is to get the cable tension just tight enough to cause
    movement immediately, as the shift lever is moved. With correct
    tension, one click will allow movement to the next chainwheel.
    
    Too much tension will not allow the chain to move out far enough
    to engage the outer chainwheel. Remember, the "H" screw also affects
    this setting.
    
    Too little tension causes the multiple clicks between positions,
    that you are experiencing. 
    
    With the chain on the inner chainwheel, cable tension should be
    fairly taut, and the "L" set screw should be adjusted to allow no
    further inward movement. 
    
    This is all easier than it sounds. Tweak your set screws and cable
    adjusting barrel around a little and it will be obvious how things
    work.
    
    Terry
1954.9Re .7 STI lever effortMEALA::B_WALSHWed Jun 12 1991 14:1111
    
    re .8
                Thanks for the reply.
                                      I'll give it a try this evening and 
                let you know tommorrow  - should the front derailer using
                the STI levers ( being properly adjusted ) be as free to 
                change from one cog to another as the rear or does the size
                of the front cogs ratio the amount of effort required. 
              
                                                            Brian.
    
1954.10ELMAGO::TTOMBAUGHA Fistful of EpoxyThu Jun 13 1991 12:456
    The front derailleur lever can be set to move as freely as the rear
    if it doesn't creep out of position. On my indexed levers, the front
    is probably set a little tighter than the rear. Can't recall that
    I've ever tried to adjust it.
    
    Terry
1954.11Adjusting barell MEALA::B_WALSHThu Jun 13 1991 13:4312
    
     I had a look at the front derailer setup last night and there ain't
     no adjusting barrel the cable just comes up from the bottom and
     under the retaining nut ? are the sti levers adjustable what happens
     in there ? I have opened things before only to hear springs etc landing 
     all around. Are the STI levers just a ratchet and clutch cable holding
     mechanism - I spotted your L and H  - thanks for the info.
    
           Shimano 300 LX is the derailer type.
                            
                                                        B.
       
1954.12ELMAGO::TTOMBAUGHA Fistful of EpoxyThu Jun 13 1991 19:3119
    Sorry about the adjusting barrel mixup. I was thinking of the rear
    derailleur when I wrote that.
    With the retaining nut set-up, put the front lever fully forward,
    chain on outer chainwheel, then loosen the retaining nut and tension
    the cable just enough to cause the derailleur to start moving in
    and soon as the lever is moved. The position of the derailleur over
    the chain wheel is set with the "H" screw before the cable is
    tensioned, then possibly readjusting the screw after a test ride.
    
    I don't know anything about the internals of the STI levers. DON'T
    take them apart. If they use the pivoting "D" ring for tensioning
    just turn it forward to increase the stiffness of lever movement,
    rearward to decrease. If they don't use a "D" ring then there should
    be a screw in the center that does the same thing.
    
    If this is a new bike, expect to do the cable adjustment a few times
    until the cables stop stretching.
    
    Terry
1954.13I'll give it a shotMEALA::B_WALSHFri Jun 14 1991 06:238
    
     thanks... Terry
                            I'll give it a shot over the weekend.Have a
    nice weekend and don't push yourself to hard on those hills I may have 
    more questions for my own personal bicycle mechanic on Monday.
    
                                   Thank again ..... Brian
    
1954.14is this normal?HELIX::MCGRAYMon Jun 17 1991 13:0613
    
    Hi just bought a TREK 820 a month ago.  The front derailer NEVER clicks
    at all, I always have a hard time getting it into gear.  I just have to
    listen for the chain to catch.  Is that what it's supposed to do?
    Also, I noticed that when in the middle front gear (8-14???) it seems
    to be in position until I get to 13 or 14, and then the chain starts
    clicking like it's out of gear until I adjust the front derailer a
    little more.  Is this normal?  I've never owned a bike before, never
    mind one with so many gears!
    
    Thanks
    Julie 
    
1954.15A NUMBER OF POSSIBILITIESWMOIS::C_GIROUARDMon Jun 17 1991 15:2010
     Front derailleurs are not (usually) indexed. If the rear is shifting
    okay, but you're getting chain noise, all you need is a minor barrel
    adjustment (found on the rear derailleur... 
    
     If you're finding (or think your getting) excessive "chain drag"
    before you shift up front, that could mean a number of adjustments
    to the front derailleur, e.g. height of the derailleur, in-out
    adjustment, parellel (guide to chain travel)...
    
      Chip
1954.16have the store check them!SALEM::SHAWVertical Obsession...Mon Jun 17 1991 15:398
    
    RE:14
    
    Julie if you bought your TREK from a bike shop, you should bring it
    back they should adjust your derailures for you, most probably at 
    no cost or very little cost.
    
    Shaw
1954.17Everybody riding Trek 820/830 ?....ELMAGO::TTOMBAUGHA Fistful of EpoxyMon Jun 17 1991 15:4236
    Since I've been appointed Trek 820/830 advisor, ;^) , I'll take
    a shot at Julie's problem too.
    I've never seen a Trek 820/830, so have no preconceived notions
    about them.
    
    Julie, first you have to make sure that your front dereailleur is
    the index type; I assume it is. Then you have to make sure that
    it is set to the index mode. Most indexed shifters have a non-indexed
    mode also. It will never click when in the non-index mode.
    It may be operating normally as set, but it shouldn't be difficult
    to shift even in non-index mode.
    
    As to the other problem,I'm not sure what you mean by "...middle
    front gear (8-14???) ", but if the chain is on the middle chain
    ring, and you shift to the outside cogs on the rear (13 or 14) 
    and you hear a rubbing or clicking sound, probably what is happening
    is that the chain line is far enough outboard to cause the chain
    to rub against the front derailleur cage, until you adjust it.
    
    It may be possible to adjust the front derailleur in the index mode
    to give enough clearance when running on the outside cogs, but this
    can be a marginal clearance situation in many cases, couldn't say
    without looking at it. You may not be able to run the small cogs
    with the middle chain ring without rubbing. The same gearing, without
    rubbing, can probably be obtained with some other combination of
    gearing, ie, outer chainwheel and inner cog, so your not really
    at a disadvantage by not running in the condition that causes the
    rubbing.
    
    A good exercise to fill your spare time, is to look through the
    notes and find the note that describes how to calculate gear inches.
    Do this for your bike, make a chart, and you'll always know what
    combination of gears gives what gear inch.
    
    Terry 
    probably be obtained with some other 
1954.18MEALA::B_WALSHTue Jun 18 1991 15:1311
    
     Terry.....
                  Thanks for your indepth replies they have been most
     helpful I think my problem is sorted out - just needed a little
     adjusting to things I was nervous to touch....I'll be giving it a 
     fairly good spin tonight should test it.
    
                                        Thanks for your help
              
                                                          Brian.
        
1954.19They're STIDPDMAI::GUYERTue Jun 18 1991 19:0015
    My son's Trek 830 has STI shift levers, under the bar.  The front one
    is indexed as well as the back.  It's a strange set up in that the
    shift upward is variable (using the big lever) and you can stop
    wherever you want.  It would be easy to go too far or too slow, making
    the shifts somewhat inaccurate.  Going down, (using the small lever) it
    indexes quickly going from the outer to the middle and the middle to
    the inner.  I have not noticed any chain rubbing at the outer extremes
    but that would not be unusual,  Especially going up because of the
    inaccuracy of the shift.  I think! there is also a lever to make the
    shifter non-indexed.  You may have it in the non-indexed mode.  I agree
    that if you bought the bike at a bike shop, take it back and let them
    look it over.  I know that can be an inconvenience but unless you know
    what you are doing or have a friend who does you can really get those
    things out of wack by playing around with them.  They are very
    sensitive.
1954.20More questions...MEALA::B_WALSHWed Jun 19 1991 07:0524
    
     Re .19
    
               Re the indexed / non-indexed changing lever - Where is it
    normally -( TREK 830 )?. Any idea what the spring loaded screws on the 
    brake levers do.What causes brakes to screeech / sing - they use'nt. 
    
                               Brian.........who prefers to seek advice
                                        before touching things.... experience
    
    Terry....
             Completed 30 miles last night - on the road - beautiful
    night.- though there's a lot of hills here in Tipperary.
                              I think my front derailer needs a little
    more tweeking.....2 click story from small to middle cog upwards and a
    fair bit of pressure,nothing like changing the rear.
             Should the saddle be much higher than the bars or is it where 
    I find comfortable ( probably with bars higher than saddle - on the
    road anyway,I get a pain in my neck from crouching down and trying to
    watch out for stray cows/cars ahead etc....)
                                             
                                                              B.
                                                
    
1954.21I'm no expert, but I ride a lot!SALEM::SHAWVertical Obsession...Wed Jun 19 1991 11:5819
    re:-1
    
    The position of the saddle as oppossed to the bar is something you 
    decide when you by the bike as to the bikes dimenssions and head/seat
    angle.  Once you have the bike the only way to correct that, (that I 
    know of) is with a different stem, or crank arm length. Your saddle 
    should be at a position that when you have your pedel all the way down
    there is a 15 to 20 degree bend in your knee. You don't want to sit
    so far up that your legs are extended all the way and your knees
    locked.  This will put a little too much strain on your hamstrings. 
    On rougher terrain, sometimes I lower my seat even a little furthur 
    to make sure my feet can easily touch the ground if needed. and 
    believe me if you do some gong ho downhills it comes handy. 
    As for the front shifter, what it might be, is when your cables are new
    they are not quite streched out. So after a few month of use they might
    need a little tightening.
    
    Shaw
                                            
1954.22brake noiseHELIX::MCGRAYWed Jun 19 1991 12:546
    
    re .-2
    
    My breaks squeal pretty loudly sometimes too (not all the time).
    The dealer said that's normal because the brake pads are angled
    slightly in.  Is that true???
1954.23STI STANDS FOR...WMOIS::C_GIROUARDWed Jun 19 1991 15:014
     BTW, STI stands for Shimano Total Integration. It means all of
    their shifting stuff, e.g. hyperglide, SIS, SL, etc...
    
      Chip
1954.24au contraireSHALOT::ELLISJohn Lee Ellis - assembly requiredWed Jun 19 1991 16:288
    
    RE: .-2
    
    No, generally one "toes-in" the brake pads to get rid
    of squealing (and for more uniform braking effect as you
    apply more pressure).
    
    -john
1954.25which way matters...NOVA::FISHERIt's SpringWed Jun 19 1991 17:195
    re:.22,.24:  depends on what direction.  If they are toed in toward the
    rear of the bike they will chatter or squeal, if they are toed in
    toward the front of the bike, they ought not squeal.
    
    ed
1954.26I may be forced to go look at these, yetELMAGO::TTOMBAUGHA Fistful of EpoxyThu Jun 20 1991 13:1517
    re .20
    
    The index//non-indexed mode select is normally a notched ring
    at the base of the shift lever. As the ring is rotated, the different
    modes are selected. It should have reference marks on the ring and
    a positive detent to stop it at each position.
    
    If you're refering to the brake lever pivot screws, the only reason
    I can think of to spring load them is to prevent them from falling
    out as quickly if they should loosen up.
    
    As the other notes said, toe-in on the pads will help prevent squeal,
    but you may have brake pad material deposited on the rim sidewalls
    and/or the pads have developed a glaze on the braking surface.
    Clean both and see what happens.
    
    Terry
1954.272 questions...SOLVIT::CAMPBELL_SThu Jun 20 1991 19:589
    
    I don't think there is a "index/non-index" lever on the rapid fire 
    shifters.  You're stuck with index.
    
    Those spring loaded screws on the brake levers adjust the "reach" of 
    the brake levers for people with smaller hands...
    
    Stew
    
1954.28MEALA::B_WALSHTue Jun 25 1991 06:5031
    
     I've come to the conclusion that the Trek 830's rapid fire shifters
    are permanently set to indexed mode.
     My brake have stopped squeeking - thank's to the toeing in tip. - 
     On brake calipers.. I find that of the 2 brake calipers 1 is spring
    loaded and the other is pretty much fixed so when I put the brake on 
     the spring loaded caliper has to move 2-3 times the distance...Should
     both calipers be very free when the cable is disconnected - my fixed 
     one is fairly stiff and seem to have a pretty good memory hence wheel
     rub.
                                                                 
    Shaw....
       
       On the saddle height - most mountain bikes I see normally have
       anything up to 10 inches of saddle stem showing looks uncomfortable...
       I'll give it a try - You gave me knee angles of 15-20 degrees when 
       my peddle's were fully extended down should this not be 90 degrees 
       plus the 15-20 ???
    
     I've recently discovered it's now necessary for me to buy mud-gaurds
     we ain't getting much of a summer !! What I'm offered locally are 2 
     types a plastic German made set "clip on" - maybe fall off ?? and an 
     alluminium set both for around $20 any ideas ???   
      
     My fried here just purchased a Raleigh Dune Dancer 19" Deore LX equip -
     I gave the front derailers a try to see if they were 2-3 cli ck from iner
     to middle cog .... Yip they sure were so I don't think mine are too
     bad - thanks for all the advice.... Trek Doctor & Co.
    
                                                Bye for now... Brian 
                                                                  
1954.29Cantilevers, dont'cha just hate 'em?RUTILE::MACFADYENThat's not supposed to happen!Tue Jun 25 1991 10:5920
    Re brakes: I assume we're talking about cantilevers here? If so, then
    yes, when the straddle cable is loose, then both cantilevers should
    flop around equally. If one is stiff, I'd take it off (by loosening the
    nut that holds it to the braze-on), clean and grease the bearing
    surfaces, then replace. 
    
    Even if you get both brake cantilevers moving smoothly, one may still
    be keener to move (when you pull on the brake lever) than the other.
    This means that the spring tension between the two cantilevers is
    unbalanced. The better models of cantilever allow you to adjust the
    spring rate on one side to balance the tensions, although I've found
    this to be a tricky adjustment. Getting both sides to move smoothly and
    be centred can involve fiddling with the spring rate on one side, the
    straddle cable length, and the position where the brake cable joins the
    straddle cable.
    
    Cantilevers look simple, but they're actually real pigs.
    
    
    Rod
1954.30Seat position and ,,,,SALEM::SHAWVertical Obsession...Tue Jun 25 1991 11:2718
    
    
    RE: seat position, 
    
    Brian, you right! I guess I pictured it differently. I pictured a
    vertical line going straight up from your knee, then a 15 degree bend
    would seem about right. In simple words, at fully extended pedal
    position, there should be a slight bend in your knee. Also remember
    you want your feet to be pretty close to the ground while dashing down
    a rough downhill. Speeking of which, I saw a mountain bike race on TV
    this past weekend, from Vail CO. The speed of some of the riders going
    by the radar gun, and this is through puddles, over rocks and stuff
    was 47 mph. What a thrill that must be. Most riders howeve, had the
    suspension forks. Has anyone had any experience with them? Are Rock 
    Shox worth the $450.00, do they improve your control that much that 
    the extra weight is worth the sacrifice (sp?).
    
    Shaw
1954.31fender preferencesULTRA::WITTENBERGUphill, Into the WindTue Jun 25 1991 13:1411
About fenders (or should I call them mudguards?)

    I've been  very  impressed  by  the  Esge  "Chromoplast"  fenders.
    They're very strong, and remarkably flexible (I installed a fender
    designed  for  a  27" wheel on my recumbent which uses 20" wheels,
    and it worked very well, and bent smoothly.)

    The Zefal  fenders  have  worked,  but not as well, and they don't
    seem quite as strong.

--David
1954.32Simple adjustmentDPDMAI::GUYERThu Jun 27 1991 14:099
    I have found the brake tension on my son's bike fairly simple to
    adjust.  Unless you really think they are dirty inside I would not take
    them apart.  One side has a small allen screw in it.  If that one sits
    farther from the wheel than the other side then its' tension is too
    tight and the screw should be turned counterclockwise.  If it's closer
    do the oposite.  You should be able to get them even.  If you can't
    then maybe they need cleaning.  Just keep in mind that there is some 
    tension on them even with the cable disconnected and you will have to
    put them back that way.