Inherited a neon Trek 6000. Total beginner, on a budget. What would you upgrade first?
I was given this Trek 6000 for free and I'm turning it into a retro commuter. I think it's early 90s (possibly 1991?), so if anyone can confirm the year I'd appreciate it.
Use: commuting, shops, cafes, plus the odd easy ride on tracks and fields. Nothing technical. I'm going for a restomod look and want to keep the original paint.
What's on it, as far as I (and Claude) can tell:
- Bonded aluminium frame, rigid fork, original neon yellow splatter paint in pretty good condition.
- SunTour XC Ltd triple crankset, SunTour front and rear derailleurs
- Friction thumb shifters (not indexed)
- Cantilever brakes with Aztec pads
- Araya VP-20 rims, 26 x 1.50
- Matrix quill stem (surface rust), True Temper bars
- Sakae pedals
- Mudguards front and rear
Where I'm at: the chain recently snapped and my local shop says the drivetrain is generally worn. They quoted about £200 for a 1x8 conversion, which is more than I want to spend. I'd rather replace what's worn with used or budget parts from eBay. I’ve added the Billy Bonkers and the flite seat was gifted by a friend which I’m not precious about keeping as it’s a little firm. The friction shifters work but can’t quite use the full range of gears, and even I can tell they’re past their best.
Questions:
- What's the cheapest sensible way to sort the drivetrain? What do I need to measure or check before buying a chain and freewheel/cassette?
- The stem is rusty. Clean it up or replace it? I understand the brake cable runs through it, so I'd need a cable hanger if I swap?
- Which upgrades give the most for the money on a bike like this (grips, brake pads, cables, anything else)?
I have no bike mechanical experience but a friend has tools and a workshop. I'm in the UK. Thanks in advance.