750: 2x conversion?
I finally got my hands on a lovely trek 750 (UK based, so took a while!), and I have been thinking about a drivetrain upgrade.
I don’t really love the 3x7 grip shifters it came with, so would like to switch to some triggers or thumbies, and has made me ponder an overall upgrade. I will probably look for a new wheel with 8-10speed hub to modernise and open up some shifter options but keep the cassette and chain etc reasonable. The STX derailleurs are pretty nice so happy to keep them if suitable.
I will be using the bike for light trails, dayrides and occasionally commuting in a fairly hilly city. Therefore, I quite like the idea of a slightly simpler set of gears, but would like to be able to get up hills with relative comfort, hence my thinking about a 2x rather than a 1x. I have a 3x on my 26” bikepacker, which I like, so I’m not against them, just wondering about trying something a little different for my more luxury ride!
So, I would love some advice from any one with experience/opinions!
A couple of topics:
- Is 2x the right move? 1x, 3x…
- 9 speed on the rear? Good balance of range and cost?
- what kinda range should I be looking for? 36/24 seems to be a common front chainring pairing, maybe 11-34 in the back…
- purchase a dedicated crankset or just remove the big ring from the triple, replace with a bash guard?
- if anyone has any shifters they particularly love for this kinda set up I’d love to hear it, I won’t be going for drops so it’d be bar shifter options for me…
Hopefully thats a decent post, thanks for any responses :) can add more photos if helpful