I found my dad’s old trek marlin 4 like the one above in storage, I’ve been wanting a bike for a while and this turned up. But, it’s a mountain bike, and want something for commuting to and from work, 10 miles round trip
Is it possible to change stuff out to be more commuter friendly? If so does anyone know the estimated cost and if it’s even worth it vs a new bike? I hear trek is well made and I’ve seen rebuilds with old trek and specialized mountain bikes, could mine also do it?
RegularFolk2 on
This will be fine. Depending on the climate you’re riding in maybe just get some mudguards for rain and lights for when its dark, maybe a rear rack for your bag and snacks. Estimated cost of that would be around 100 usd, hopefully your office has secure indoor parking.
Also consider if this bike is an appropriate frame size for you.
juulu on
Depending on the type of terrain, if you’re mainly riding on roads just swap out the tyres for something slicker for efficiency and add some fenders to keep you dry and clean on the commute.
Dense_Quiet1573 on
Maybe ride it once and see what it needs changed. Id’s say for a trip this short you don’t need to change anything
unoriginal_goat on
Yes you can!
it is green which is a huge plus!
what to do in my view:
At most basic? different tires that are more suitable for pavement and a more comfortable seat. Which seat depends on your butt shape.
Good idea? racking to haul cargo on your commutes or you could use a backpack.
May be optional or may be required depending on local laws? a bell and a light – check with your local authority or just get them to be safe.
Optional? mudguards for well mud and rain
snusmumrikan on
Mudguards and good lights are #1.
Tyres more suited for tarmac as #2 will make a massive difference to your speed and ease of pedaling.
For #3 can be a good pannier rack. Honestly no one has ever cracked the “bike bag which is also a stylish and comfortable bag to walk around with” problem. I prefer just getting the double sided saddle bags which sit over the entire pannier rack. Shove your laptop bag/backpack into those and you’ve still got loads of space for groceries/takeaway on the other side
Don’t bother changing anything else on the bike. Waste of money for a commuter. Get it serviced if there are any noises or problems.
onjefferis on
It’s good to go! Maybe new street appropriate tires. Maybe some riser handlebars down the road for more comfortable positioning and being more upright helps with seeing traffic observing the general world around you.
7 Comments
I found my dad’s old trek marlin 4 like the one above in storage, I’ve been wanting a bike for a while and this turned up. But, it’s a mountain bike, and want something for commuting to and from work, 10 miles round trip
Is it possible to change stuff out to be more commuter friendly? If so does anyone know the estimated cost and if it’s even worth it vs a new bike? I hear trek is well made and I’ve seen rebuilds with old trek and specialized mountain bikes, could mine also do it?
This will be fine. Depending on the climate you’re riding in maybe just get some mudguards for rain and lights for when its dark, maybe a rear rack for your bag and snacks. Estimated cost of that would be around 100 usd, hopefully your office has secure indoor parking.
Also consider if this bike is an appropriate frame size for you.
Depending on the type of terrain, if you’re mainly riding on roads just swap out the tyres for something slicker for efficiency and add some fenders to keep you dry and clean on the commute.
Maybe ride it once and see what it needs changed. Id’s say for a trip this short you don’t need to change anything
Yes you can!
it is green which is a huge plus!
what to do in my view:
At most basic? different tires that are more suitable for pavement and a more comfortable seat. Which seat depends on your butt shape.
Good idea? racking to haul cargo on your commutes or you could use a backpack.
May be optional or may be required depending on local laws? a bell and a light – check with your local authority or just get them to be safe.
Optional? mudguards for well mud and rain
Mudguards and good lights are #1.
Tyres more suited for tarmac as #2 will make a massive difference to your speed and ease of pedaling.
For #3 can be a good pannier rack. Honestly no one has ever cracked the “bike bag which is also a stylish and comfortable bag to walk around with” problem. I prefer just getting the double sided saddle bags which sit over the entire pannier rack. Shove your laptop bag/backpack into those and you’ve still got loads of space for groceries/takeaway on the other side
Don’t bother changing anything else on the bike. Waste of money for a commuter. Get it serviced if there are any noises or problems.
It’s good to go! Maybe new street appropriate tires. Maybe some riser handlebars down the road for more comfortable positioning and being more upright helps with seeing traffic observing the general world around you.