Picked up these as they are in the photos and would like to make them rideable.
My primary concern at the moment is finding correct parts that fit.
Thanks SO MUCH in advance. I appreciate any comments! First time learning how to do this.
Questions regarding the 540:
First and foremost, this one had a dent in the bottom tube—does the adjacent scratch look like a scratch or a busted piece of aluminum? I understand it to be scrap if the frame is compromised. To me, it seems like it’s pretty surface level.
I don’t understand how the handlebars attach as the fork doesn’t continue past the collar. What’s the name of the part I need?
Are bottom bracket sizes relatively standard? Will it be fairly straightforward to find one for this? A 1x is all I’d be looking for.
Similarly, I imagine rim brakes are pretty standard based on tire size.
How can I figure out which wheel size will fit?
Regarding the 1400, which came with many more parts:
The rear wheel seems to be size 622x15c. I don’t think this is a typical size anymore. Would a better bet to be attempting to find a complete wheel on marketplace or finding another bike with the correct wheels? The rim hanging off the handlebars in the photo is larger than the rear attached rear wheel so I think it’d be no good (even if it did have a hub and spokes)
All other parts on the bike seem like they’ll do just fine with a bit of a tune up.
by luccampbell
4 Comments
That Trek 1400 is a f*cking noodle…….. Especially with an aluminum fork. It is bonded (glued) tubes. I had one with 7s. It was a disaster that I replaced as soon as I could.
622mm erto is also known as 700c. The x15c is simply the internal rim width, good for up to a 32c tyre. However, the frame likely has a tighter clearance than 32c. 700c is the road bike standard, every local bike shop will have options. I believe both frames use a standard english thread, which is still the most common threaded bottom bracket standard. The handlebars are attached using a quill stem.
I imagine it’s going to be tough to get someone to answer all these questions. You’re essentially asking someone to tell you exactly how to rebuild your bike for you from a few pictures. Most of your questions can be answered by Google and a visit to the trek archive, that is if you don’t want to pay someone to do it. That being said there are very, very few things actually “standardized” (and by that I mean universal) in the bike industry.
Old Trek catalogs and technical manuals are available at
https://www.smontanaro.net/vintage-trek/trek-fisher-klein-lemond.htm
The 540 was made in 1999 and 2000.
The 1400 might be a 1991.
Both of these bikes use a 1” quill stem.
Bottom bracket will be standard 68 mm English for both. Spindle length is dependent on chainline and crank choice
The rear hub spacing on the 1400 is 126 mm, which limits your wheel choices. The 1400 can probably fit 700c x 28 tires or narrower.
Brakes on a road bike require the correct reach.
The 540 uses canti brakes or v brakes with matching levers.
Dent and crack questions are not allowed here