I have a Trek 7.3, if I convert it into a road bike, will I ruin it?

Question

I have a Trek 7.3, suposedly is an "urban" bike (straight handlebar and regular wheels). If I want to convert it into a road bike (thiner race wheels and racing handlebars), will I ruin it?

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

I'm looking at my 7.3 as I type this. I suppose it would be possible to do what you propose but it certainly wouldn't be easy or cheap. There could be compatibility problems such as the rear dropout spacing. You'd be better off just going out and buying a road bike.

There are things you could do to increase it's performance without spending a fortune. Maybe switch to narrower tires? I'm not sure if a 25mm tire would fit on the Camino rims but a 28mm should. You could swap out the platform pedals with a clipless pedal. I like the Shimano M520s myself but they also make a pedal that's a platform on one side and SPD clip in on the other. If the stem is pointed up you can flip it over to get a slightly lower riding position. You can find instructions on how to do that on the Park Tool website or utube. If you're worried about looks I think the chainguard comes off with a phillips screwdriver.

I'm sure there are more tweaks that could be done. Wether it's worth it is for you to decide.

Answer 3

You won't ruin it all.  However, drop handlebars will require a bunch of modifications.

First, your bike has mountain bike oriented brake levers and shift levers.  These will need to be replaced with road bike oriented brake/shifters.  Brake/shifters are a fairly expensive component.

Secondly, your bike has linear pull brakes.  Road bike brake levers are not designed to work with this type of brake.  Thus, you'll have to get some adapters, like a "travel agent," to make the new levers work with the brakes.  

Otherwise, it should be pretty straightforward.  If your needs have changed, given the cost of the stuff you want to put on this bike, you may simply want to put the money into a new or a "new" used road bike.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

you wont ruin it, but you'll find that the cost of the wheelset, bars, new fork, new brakes, new derailleurs (all of which may not be compatible with that frame) will be as expensive as buying a similarly outfitted, completely new bike! you've got a commuter bike, if you want to race, get a racing bike!