Any DIY mountain bikers here?

[KS63]

I got a used Trek Wahoo off of Facebook market place and I want to upgrade parts on this bike like the drivetrain and wheels. I?ve searched online and haven?t found any concrete information as how to measure for parts compatibility regarding spacing, hubs and splines. I?m a very mechanically inclined person and would rather DIY than pay someone to do it for me. I went into a local bike shop and asked some basic questions and got the nose up prick treatment. Really put me off on the biking community....

[Scanker19]

I?d also like some of this info. I?ve been wanting to upgrade my Trek as well but the parts compatibility always has me concerned. I?d hate to spend mine and something not fit.

[CS1983]

Have you called/emailed Trek? They should be able to give you compatibility info.

Otherwise, Reddit might be helpful for crowd sourcing info.

[ray1970]

My old bike has very little of the original bike left. Mostly just the frame. I did mine a very long time ago though so probably don?t have much to offer at this time. I don?t recall having any issues easily finding upgrade parts that would work.

[earplug]

Google the specs on your bike. Figure out your axle type and diameter. figure out your bottom bracket type. If you know this info you can order most anything. Then get some tools to fit the crap.
I'd toss that Trek and start with a fresh build.

[20X11]

Google the specs on your bike. Figure out your axle type and diameter. figure out your bottom bracket type. If you know this info you can order most anything. Then get some tools to fit the crap.
I'd toss that Trek and start with a fresh build.

This EXCEPT I wouldn't scrap the Trek. It's a great way to learn the intricacies of bike mechanics. I used to build my own bikes...great enjoyment and pride. There are some tools that are unique to the bike world that you will acquire along the way.

[roberth]

Nowadays

Standard hub spacing is 100mm in front and 142mm rear.

Boost spacing in 110mm front and 148mm rear

There is is extra large hub spacing, i think is it 157mm rear.

[JohnnyDrama]

I rebuilt my bicycle about eighteen years ago when I was living in Durango. That was before all the information was available online. I was able to find a lot of information in different books and a couple of local shops were more than helpful when it came to looking for parts. It was a lot of fun. Maybe you can use the current "safer at home" situation to contact online sources for parts and advice. I'm not really into the bicycle community but I imagine there are forums out there that have build threads and videos similar to AR-15s and 4 wheel drive vehicles.

[def90]

Most bike parts are standardized today unless you have some high end boutique $5000 bike. With a Trek pretty much anything on a shelf in a store is going to work.

[D_F]

MTBR.com used to be very good.

[crays]

I rebuilt my bicycle about eighteen years ago when I was living in Durango. That was before all the information was available online. I was able to find a lot of information in different books and a couple of local shops were more than helpful when it came to looking for parts. It was a lot of fun. Maybe you can use the current "safer at home" situation to contact online sources for parts and advice. I'm not really into the bicycle community but I imagine there are forums out there that have build threads and videos similar to AR-15s and 4 wheel drive vehicles.Not much value add from me more than anecdotal, but I agree with JohnnyDrama. I used to get the best all around info and help from a small bike shop in Gunnison when I lived there. They didn't care whether you were skinny or fat, stock or custom. They were awesome.

Unfortunately, once they migrate back to the city, they get all uppity and think they're superior.

Sent from somewhere...

[KS63]

Google the specs on your bike. Figure out your axle type and diameter. figure out your bottom bracket type. If you know this info you can order most anything. Then get some tools to fit the crap.
I'd toss that Trek and start with a fresh build.

Thanks for the info. What?s wrong with my bike that would require me to toss it do a custom build for a first timer wanting to go on a bike with with his 9yr old?

[20X11]

Trek describes the Wahoo as a kids bike...may not stand up to adult weight?

[hurley842002]

Thanks for the info. What?s wrong with my bike that would require me to toss it do a custom build for a first timer wanting to go on a bike with with his 9yr old?I would never say to toss it, however, after my research and experience, it rarely pays to try and dump money in an aging bike, especially if it wasn't a high end bike to begin with. I know nothing about the Wahoo or what model year yours is but a quick bluebook search puts it in the $500-$600 MSRP category for mountain bikes, which means it's likely not even worth the money you are about to spend on it, and depending on the quality of parts you want to use, you could easily surpass MSRP.

I've been where you are, I recall taking an older (but higher end) Giant hardtail that needed some work, into Pedal in Littleton, and I too got the "treatment" like you did. It was then that I realized bikes are terrible investments for anything but enjoyment. Believe it or not, I just scrapped what was once over a thousand (I only paid $80) dollar bike, and started over.

Similarly, I've got a 2020 Giant that is a quality bike, but even it, being brand new isn't worth dumping a lot of money into. I plan to install tubeless tires, add a dropper seat post, and that's likely it.

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[KS63]

Trek describes the Wahoo as a kids bike...may not stand up to adult weight?

I’ve seen some of the smaller framed Wahoo’s labeled specifically for kids, but mine is a Large Frame Gary Fisher model with 29” wheels. That’s a big F’ing kid!

[KS63]

Hurley-I don’t know what year mine is, but the previous owner installed SRAM hydraulic disc brakes and a RockShox air fork. I’d like to install a 1x SRAM NX kit for a few hundred bucks. I bought the bike for $170 so I figure I could throw a little money at it and still be under new prices.

[SSChameleon]

The drivetrain should be pretty straightforward. Decide what you want, look at what you have and you can google compatibility. The two factors will be, what bottom bracket to determine crankset, and what hubs to determine what speed cassettes will fit.

If you are upgrading wheels, you will likely end up with new hubs that will accept 10, 11 or 12 speed cassettes.

[def90]

I’ve seen some of the smaller framed Wahoo’s labeled specifically for kids, but mine is a Large Frame Gary Fisher model with 29” wheels. That’s a big F’ing kid!

Your first post says you have a Trek Wahoo, now it’s a Gary Fisher Wahoo? Those are two different bikes. The Gary Fisher is worth playing around with, the Trek is a kids bike.

[earplug]

Your biggest bang for the buck is carbon wheels and lighter tubeless tires. Talk to riders in your area for the best tire and tread for your local conditions. Clipless pedals and shoes allow you to ride better, We like SPD's. Don't cheap out on shoes.
My kid did several years of high school cross country racing. Check out Light bicycle online for carbon rims. We used DT hubs. They have been trouble free and are easy to maintain. You can get SRAM kits on Ebay. Some are as new take offs from damaged frames in shipping. We ordered carbon fiber handle bars and stem direct from China. No issues. Seat stems can be a issue if you end up with a road stem on a MTN bike. Buy a brake bleeder, 1/4 inch torque wrench, allen and torxs sockets. You will need a fork air pump to get the most out of your fork.
A mini van hauls bikes and gear easier then a truck or SUV.

[KS63]

Your first post says you have a Trek Wahoo, now it’s a Gary Fisher Wahoo? Those are two different bikes. The Gary Fisher is worth playing around with, the Trek is a kids bike.

That’s correct. It’s a Wahoo Gary Fisher model/series. They don’t make these anymore, just the kids bikes. Here’s proof:
https://www.phattirebikeshop.com/product/trek-wahoo-disc-29-gary-fisher-collection-94373-1.htm

[def90]

That’s correct. It’s a Wahoo Gary Fisher model/series. They don’t make these anymore, just the kids bikes. Here’s proof:
https://www.phattirebikeshop.com/product/trek-wahoo-disc-29-gary-fisher-collection-94373-1.htm

I don’t know if it’s worth putting money in to new componentry on a Gary Fisher Wahoo, the stuff they used is pretty good in the first place. What I would do in your situation is watch ebay and the local Craigslist as well as keep tabs on the Yeti factory (in Golden) sales and see if you can find a full suspension stripped frame from the last year or two that someone is selling to upgrade to the latest model. Take the components off the Wahoo and put them on the new frame.

I still ride my Gary Fisher Sugar 3 from 2003 and haven’t replaced anything other than the tires. It’s still a great bike today 17 years later.

https://img.letgo.com/images/12/09/90/64/12099064412075a1ae1bcd51007323fb.jpeg?impolicy=img _600

[JohnnyDrama]

I like def90's idea. Anyway, I went down a rabbit hole....

https://youtu.be/K2QvjC6k17A

Here is a series on how to build a bike. Maybe you've seen it. The mechanic explains a lot of parts, tools, how to use the two together, and he talks like a bicycle guy.

[Rucker61]

I've built my bikes from the frame up over 25 years. I know what I wanted, and had enough connections in the industry to get parts cheap enough to make it economically feasible. Last upgrade on my current bike was going 1x11. If you can build an AR, you can build a bike.

[hurley842002]

I don?t know if it?s worth putting money in to new componentry on a Gary Fisher Wahoo, the stuff they used is pretty good in the first place. What I would do in your situation is watch ebay and the local Craigslist as well as keep tabs on the Yeti factory (in Golden) sales and see if you can find a full suspension stripped frame from the last year or two that someone is selling to upgrade to the latest model. Take the components off the Wahoo and put them on the new frame.

I still ride my Gary Fisher Sugar 3 from 2003 and haven?t replaced anything other than the tires. It?s still a great bike today 17 years later.

https://img.letgo.com/images/12/09/90/64/12099064412075a1ae1bcd51007323fb.jpeg?impolicy=img _600Sweet bike, I always liked the Gary Fisher offerings, wish they were still around.

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[KS63]

These last few posts have been very helpful. The previous owner neglected the bike and the drivetrain is rusted and needs to be replaced to be reliable and leave me and my kid stranded on a trail. My plan is to eventually give him this bike and like def90 said, to find a frame and build from there. I just have a real hard time seeing the newest factory full suspension bikes going for $4K plus. If a carbon frame can be found for under $1K that could be a possibility in the future.

[def90]

These last few posts have been very helpful. The previous owner neglected the bike and the drivetrain is rusted and needs to be replaced to be reliable and leave me and my kid stranded on a trail. My plan is to eventually give him this bike and like def90 said, to find a frame and build from there. I just have a real hard time seeing the newest factory full suspension bikes going for $4K plus. If a carbon frame can be found for under $1K that could be a possibility in the future.

Plenty of full suspension Specialized, Santa Cruz, Kona and Giants out there for under $3k, no real need to spend more than that unless you are just one of those people. Or just get on craigslist in the spring and buy some guys new bike from last year at a fraction of the price. I bought mine in 2003 for $1400 and it has lasted me a good 17 years of riding and as far as specs and gadgets and so on go it is still a relevant bike today. I just have the shocks and disc brakes gone over every 3 or 4 years at Full Cycle in Boulder and the thing runs like new.

as for the rust, soak it in kroil or give it a good dousing with wd40, you might be surprised.

[Mtneer]

The previous owner neglected the bike and the drivetrain is rusted and needs to be replaced to be reliable and leave me and my kid stranded on a trail.

Odds are good the drivetrain is fine. For peace of mind, replace the chain. The only real area rust can be a problem is the derailleur cable and housing, which will screw up shifting, so replace those. Depending on type of bottom bracket, perhaps repack the bearings. Some disk brakes use cable instead of hydraulics so rust could be a issue if it has that style. But the Main components just need some love since hubs and most other areas are sealed. Unless owner rode a LOT, wear on sprockets unlikely to be an issue so chainrings and rear cogs are likely still good.

[KS63]

Is there an online store that any of you recommended for tools for maintenance? First thing up for me is a bike stand. I have an extensive existing tool set but none of it is bike specific.

[def90]

I think Jensonusa is the online mega store for bike parts.

[Mtneer]

Ebay but you have to do your homework to do well. Our local internet dealer (https://www.excelsports.com) is usually pretty competitive on prices and has pretty much everything.

Wimpy bike stands are not much better than flipping it upside down or a simple bike display/tune-up stand that braces off the bottom bracket ($20-$40, surprisingly effective). A good bike stand will be in the $200+ range. Cheaper ones tend to bob, wobble, pivot and just be annoying.