Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the new April's Giveaway for a Chance to Win the Euybike S4 Pro Max ebike worth $1299


Moving from 16 to 24 speed
#1
Hello,

I'm thinking of buying a used carbon roadbike that currently is a 16 speed. It has Shimano 600 components. (TREK 5200 OCLV) Two positions on the front dérailleurs are just not enough for the mountainous terrain I plan on using this in. It is reasonable to buy this bike and then change the range of gears of the front derailleur, or is this too much trouble?

The bike seems quite a bargain but I live in Switzerland and I do need very low gears.

This is my first time posting here so I hope this is a reasonable question and I hope I'm in the right place.

thanks,

ks
  Reply
#2
If you want to "add" an extra front ring (triple) then you will probably need to change:-
A new chainset.
A new triple front derailleur.
A longer cage rear derailleur (to take up the extra free chain length)
A triple left STI lever.

You might consider instead to use a "compact" version chainset. (50x34) and larger cassette at the rear but even this may need other changes.

Another option is to fit a much larger cassette (11x34) but will require a new MTB rear derailleur to match. Don't know if this will give you the low gearing you require.


Overall it may be cheaper to buy a different bike unless the Trek is really a "good" buy?
Ride hard or ride home alone!
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Tour of Luzon 70 years of Filipino Cycli...
Today 01:22 AM
What are the best cost effective ways to...
Today 01:19 AM
RECOMMENDATION
Today 01:04 AM
Injury Recovery
Yesterday 07:33 PM
Good morning form Alberta CA
Yesterday 09:40 AM
Unlocking speed on my e-bike.
04-27-2025 01:04 PM
MTB handlebar width
04-27-2025 06:25 AM
What is your favorite MTB trail/route in...
04-27-2025 06:16 AM
Bridgestone Blouson bike.
04-26-2025 07:57 PM
Thoughts on paceline riding
04-26-2025 05:51 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. GirishH
22 posts
no avatar 2. enkei
16 posts
no avatar 3. Flowrider
15 posts
no avatar 4. meamoantonio
15 posts
no avatar 5. SPINMAN
13 posts