So, my friends, with that last item, upgrading the brakes so I could fit my brand new, carbon fiber good wheels on my 20-year-old, one time local bike shop loaner, I was done. I’d transformed and completely modernized a classic to a one-off piece of art.
Looking at the before and after and reminiscing on everything that went into the transformation, and having done most of the work myself, I’ve got a sense of satisfaction and gratification that, to refrain from being overly grandiose, just feels good. Bringing the bike along has been a labor of love; and I never thought I’d be able to enjoy the Trek as much as I do with it’s more modern counterpart in my stable. I do, though. I enjoy it just as much, if not a little more, because I built it from the ground up… well, technically, from the saddle down, but let’s not get in the way of a good phrase, eh?
The newer Specialized is faster, more comfortable (the compact geometry is fantastic) and without question, the superior bike and it’ll likely always get more more yearly mileage that the Trek. On the other hand, there exists no other 1999 Trek 5200 like mine – and for anyone who knows what it’s like to ride a classic, sometimes the flashy new bangle just isn’t as cool as the old school classic revived – and that’s exactly how I feel about my 1999 Trek 5200.
Starting weight: Somewhere between 20 & 21 pounds.
Finished weight: 18-1/2 pounds.
Cages and Pedals excluded in both cases.
Fit Recovery 