Why You Don’t Need a New Gravel Bike (96 Trek 970)

Описание: I Turned a $100 Barn Find into the Ultimate Gravel Monster

Can you really build a "pro-level" gravel bike for a fraction of the cost of a new one? Today, I’m taking a legendary 1996 Trek 970—featuring True Temper OX Comp triple-butted steel—and dragging it into the modern era.

This "Resto-Monster" features some Ritchey bars, stem and seatpost, along with a 1x9 drivetrain using a mix of Microshift Sword and Advent components, massive Panaracer Gravel King tires, and a unique mixed-brake setup to handle the transition from 90s MTB to modern gravel machine.

📊 Build Specs & Cost Breakdown
I managed to keep the out-of-pocket costs low by raiding my parts bin, but here is exactly what this build would cost to replicate:

New Purchases ($377 total):

Bike (1996 Trek 970): $100
Microshift Sword 9 Shifters: $75
Panaracer Gravel King Tires: $120
Generic Amazon Rigid Fork: $54
Tektro Mini V-Brake: $20
Yellow Paint (Fork Hack): $8

Parts Bin / Components I Had ($345 total):

Cockpit: Ritchey Comp Ergomax Bar ($65), Stem ($25), and Tape ($15)
Drivetrain: Microshift Advent 9 Derailleur ($45) and Cassette ($65)
Wheels: Aliexpress Rim/Disc Compatible Wheelset ($120)
Seating: Ritchey Seatpost ($25) and WTB Volt Saddle ($45)
Extras: Crank Brothers Chester Pedals ($35), Tektro Disc Brake ($5), Rear V-Brake ($20), and Cables ($10)

Total Project Value: $722

#Trek970, #MonsterGravel, #MicroshiftSword

#GravelBike, #VintageMTB, #Restomod, #BikeBuild, #26inchGravel, #SteelIsReal, #TrueTemper, #Panaracer, #GravelKing, #RitcheyLogic, #DIYMountainBike, #BarnFind, #Cycling, #BikeRestoration, #BudgetBuild
*************************************************************************
I only recommend items I actually OWN and use. The links above may provide a small advertising commission at no added cost to you.