Classic & Vintage - vintage trek question

I just test-rode one tonight. It was an '80 or '81 412, I think. Blue. Every time I hop on one of these, I can't get over how fast and nimble these old Treks feel. Can someone out there explain why they ride so nicely? What kind of tubing were they using on these things: I think the one I tried had a sticker with "0440" on it, or something with some 0s and 4s. It was a little on the big side for me, but I was tempted nonetheless. Ah, winter, such a time for scavenging everyone's unused stuff...

Hmmm.. Not familiar with that tubsets with 0440. You can find more info at http://www.vintage-trek.com/

I just test-rode one tonight. It was an '80 or '81 412, I think. Blue. Every time I hop on one of these, I can't get over how fast and nimble these old Treks feel. Can someone out there explain why they ride so nicely? What kind of tubing were they using on these things: I think the one I tried had a sticker with "0440" on it, or something with some 0s and 4s. It was a little on the big side for me, but I was tempted nonetheless. Ah, winter, such a time for scavenging everyone's unused stuff...

You sure it wasn't "022" instead of "0440"?

You sure it wasn't "022" instead of "0440"?


No.

:o

Hmmm.. Not familiar with that tubsets with 0440. You can find more info at http://www.vintage-trek.com/


From the web site, 1980-81 412's were made of Ishiwata 022 CR-Mo DB main tubing, and Ishiwata 0265 Hi-Tensile forks and stays.

See:
81 Trek Catalog (http://www.vintage-trek.com/images/trek/79_80_81/81Trek3_150.jpg)

Ishiwata was a Japanese tubing manufacter. Steel Treks were built with tubing from Ishiwata, Reynolds and Columbus. Often the weight and geometry would be essentially the same between the different models, you just paid more for the Euro tubing.

I have a 77 TX-500 built with Ishiwata 022.

They ride nice because they =are= nice. All quality tubing and lugs hand brazed in a Wisconsin barn.

I have a soft spot for Ishiwata tubing. I use to own a Bridgestone RB-1 (I know I'm dumb) and it rode beautifully. Besides a Raleigh R800 altec2 7005 aluminum frame, the ishiwata was very stiff and very responsive.

From the web site, 1980-81 412's were made of Ishiwata 022 CR-Mo DB main tubing, and Ishiwata 0265 Hi-Tensile forks and stays.


Thanks for the info. Unfortunately the original fork's gone with the some previous owner; it's been replaced with some unmarked chrome(oly?) fork that affords less toe clearance. But still, it just rode so...nicely.

......But still, it just rode so...nicely.

I know - I bought a snappy little 340 a month or so ago, with the idea of reselling it for a small profit. It's still in my garage. :o

The darn little thing rides so light and lively, and it's not even 531 steel. Still, it'll have to go - too many bikes around here, and not enough cash...... :D

Peripatetic - I *love* these old treks! Did you buy it? We should go on a vintage-trek-riders ride some day! ;)

I'd try to be there, as long as it isn't in NYC...