Road Cycling - Is this is a good deal?

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TREK PRO SERIES 531 ROAD BIKE for $160.00?
Dimensions: 24 inches from center of pedal shaft to the top of the seat tube. The horizontal bar measures 21
inches, 32.5 inches from the base of the horizontal bar to ground. Matrix Titan 700C rims – Shimano 600 brakes, shifters and system throughout. The
shifters are located on the down angled shaft – Vetta leather seat cover – Biopace drive system – Cateye Vectra Cyclo computer CC7000 (needs new
battery). Nice overall condition, this bike has seen medium use. Tires are still in good shape. Please note: The back rim is useable, but will need to be
replaced. Typical scratches on the pedals and pedal shaft. The shift cables are lightly rusted, but work fine. The three metal clasps on top the horizontal
shafts, that hold the brake cable in place are also lightly rusted, but are solid and need only be lightly sanded and repainted.
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thanks,
natter

Does it fit? That is far and away the #1 question. Assuming it does then you can look at value. Reynolds framed Treks are on a quality level comparable to the tonier European brands so you've got a quality frame there. A little rust on the brake guides running along the top tube is no big deal. I'd just use steel wool. Shimano 600 is now called Ultegra and has always been good stuff. I used a 600 group during the 80s and in fact still have some of the pieces and they're going strong. That's the + side. There's always a - side too.

What do you mean rim replaced? Can it be trued? If so about 12$. Replacement is different. My shop charges 24$ to build a wheel + the cost of the rim. Figure 30-70$ for the rim. Since you say it's ridable I'd think it could be trued. This is an older bike so modern shifting won't be available. That's not a major issue to me but is to others.

160$ is a price many would pay but old road bikes are funny. You might find a comparable bike in a yard sale or at a Good Will for 25$. But you have to go looking and this one is right in front of you. I like Reynolds frames and that kind of money won't buy you a decent newer used bike so I'd say go for it. :) Even if you don't like road cycling you haven't spent much money.

well, It's a decent price, but I would want to be able to see the bike before I bought. Is the size right for you? I happened to look at this bike also and the seller has good feedback but seems to know little about bikes. I've never heard the top-tube of the frame called the horizontal shaft. My point is although the seller is pointing out the defects that they have noticed, they may not notice something like a damaged hub or headset or anything else that you might notice on a test ride. My opinion is it is a nice bike, nothing special really, currently at a good price. Don't get caught up in a bidding war and remember that the seller also wants the price of shipping plus $20 dollars to box it up. Good luck.

I didn't realize it was an eBay bike and thought the first poster was talking about a bike he was actually looking at. That takes it up to +/- 200$ and that might change things. I like steel Treks but you have to be careful.

Thanks to the both of you that replied.

The bike is located near me so I won't have to pay shipping and the main reason I want it is for my stationary trainer I just bought. I'm sick of removing my mtn. bike back tire to replace it with a slick when the weather is bad. :)

I think I'll go to $190 and that is about it. Going garage sale hunting sounds like the next thing to do if this falls through.

Again, thanks for the replies.

(i just posted this msg and Walter beat me by 2 min)

Yes, I didn't want to say it was ebay then someone mean might go bid me up or something. :)

sorry to blow your cover :rolleyes: