Classic & Vintage - identifying an old trek

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y73/lisafilter/010110011502010205200807022446ef4ad.jpg

I talked to the seller and he doesn't know anything about the bike. It was his brothers from the 80s, and thats all he knows. I haven't seen it in person, but he tells me it is pretty dirty but the problems are mostly cosmetic. We'll see - I'm driving to check it out tomorrow, but in the mean time i was wondering if anyone could help me identify it - i know the picture is terrible. He says its a 500 series but he also says its titanium..

Assuming the bike is in decent condition, does $100 sound reasonable?

thanks guys.

yes. 500 series puts it mid 80's I'd venture to say,
I'm thinking it looks like a 520 based on the color (grey?).
if it's a 520 its reynolds 501 tubing, and campy gruppo (triumph, victory? I forget)
It is not titanium, you might want to stick a magnet to it
and tell the seller (and ask for some $ off!).
for $100 it would be an excellent buy.

Marty

Yes, $100 is a very good price IMHO. That said, look for rust, dents, broken spokes, out of true wheels etc. Take some metric allen wrenches with you and MAKE SURE the seat post and the stem can be adjusted. If they are frozen in the frame, it is NOT worth very much. $100 is a good price but $50 is better!:thumb: I always try and haggle regardless.

Also keep in mind that if it has been sitting, it will more than likely need tires, tubes, brake hoods, brake & shifter cables, headset, wheel and bottom bracket cleaning/repacking. Also the wheels might need a truing. Good luck and let us know how it all works out. :)

I doubt it is titanium. It may have a Reynold TI decal on it which may lead him to think it is. Usually people see Reynolds and think aluminum. :) Ask him for the serial number on the underside of the bottom bracket and then go to the vintage Trek site (http://www.vintage-trek.com/index.htm) to find out what it is. They have the serials there. A quick check of the brochures there show a 500 model in 84 with Reynolds frame.

$100...fair price...offer less.

Not titanium...

Good vintage steel bike, buy it.

Thanks for the help guys - drove out there today and tried to get him down from $100 but he was firm. Oh well, not a bad price. Its in decent shape - components just need a good cleaning, the frame itself is fine except for some rough spots on the back triangle. New wheels of course but the rims and spokes should be fine for now. Should make for a nice project!

I believe this is it in its original glory http://www.vintage-trek.com/TrekBrochure1984Sport.htm#14

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y73/lisafilter/DSCF1812.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y73/lisafilter/DSCF1814.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y73/lisafilter/DSCF1815.jpg

Thanks again guys.

yes. 500 series puts it mid 80's I'd venture to say,
I'm thinking it looks like a 520 based on the color (grey?).
if it's a 520 its reynolds 501 tubing, and campy gruppo (triumph, victory? I forget)
It is not titanium, you might want to stick a magnet to it
and tell the seller (and ask for some $ off!).
for $100 it would be an excellent buy.

Marty

no no no

a 520 would have cantis unless its an early 80s model.

a 520 would be made out of 531

a 520 would have a touring group on it not campy

I love the pewter color. Here's mine.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2173/2498383400_1c1132683d_b.jpg

Don't toss that water bottle. I'm not saying you should use it, but DON'T throw it out.

Thats a beauty GMS - I'm not a big fan of the pewter to be honest but maybe after a good wash she'll be a bit nicer on the eyes. I'm really getting sick of sandblasting frames anyway.

And i'll be keeping the water bottle, but not on the frame. Inisde of the bottle was the original owners whistle and bike lock key on a nice leather tassel. I love finding stuff like that.

I'm not going to lie i was planning on going fixed or single speed with this, but it will be nice to have a geared bike again.