Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1982 Trek 728 Touring bike

I purchased a vintage trek a while back at a garage sale and need to determine the value as the frame is a too small for me. I need to find the size details (its currently in storage) but what I do know is that its a 1982 Trek 728 (varified on vintage-trek.com by the serial number) with most/all the original components. In an attempt to make it ridable for myself i changed the stem/handlebars, but I kept all the original parts. Its in what I would consider very good condition; there are a few minor scratches in the paint, and a couple of the decals have seen better days but i would probably rate it at something around a 8/10. Does anyone have any idea what this would be worth?

Thanks.

I will try and post some pictures later on tonight.

Check ebay, the 720 series goes pretty high. Keep all the original parts. Do you still have the original front and rear racks?

Without pics I am going to guess $400 to $500, maybe more in the right market, assuming bike is very clean and ready to ride. If you sell locally, you need to be in the right market where you find someone who appreciates the bike.

I sold a 620 last week (the model below the 720), that looked like NOS. I had contacts from people all over the country. I found a local buyer quick (as I priced it to sell).

If you try to sell on ebay, you could get top dollar, or it could go low. Ebay values are very erratic.

Thanks for the post.
Here is a picture of the bike; please excuse the quality- this was taken with my phone. I have a "avenir" old style leather seat that might be original, but its in pretty poor shape. Right now i have different bars, stem, seat, and pedals on it; but i have all the original stuff. I have the original "Jim Blackburn" rear rack, but it did not come with the front one.

Also, i looked through my notes and i have it indicated as a 21"

I cant get the picture to display, here is a link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FkfENdWcVTU6aWM1VPwCdQ?authkey=9



http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Wz5b2yBm34c/SWRV58onYoI/AAAAAAAACbs/Z5T4S4DOZgs/s912/IMG_0129.JPG

You need to open a Flickr account to post pics. Then you can post pics like this (before pic on my 412):

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/3164669278_efc745d4a6_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/3176566403_69e5481814.jpg?v=0

If the mileage is as low as it looks you should get 500 $, possibly even quite a bit more.

+1 That pic looks like a sweet bike. I would put the original rear rack back on and put it on the market at over $500. This is the 620 I sold last week.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3503/3178272662_aed0c63ac6.jpg

right now i have some bull horn type track bars mounted on it, as well as a different non "7" shaped stem. I have all the original parts, but do you think i should re-mount them for the purposes of the sale? Any opinions?

Here is a link to the newest photos... this forum dosnt like google picasa for some reason.
http://picasaweb.google.com/anhizer/Trek728?feat=directlink

Here is a link to the newest photos... this forum dosnt like google picasa for some reason.
http://picasaweb.google.com/anhizer/Trek728?feat=directlink

Absolutely no personal offense intended, but that has to be one of the ugliest looking configurations I've ever seen on a bike (I do realize that it is likely a perfect fit for you, and I fully understand that), and the slightly raked front end geometry (for the toe clearance on the small frame, of course) makes it look even more ungainly.

Sorry, just had to say it.

-Kurt

right now i have some bull horn type track bars mounted on it, as well as a different non "7" shaped stem. I have all the original parts, but do you think i should re-mount them for the purposes of the sale? Any opinions?

If you plan to sell on ebay, then yes. Presentation is everything. It appears the only original parts you're missing are the saddle(?), Huret Duopar rear derailleur, rear rack. All original does sell for more, but you have most of it there in very good condition. These things have historically pulled a good chunk of change on ebay, as others have said. I didn't keep records, but I think I remember some complete examples going for north of $600. Maybe even close to $800. I remember this because I was looking for a touring bike at the time, and remembered they were selling about even with a new Surly LHT complete (which have gone up in price apparently). Of course, the heady days of the housing bubble economy are over, so expect some deflation.

Also, where are you located? Proximity to a metropolis in the US is a plus, Alaska or Hawaii is a negative. Anywhere outside the US will also deflate the value some.

Here's an NOS '82 728frame that sold recently on ebay for $511 - and it's a very small 49cm which would limit its market some.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1982-Trek-728-touring-frameset-NOS-collectable_W0QQitemZ290284408472QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item290284408472&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A13|39%3A1|240%3A1318

You may want to hang onto it and sell in the spring. Winter often depresses market values a bit. It will also give you a chance to watch ebay sales to get a better fix on the market.

Oh, and I love those brake calipers. Who knew Dia-Compe could make something so pretty!

+1 Presentation is everything.

Also, the correct title and the right category is critical. I bought my 620 a couple of weeks ago on ebay for $113 (poor title, wrong category, I look for those opportunities). Mine was listed under transportation collectables, with no mention of the model number of the bike (even though it is clearly marked on the chain stay).

As I stated about, ebay can be a crap shoot. The variation in pricing between auctions is huge.

Put the bike back into stock condition. You are selling a collectable, any deviation from stock will lower price.

And don't get greedy on shipping, or require local pickup. When I am looking for deals, I look for insane shipping or local pickup only. That almost guarantees a good (low) price. If you are not willing to ship, you probably are better off on Craigs List.

Good luck!

No offence taken on the ugly remark; I really only put those bars on because i needed to extend the front out as much as possible; I didn't really want to go with that type of bar but the functionality dictated the change. That being said I never really rode the bike; I am more of a mountain/urban guy and bought it on a whim (for a really good price)
I posted it on craigslist locally for 600; i will leave it there for a while and see if anything happens. if not I will put it back to original condition and throw it on ebay.
Thanks for all the help and suggestions everyone.


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