Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Trek 420 with interesting parts

Today I picked up this old Trek 420 from a church sale. I did some research before making the trip and realized it was one of their lower-end bikes but I knew I couldn't loose at $20. I believe this to be an '84 model made of Mangalloy steel, not cromo. The interesting parts are the saddle and rear derailleur. At first glance I thought the saddle was a brooks but closer inspection revealed a brand I didn't recognize "Ideale" It's a french saddle and this is the "90" model. The other interesting bit is the rear derailleur. It's a long-cage Suntour Cyclone M II.
I was excited to see Simplex front D, Shifters and Pump mount because I'm restoring an old px-10 and these parts, though not OE for the PX-10, would make for a true-enough restoration.
It would seem the previous owner replaced the mediocre factory parts with parts way above the bike's class. I know there are desirable versions of each of these items but I want to check and see if I have anything special here.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h407/atroiano81/video032.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h407/atroiano81/video034.jpg

Those parts are not overbuilt for the Trek. There really are no bottom end bikes in the vintage Trek line. The lowest level Trek is equivalent to midgrade from many other manufacturers. Clean it up, rehab it fully, and you will do quite well on that bike.

There really are no bottom end bikes in the vintage Trek line. The lowest level Trek is equivalent to midgrade from many other manufacturers.

+1

ALL of the old Treks (through the mid 80s at least) are of at least mid-grade quality. There were never any hi-ten clunkers like the ones made by Schwinn, Panasonic, and many others. I don't mean to pick on those two brands, they're just what comes to mind at the moment because I've owned such bikes.

I don't know if mangalloy qualifies as hi-ten but it's not a light frame. One thing I read is that this metal was chosen for its strength but I know it's also less expensive than cromo.

I almost bought a something-or-other once just to get one of those Ideale saddles. Where I live Trek touring models sell really well, even the 420.
IIRC this one went for around $300-$325 a few years ago. Way small for me but still fun to ride.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e300/tmh657/Trek%20420/Front_1_Flat.jpg

Well, it was meant as a touring frame so it may not be especially light. But it's still a decent bike, it's not hi-ten. Apparently you've never had a 35lb hi-ten bike with steel wheels, crankset, bars, etc. There are much worse examples out there...

That bike could probably sell for $150-200 all cleaned up, tuned up, and in nice shape.

The other interesting bit is the rear derailleur. It's a long-cage Suntour Cyclone M II.
I was excited to see Simplex front D
My 84 has the same rear derailleur, Suntour Cyclone M-ll GT and front Simplex. The 520 came standard with these rear derailleurs but the 420 came with Simplex front and rear...I consider it an upgraded component. :)

The Ideale 90 saddle is a great French saddle, equivalent to the Brooks Professional. I would take care of it. Use Brooks Proofide or other good leather treatment.

I cleaned it up well and treated the leather to a nice dark finish. The copper rivets cleaned up nice and I was able to clean most of the rust off the rails and frame. They seem to fetch a lot on eBay but I'd rather hang on to it case I know if I ever want another, I'd be paying market price.

I have a cel phone pic of it all cleaned up and treated but it doesn't do it any justice

https://www.t-mobilepictures.com/myalbum/thumbnail/photo36/fc/47/57cd1b41276c__1318625699000.jpg?tw=315&th=210&s=true