1989 Trek 420 - Frame ok, but components questionable - Value??
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1989 Trek 420 - Frame ok, but components questionable - Value??
Hi All,
I checked out a local Trek 420 which seemed to fit me well (well no tires on it when I did the standover, but I'm 5' 8" and I think it was a 21" and it had about an inch of clearance). The frame and fork are in decent shape for the bike's age, rims aren't too bad, but the rear derailluer is hanging on by a rusty chain, the cables and housing need replacing. No tires or tubes, but handlebars, headset, stem, cogs, cassette, all seem fine upon a quick inspection.
Fella selling it threw out $175 as a starting price - I'm a starting out amateur restorer and considering all the time (though it will be fun) and materials, I'm thinking a bit less. Plus, in the San Joaquin Valley market of CA, it's not so hot here like San Fran/LA markets. Not nearly as many vintage bike enthusiasts.
Just wanted to get your thoughts on value for this basically part drivetrain, decent frame, and probably decent rims.
Thanks in advance.
I checked out a local Trek 420 which seemed to fit me well (well no tires on it when I did the standover, but I'm 5' 8" and I think it was a 21" and it had about an inch of clearance). The frame and fork are in decent shape for the bike's age, rims aren't too bad, but the rear derailluer is hanging on by a rusty chain, the cables and housing need replacing. No tires or tubes, but handlebars, headset, stem, cogs, cassette, all seem fine upon a quick inspection.
Fella selling it threw out $175 as a starting price - I'm a starting out amateur restorer and considering all the time (though it will be fun) and materials, I'm thinking a bit less. Plus, in the San Joaquin Valley market of CA, it's not so hot here like San Fran/LA markets. Not nearly as many vintage bike enthusiasts.
Just wanted to get your thoughts on value for this basically part drivetrain, decent frame, and probably decent rims.
Thanks in advance.
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Hard to tell from the pics but the drive side dropout/integrated hanger looks messed up. I would consider this basicaly a parts bike say $100. If you buying mainly for the Trek frame I would say pass on this one.
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I was thinking 50 if you are restoring for sale. As a restore job it will be very difficult to pay a decent wage for the time plus parts needed. Pus, you have to consider what you could sell it for after all your work, which will be 150-175 in a cool market. Also how long will it take to sell at that price?
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^This, IF the derailleur hanger is damaged or broken. If the rear derailleur is simply unscrewed, but the mount remains intact, this could be a good project. Are the rims damaged (bad hop or flat spot). Anything badly bent that can't be straightened? Not $175, but $100.
#6
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It looks to me like the hanger is broken. I see a front half in the picture but no back half. Like the rear part of the threading is missing.
If the hanger is indeed broken then I wouldn't give more than $40 for the other parts. And at $175 I'd have to say he's dreaming.
If the hanger is there then $100 tops. But only if the bike fits you and you plan on riding your investment in time and money. At $100 plus fix up costs you won't make a penny when you sell it.
If the hanger is indeed broken then I wouldn't give more than $40 for the other parts. And at $175 I'd have to say he's dreaming.
If the hanger is there then $100 tops. But only if the bike fits you and you plan on riding your investment in time and money. At $100 plus fix up costs you won't make a penny when you sell it.
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A few thoughts:
(1) $100 is the max I would go, I have seen these for a whole lot less. Remember this was a low-mid-range offering when new.
(2) Trek had a lot of issues with their early lugged-steel frames (gaps in the brazing) which MIGHT have been resolved by '89, but maybe not.
(3) I'm surprised no one heaped scorn on the Biopace chainrings and de-valued the bike because of them (I personally still ride them).
...I don't think they detract from the value, just don't try to make a single-speed conversion with them! Best of luck!
(1) $100 is the max I would go, I have seen these for a whole lot less. Remember this was a low-mid-range offering when new.
(2) Trek had a lot of issues with their early lugged-steel frames (gaps in the brazing) which MIGHT have been resolved by '89, but maybe not.
(3) I'm surprised no one heaped scorn on the Biopace chainrings and de-valued the bike because of them (I personally still ride them).
...I don't think they detract from the value, just don't try to make a single-speed conversion with them! Best of luck!
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As for the Biopace I don't have a lot of issues with the if they are in good shape and the chainrings can be replaced rather cheaply with normal rings. The bike has bigger issues so the Biopace thing is kinda of after thought that doesn't effect value much if other stuff is screwed up. Taking a second look it seems the whole right side rear triangle may be out of whack.
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Thanks Everyone, I think the hanger was still on, but the rear derailleur screw was twisted so it may have come off by force, so not sure if the hanger is fully intact. I helped the fella pull this bike out of a pile of bikes, now he posted it on craigslist for general sale for $250! Wow. I agree with you guys, I was thinking $100-$120 maybe. Our market down here is decent, but not for total fixers.
@@Trek road bike
Not a bad guy or anything, I think he's thinking the market is a bit better than it really is and he may not come down to what I'm willing to pay...I was thinking this would be a decent bike to fix and then ride myself, not flip, but now I'm just going to wait for a better opportunity...thanks everyone.
@@Trek road bike
Not a bad guy or anything, I think he's thinking the market is a bit better than it really is and he may not come down to what I'm willing to pay...I was thinking this would be a decent bike to fix and then ride myself, not flip, but now I'm just going to wait for a better opportunity...thanks everyone.
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Thanks graftek. My Dad lives in sunnyvale, next time I visit him I should bring my bike - I didn't realize it was (bike heaven). Maybe see you out there sometime. I grew up in San Jose. Thanks everyone else too.
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