Trek 720 value and thoughts
02-07-13, 07:50 AM
#1
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Trek 720 value and thoughts
Usually I have a pretty good idea of value on C&V bikes. This one has me puzzled though.
Picked up an '85 Trek 720 touring bike yesterday. The paint is in terrible shape. Looks like someone used it as a commuter, and really neglected it. It's a 21" frame, to small for me, and its Reynolds 531c tubing.
Parts wise it is not all original but has some really good stuff on it. Mostly Shimano Deore. The wheels are Deore hubs with wide Matrix rims. Spin like butter and are super true. Sealed BB is very smooth. Parts in general are in good shape.
So as it sits, whats it worth? Would I get more money out of it if I invest in a paint job? Or is a powdercoat the way to go?
Just don't know which way to go on this one.
Pics to come.
So of course it photographs nice. The paint is trashed on this. But you can get an idea of the bike. Started taking things apart and cleaning.
Picked up an '85 Trek 720 touring bike yesterday. The paint is in terrible shape. Looks like someone used it as a commuter, and really neglected it. It's a 21" frame, to small for me, and its Reynolds 531c tubing.
Parts wise it is not all original but has some really good stuff on it. Mostly Shimano Deore. The wheels are Deore hubs with wide Matrix rims. Spin like butter and are super true. Sealed BB is very smooth. Parts in general are in good shape.
So as it sits, whats it worth? Would I get more money out of it if I invest in a paint job? Or is a powdercoat the way to go?
Just don't know which way to go on this one.
Pics to come.
So of course it photographs nice. The paint is trashed on this. But you can get an idea of the bike. Started taking things apart and cleaning.
Last edited by big chainring; 02-07-13 at 08:57 AM.
02-07-13, 08:48 AM
#3
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I believe you could buy the 720s as a frame and set them up on your own. Mine (84) had Sunshine pro-am hubs, 1st gen deore deerheads, etc. As long as they are period parts, probably unlikely to have much effect on value. We of course await photos and refuse to discuss value in the slightest until such matters are resolved....
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02-07-13, 09:12 AM
#4
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02-07-13, 09:22 AM
#5
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I would think it is still worth some coin as is, 250/300... I've seen these clear a thousand. Nice, small size, and the components do not appear to be period at all. I would clean the crap off it, match the paint best you can, get it ridable, and ask around double my estimate.
It's in better shape than mine was when found. (Gratuitous picture follows):
It should clean up fine.
It's in better shape than mine was when found. (Gratuitous picture follows):
It should clean up fine.
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02-07-13, 10:06 AM
#6
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
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DON'T PAINT it - you will not get your money out and it doesn't look bad enough to bother.
I'm going to go a little higher than my esteemed colleague above, this is a SWEET bike and I've always been able to get a significant premium for smaller bikes. With everything working, I have no doubts that I could get $400 for this bike...if not more. If I had a short friend/wife who wanted to know if this bike was a buy at $450, I'd probably advise them to go with it.
I'm going to go a little higher than my esteemed colleague above, this is a SWEET bike and I've always been able to get a significant premium for smaller bikes. With everything working, I have no doubts that I could get $400 for this bike...if not more. If I had a short friend/wife who wanted to know if this bike was a buy at $450, I'd probably advise them to go with it.
02-07-13, 10:15 AM
#7
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Trek 720 value and thoughts
Well it has some really nasty paint problems that don't show in the picks.
I'd be happy getting $250.
I think I will investigate the powdercoat option till I can find a buyer. With a little TLC i could see this bringing $500, maybe.
I'd be happy getting $250.
I think I will investigate the powdercoat option till I can find a buyer. With a little TLC i could see this bringing $500, maybe.
02-07-13, 10:23 AM
#8
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Was that the one in Elmwood PK? Good deal if you got it. Rack is worth at least $20.
02-07-13, 10:28 AM
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I would say don't repaint it clean it up real nice and put some new bartape and hoods on it to better match the bike and you should be able to get around $400. Lugged chromo Trek frames seem to sell at a bit of a premium in most markets the fact that they where basically the best of the American built bikes frome the 80's gives them a big following.
https://www.vintage-trek.com/
https://www.vintage-trek.com/
Last edited by zukahn1; 02-07-13 at 10:31 AM.
02-07-13, 10:29 AM
#10
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As it sits, $100. As a part out, $300 to $350.
Most buyers have no imagination. Myself, I would gladly pay $150 for it, and make $200 on a part out. Misc left over parts would make great bin fillers.
Most buyers have no imagination. Myself, I would gladly pay $150 for it, and make $200 on a part out. Misc left over parts would make great bin fillers.
02-07-13, 10:35 AM
#11
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Wheels are worth some dough, maybe.
I'll list it on the BF for sale thread.
02-07-13, 10:40 AM
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+1 on buyers having very littel imagination vision when it comes to vintage road bikes in rough shape. I can get $200-250 out of POS high ten bikes rebuilt in nice ready to ride condition where I live. While even great vintage stuff in rough looking shape is tough to sell at the $100-150 price range.
02-07-13, 11:07 AM
#14
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02-07-13, 11:46 AM
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02-07-13, 11:51 AM
#16
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02-07-13, 12:41 PM
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02-07-13, 12:59 PM
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OCD sellers are good for Bike Restoration Artisans(sounds better than flipper).
02-07-13, 03:35 PM
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The stuff that brings mediocre money I tend to put in my parts bin: bars, stem, sometimes brakes, derailleurs, brake levers, saddle, seat post, pedals, etc.
Last edited by wrk101; 02-07-13 at 04:07 PM.
02-07-13, 03:42 PM
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Checked the wrong stuff. The bar ends bring money, the frame brings money (even in mediocre paint condition), the racks, the crankset, and as you mentioned, the wheels.
The stuff that brings mediocre money I tend to put in my parts bin: bars, stem, sometimes brakes, derailleurs, brake levers, saddle, seat post, pedals, etc.
The stuff that brings mediocre money I tend to put in my parts bin: bars, stem, sometimes brakes, derailleurs, brake levers, saddle, seat post, pedals, etc.
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