bear_a_bug 

Hey,

I have a 63cm (too big for me) Gitane TdF frame that was recently ID'd in a previous thread. I've decided to move it on, and so went down to Working Bikes coop in Chicago to try to pick up a few parts. Hope to get a half-ass build together so I can sell it this spring.

Well, that was the plan.

Instead, I spied an '83 Trek 620 with mostly original equipment for a very reasonable price. Given that I had just sold a Fuji 650b bike to a coworker, I was flush with exactly the cash necessary for the Trek. So, of course, I bought it.



Working bikes refurbs bikes for sale, and it looks like they added some suntour Barcons to the mix.

Now here's the problem - I'm trying to downsize, and I've got 2 bikes right now that pretty much do it all for me.

A 650b 73 Raleigh Super Tourer (heavily modified by @gugie):


and a City bike grocery getting 85 Schwinn Cimarron:



So, what do I do with this Trek? I'm thinking probably 650b wheels, but I don't want to just replicate the Super Tourer, as I'll find a reason to just ride one and neglect the other.

A porteur could be in the mix (and I'd love to build one up), but it would blur into the Schwinn's territory, so - same problem.

I don't do any heavy touring, and if I did, it would probably be a tossup between the Schwinn and the Raleigh.

Good problem to have with this Trek, but anyone got any ideas for what to do???

Andrew R Stewart 

I like to end up with more bike style options in my collection the dup a current type. So I would make the Trek a light wheel/tired sport tourer. First question I would pose is the tire size currently. 700C or 27"? If 700C then I would do as little as possible. 28/32 tires, light rear rack, needed fit changes (seat, bars, stem, pedals). Shifters as your preference dictates. If the tires are 27" then the long term issue of 27" tire choices comes into play. It looks like there isn't enough pad adjustment to allow a 700C rim without new calipers of longer reach.


But I always have a bit of a problem with this kind of question. What's it matter what we think? You're the rider and the one who signs the check to afford changes. Andy

oddjob2

Get a bigger garage, like I just did!



The 3 bikes you have are all very fine and it would be hard for me to part with any one of them. Tire change is discussed below.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...onversion.html

bear_a_bug 

I have a good 700c wheelset I can use, so that's an option.

I confess I've gotten very comfortable with wide 650b tires, so wider 700c tires would work but it might raise the standover uncomfortably.

I have run compass 32 tires and liked those, so a sport touring build might work.

JT1973

I'd say 650b single-speed porteur. Yeah, it might edge out the Schwinn, but let them battle it out. Or keep the Schwinn as a backup/beater/grocery getter/ slop bike.
Simplicity of single-speed might differentiate the herd, cut-down on some minimal build expenses/time, and maybe bring out some different kind of enjoyment. Spinning, perhaps. Sticking to the gear you got.
I gotta say those Ahearne/MAP bars are an outstanding choice for such a build.
But you know I'm kinda biased.
--leif

LiquorLad

It's only a deal if you need it. Enjoy your new toy & log up the miles!

gorillagirl

I have an idea! Your Super Tourer looks awesome, but heavy -- although no heavier than necessary, for its function. If I were you, I would build the Trek up like the Super Tourer, but with 1/3 the racks and 1/2 the bags, for a light and fast 650b rider. Looks like that's something your current stable isn't quite giving you.

bear_a_bug 

Decided to stick with 700c wheels. No fenders, no racks, just a small Minnehaha saddlebag.



Back to DT shifters, swapped in a Nitto B135 rando bar, old Fujita saddle I had lying around, and a shiny chromed-out Zefal pump I snagged at the coop.

I'm going to invest in some Compass BonJon Pass tires, as it looks like 35s will clear the chainstays with enough room. Probably pick up some Koolstop pads.

So that means I've got 1 rando bike with 650b wheels and centerpulls, 1 upright city-bike with 26" wheels and cantilevers, and 1 sport tourer with 700c wheels and sidepulls. Nice variety!

Thanks for the advice, everyone!