dystaind

So I've come across an Elance Trek 400 on Craigslist. His listing:

TREK Elance 400

* 531 Reynolds Frame
* Shimano Biopace Chainwheel
* Shimano Gear Shifters and Derailer
* Adult-sized Frame (20" ?)
* 1" Wide wheels




I don't know the exact date but from what I've been reading on previous posts about 400's, it looks to be a 1985 or later model. From what I saw it had original shimano components (although I might have to double check on this). My seller is not the original owner, but it looks to be fair condition and was barely ridden by him.

I'm new to the forums and quite new to the biking world-- I was looking to pay around $150 for this one. I told him I'd sleep on the deal and he offered it for about $130. I'm not sure if I can come back to that price but I wanted some more opinions.

The bike was quite light (I'd say around 22 lbs.), the brakes were in great condition (albeit the front being a little squeeky), the gears shifted smoothly, and the thing turned corners better tha most bikes I've tried (but keep in mind I haven't tried anything on the high high end or super amazing as of yet).

I believe the bike was an 18 speed. I've asked him to look up the serial number so I can get a better idea of the date it was made-- and I'll post that information when I get it.

Thanks in advance for any insight or advice for a new rider!

lotek 

I'm thinking its an 87 400T model based on colour and componentry.
The 86 Elance was 15 speed. You can get more
info at www.vintage-trek.com Best site there is for old treks.
$130 is a good price for the bike if it is anywhere as good a shape as the pictures
look. I'd scarf that puppy right up.
actually $130 for a 531 frame is an excellent price.
Marty

pinnah

I think Lotek has it exactly right. Looks like an '87 to me too.

My understanding is that the 87s still used individual short point head lugs and head tubes. In 89, they used a combined cast head tube/head lugs, which is pictured in the 89 catalog. Some folks feel that this uni-head sort of thing was too heavy (shrug).

The *only* hesitation I would have about a frame of this vintage is the routing of the rear deraileur cable, which goes through the chainstay. Some folks have had to make some minor mods to the frame to get them to work with more modern indexing systems. The issue is the angle of the cable as it exits the chainstay and as I understand it, some folks have had to drill this out a bit to get a better angle.

This would NOT stop me from spending $130, or even $230 on that bike. I really like the look of the Trek investment cast lugs, especially at the seat lug and drop outs. I believe that bike has rebranded Tange or TruTemper stays and forks along with 531 main tubes. It also has a full complement of modern braze-ons including rear rack mounts and pump peg. It is really a very cool intersection of modern and classic in my opinion.

My only last comment is are you sure the frame is right size for you. It's a pretty small frame and an ill fitting frame is not a deal no matter what (unless you are just collecting bikes).

The best advice on frame fit is at the Competitive Cyclist web site, imo.

cuda2k

Lots of good advise from the above two posts. All that I'll add is that I too like the look of this age of Trek bikes. And $130 is a heck of a deal on any bike (or frame for that matter) in good shape that wears a 531 badge.

badger_biker 

I wouldn't hesitate for a moment at $130 for this bike. I recently paid $120 for a near mint '87 Elance frame on eBay and thought I had a pretty good deal! This one looks very nice. I just got mine built up and have only got about 60 miles on it but I love the ride and looks. If it will fit you I'm sure you will be very happy. I can't tell by the pic but my '87 does not have the "TREK" indented in the top tube/head tube lug, buy my '84 400 does - if that is any help. Also my '87 Ser # starts with 300 I think.

BTW I'm using a Shimano 105 9 spd drive train with Durace bar cons and it is shifting great with running the rear cable through the chain stay. The cable housing won't fit in the indent with a ferule but it works OK.

Good luck in your decision.

badger_biker 

I wouldn't hesitate for a moment at $130 for this bike. I recently paid $120 for a near mint '87 Elance frame on eBay and thought I had a pretty good deal! This one looks very nice. I just got mine built up and have only got about 60 miles on it but I love the ride and looks. If it will fit you I'm sure you will be very happy. I can't tell by the pic but my '87 does not have the "TREK" indented in the top tube/head tube lug, buy my '84 400 does - if that is any help. Also my '87 Ser # starts with 300 I think.

BTW I'm using a Shimano 105 9 spd drive train with Durace bar cons and it is shifting great with running the rear cable through the chain stay. The cable housing won't fit in the indent with a ferule but it works OK.

Good luck in your decision.

dystaind

thanks everyone for the replies! I'm definitely thinking of going through with the purchase and feel pretty awesome and happy thus far with the decision.

peripatetic

I just scored an Elance 400 D, near-mint, from the original owner. I love it. It rides like a more contemporary frame, but with the stability and comfort of that nice 531 steel. $130 is totally reasonable. Here in NY, a bike like the one you're looking at would probably fetch a good $200 at least (more with good-shaped wheels and comps.)

dystaind

AH MAN!
so i went back to the seller and tried lowering the seat an inch or so. how much of my foot should be touching the ground if i'm on the seat? I did it so my feet were pretty much completely on the balls/toes of my feet.

so when i leaned down and started pedalling pretty hard, my butt would come right off the seat! i think the frame is a bit small for me, which is a total killer because i've fallen for this bike. I believe it's a 21" frame (measuring from the top of the seatpost to the bottom bottom? it was 21") the standover height is around 30", and somehow it seems small for me? (i'm around 5'11" with a 32 in. inseam)

is there something like a stem which can extend out the handlebars to help things out? i would come out half an inch or less when i pedaled down hard on the bike...

total bummer.

lotek 

It isn't the foot to ground you want to use.
A rough estimate is to have a very slight bend in your knee
when seated and the pedal is in the 6 o'clock position.
yes you can have a longer stem put on the bike.
I would say you lowered the stem too much.
FWIW I had a 21" Trek (760) I always thought it a bit cramped
and I'm 5'8"
measure the frame from center of bottom bracket to center of top tube
(although some treks measured to top of top tube).
Do you know serial number of the bike? it will tell exactly the size
frame.

marty