1996 Trek 790 trekking. Is this EURO 520 ???
11-03-13, 10:57 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
1996 Trek 790 trekking. Is this EURO 520 ???
Hi,
Today i picked up a great condition Trek 790 (trekking) bike !!
I have tried to find some info regarding this particular model but wasn't lucky.
In my opinion this bike is in the original state except handelbars, gripshift, brake levers part...
If someone of You guys can come with some conclusion regarding model?
I read somewhere that 790 was euro 520 model but i am not sure about that?
I know about 790 multitrack hybrid models but somehow i think that this is not the case with this bike??
What do you think about his bike, frameset, model?? I have C'dale ST400 as my everyday/touring bike but since i am form Croatia and our coastline is full of beautiful off road, makadam, roads with rocks, somehow i think this could be good trekking/touring alternative??
Frame: true temper OX
Size 23"/58 - top tube 58cm, chainstays 45 cm
Groupset: STX, triple
wheels: matrix journey 700C
Seatpost, stem : system components
Canilever brakes: stx
1459665 on the bottom bracket -1996 model??
Thanks in advance!
Best regards from Croatia!
Today i picked up a great condition Trek 790 (trekking) bike !!
I have tried to find some info regarding this particular model but wasn't lucky.
In my opinion this bike is in the original state except handelbars, gripshift, brake levers part...
If someone of You guys can come with some conclusion regarding model?
I read somewhere that 790 was euro 520 model but i am not sure about that?
I know about 790 multitrack hybrid models but somehow i think that this is not the case with this bike??
What do you think about his bike, frameset, model?? I have C'dale ST400 as my everyday/touring bike but since i am form Croatia and our coastline is full of beautiful off road, makadam, roads with rocks, somehow i think this could be good trekking/touring alternative??
Frame: true temper OX
Size 23"/58 - top tube 58cm, chainstays 45 cm
Groupset: STX, triple
wheels: matrix journey 700C
Seatpost, stem : system components
Canilever brakes: stx
1459665 on the bottom bracket -1996 model??
Thanks in advance!
Best regards from Croatia!
Last edited by human33; 11-04-13 at 07:28 AM. Reason: grammar
Likes For human33:
11-03-13, 11:08 AM
#2
Gouge Away
Looks like a '92 Trek 790E according to Vintage Trek catalogues. It's has the same geo as the 520, but braze ons are a bit different.
11-03-13, 11:13 AM
#3
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Here is a link to a 1996 trek catalogue, but it does not show a 790 model.
https://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/...aller.pdf.html
https://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/...aller.pdf.html
11-03-13, 11:18 AM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I know. thats why i was wondering maybe someone here will be famiiar with this...
11-03-13, 11:21 AM
#5
Senior Member
Nice bike! Some googling will get you more info, and there are extensive Trek US catalog scans online, not sure about Euro catalogs.
The 790 was Trek's highest-end steel hybrid/trekking bike, maybe only in the catalog for a few years. US-built in the newer Whitewater factory IIRC. Hybrids grew as a category and were spec'd upscale in the mid-'90s, targeted at folks who wanted a bike with wider tires and more upright riding position (like an ATB), but weren't riding off-road. They didn't need/want the robust build of an ATB, but road bikes at the time were primarily narrow-tire, aero-position road racing designs. The 520 was still in Trek's line, as a touring road bike, targeted at a different rider. The hybrids had wider tire clearances IIRC, and were normally spec'd with wider/knobbier tires than the 520.
Trek had to spec their trekking bikes with fenders, racks & lights to get market share in the Euro market, so your 790 looks to be stock Euro spec. US-spec 790 had no racks, fenders or lights. The Euro bikes also had to be very close to fully-assembled for Euro dealers, so Trek spent a lot of time/money increasing build % at the factory. Had to get Giant onboard as well for the outsourced bikes. Later Trek bought some factories in Europe, and did assembly on-continent.
There weren't a lot of steel hybrid frames sold in the US, those in the know look out for them because they can make nice drop-bar builds. Trekking was a very large share of Trek's Euro business, so they may be more common over there.
The 790 was Trek's highest-end steel hybrid/trekking bike, maybe only in the catalog for a few years. US-built in the newer Whitewater factory IIRC. Hybrids grew as a category and were spec'd upscale in the mid-'90s, targeted at folks who wanted a bike with wider tires and more upright riding position (like an ATB), but weren't riding off-road. They didn't need/want the robust build of an ATB, but road bikes at the time were primarily narrow-tire, aero-position road racing designs. The 520 was still in Trek's line, as a touring road bike, targeted at a different rider. The hybrids had wider tire clearances IIRC, and were normally spec'd with wider/knobbier tires than the 520.
Trek had to spec their trekking bikes with fenders, racks & lights to get market share in the Euro market, so your 790 looks to be stock Euro spec. US-spec 790 had no racks, fenders or lights. The Euro bikes also had to be very close to fully-assembled for Euro dealers, so Trek spent a lot of time/money increasing build % at the factory. Had to get Giant onboard as well for the outsourced bikes. Later Trek bought some factories in Europe, and did assembly on-continent.
There weren't a lot of steel hybrid frames sold in the US, those in the know look out for them because they can make nice drop-bar builds. Trekking was a very large share of Trek's Euro business, so they may be more common over there.
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11-03-13, 11:38 AM
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
pcb
Thanks for the info! That makes sense. I was google alot about this issue but found zero info regarding trekking models...Pictures with trekking decals niether. Thats why i was more curious on particular one.
Cheers!
Thanks for the info! That makes sense. I was google alot about this issue but found zero info regarding trekking models...Pictures with trekking decals niether. Thats why i was more curious on particular one.
Cheers!
11-03-13, 11:53 AM
#7
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11-03-13, 12:02 PM
#8
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Nice bike! Some googling will get you more info, and there are extensive Trek US catalog scans online, not sure about Euro catalogs.
The 790 was Trek's highest-end steel hybrid/trekking bike, maybe only in the catalog for a few years. US-built in the newer Whitewater factory IIRC. Hybrids grew as a category and were spec'd upscale in the mid-'90s, targeted at folks who wanted a bike with wider tires and more upright riding position (like an ATB), but weren't riding off-road. They didn't need/want the robust build of an ATB, but road bikes at the time were primarily narrow-tire, aero-position road racing designs. The 520 was still in Trek's line, as a touring road bike, targeted at a different rider. The hybrids had wider tire clearances IIRC, and were normally spec'd with wider/knobbier tires than the 520.
Trek had to spec their trekking bikes with fenders, racks & lights to get market share in the Euro market, so your 790 looks to be stock Euro spec. US-spec 790 had no racks, fenders or lights. The Euro bikes also had to be very close to fully-assembled for Euro dealers, so Trek spent a lot of time/money increasing build % at the factory. Had to get Giant onboard as well for the outsourced bikes. Later Trek bought some factories in Europe, and did assembly on-continent.
There weren't a lot of steel hybrid frames sold in the US, those in the know look out for them because they can make nice drop-bar builds. Trekking was a very large share of Trek's Euro business, so they may be more common over there.
The 790 was Trek's highest-end steel hybrid/trekking bike, maybe only in the catalog for a few years. US-built in the newer Whitewater factory IIRC. Hybrids grew as a category and were spec'd upscale in the mid-'90s, targeted at folks who wanted a bike with wider tires and more upright riding position (like an ATB), but weren't riding off-road. They didn't need/want the robust build of an ATB, but road bikes at the time were primarily narrow-tire, aero-position road racing designs. The 520 was still in Trek's line, as a touring road bike, targeted at a different rider. The hybrids had wider tire clearances IIRC, and were normally spec'd with wider/knobbier tires than the 520.
Trek had to spec their trekking bikes with fenders, racks & lights to get market share in the Euro market, so your 790 looks to be stock Euro spec. US-spec 790 had no racks, fenders or lights. The Euro bikes also had to be very close to fully-assembled for Euro dealers, so Trek spent a lot of time/money increasing build % at the factory. Had to get Giant onboard as well for the outsourced bikes. Later Trek bought some factories in Europe, and did assembly on-continent.
There weren't a lot of steel hybrid frames sold in the US, those in the know look out for them because they can make nice drop-bar builds. Trekking was a very large share of Trek's Euro business, so they may be more common over there.
SP
OC, OR
11-03-13, 01:24 PM
#9
Senior Member
Hmmm, in many ways, IMHO. Lots more choice for practical bikes from the majors (Trek, Spec'l, Giant), 2nd-tiers (Jamis, Fuji, etc), higher-end niche players (Riv, Boulder, etc) affordable niche players (Surly, Soma, All-City, VO, Ben's, etc) and even single-run one-dude operations (Black Mountain, Rawland, Box Dog, Handsome, etc). Not to mention all the incredible modern handbuilt steel frames available today, from Waterford to YLF (Your Local Framebuilder). There are entire categories of more-practical road bikes from the majors/minors that didn't exist '92-'95: endurance, event, fitness, 'cross, adventure, commuting, and there's more available in the perennial touring category as well. Most of these supplier/retailer categories didn't even exist in '92.
Granted that many/most may not appeal to your average C&Ver, and you're going to find near-zero steel from the majors and precious little from the minors. And the entire fitness category seems mostly dedicated to flat bars. But there are clearly many more options in today's market for somebody looking for a new bike, designed primarily for paved road, spec'd with more relaxed geometry, wider tire clearance, more upright riding position and fender/rackability. Versatile enough for moderate trail use.
You're not necessarily seeing a good representation at you LBSs, especially if they're primarily focused on racer dudes. You may have to look outside your local area, or at online suppliers, but there's plenty more out there to look at.
Granted that many/most may not appeal to your average C&Ver, and you're going to find near-zero steel from the majors and precious little from the minors. And the entire fitness category seems mostly dedicated to flat bars. But there are clearly many more options in today's market for somebody looking for a new bike, designed primarily for paved road, spec'd with more relaxed geometry, wider tire clearance, more upright riding position and fender/rackability. Versatile enough for moderate trail use.
You're not necessarily seeing a good representation at you LBSs, especially if they're primarily focused on racer dudes. You may have to look outside your local area, or at online suppliers, but there's plenty more out there to look at.
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11-03-13, 10:34 PM
#10
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Looks like a really smashing bike- it's in great shape and it's got a really cool color!
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
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11-03-13, 10:53 PM
#11
Senior Member
Hmmm, in many ways, IMHO. Lots more choice for practical bikes from the majors (Trek, Spec'l, Giant), 2nd-tiers (Jamis, Fuji, etc), higher-end niche players (Riv, Boulder, etc) affordable niche players (Surly, Soma, All-City, VO, Ben's, etc) and even single-run one-dude operations (Black Mountain, Rawland, Box Dog, Handsome, etc). Not to mention all the incredible modern handbuilt steel frames available today, from Waterford to YLF (Your Local Framebuilder). There are entire categories of more-practical road bikes from the majors/minors that didn't exist '92-'95: endurance, event, fitness, 'cross, adventure, commuting, and there's more available in the perennial touring category as well. Most of these supplier/retailer categories didn't even exist in '92.
Granted that many/most may not appeal to your average C&Ver, and you're going to find near-zero steel from the majors and precious little from the minors. And the entire fitness category seems mostly dedicated to flat bars. But there are clearly many more options in today's market for somebody looking for a new bike, designed primarily for paved road, spec'd with more relaxed geometry, wider tire clearance, more upright riding position and fender/rackability. Versatile enough for moderate trail use.
You're not necessarily seeing a good representation at you LBSs, especially if they're primarily focused on racer dudes. You may have to look outside your local area, or at online suppliers, but there's plenty more out there to look at.
Granted that many/most may not appeal to your average C&Ver, and you're going to find near-zero steel from the majors and precious little from the minors. And the entire fitness category seems mostly dedicated to flat bars. But there are clearly many more options in today's market for somebody looking for a new bike, designed primarily for paved road, spec'd with more relaxed geometry, wider tire clearance, more upright riding position and fender/rackability. Versatile enough for moderate trail use.
You're not necessarily seeing a good representation at you LBSs, especially if they're primarily focused on racer dudes. You may have to look outside your local area, or at online suppliers, but there's plenty more out there to look at.
SP
OC, OR
11-04-13, 07:39 AM
#12
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Thread Starter
Today i have tried bike with my own saddle and moustache bars. It ride like a charm! Longer and a bit sloping top tube
VS my level Cannondale ST400, gives me a little better feeling and control. It looks like a will have a problem
VS my level Cannondale ST400, gives me a little better feeling and control. It looks like a will have a problem
11-04-13, 08:36 AM
#13
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I'd be willing to bet that somebody that knows actual numbers would say you're wrong. Trek claims their FX fitness bike category is their best-selling category. Practical frames with flat bars.
The LBS's stock may not be representative of the diversity that's available, but it IS representative of what's actually selling. I'd be willing to bet that the wide tire/fender capable, "real world" bikes constitute maybe 5% of total sales. And more's the pity - most people are buying bikes that really aren't suited to what they're doing.
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11-04-13, 09:30 AM
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A couple of years ago when we bought my wife's FX 7.1- the guys at the shop said they moved more FX bikes than anything else.
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04-29-15, 11:03 AM
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My Trek 790
I also noticed a lack of information about the Trek 790 that I had (it got stolen last week). I was trying to establish it's age as I bought it second hand a few years ago. Turns out it was probably a lot older than I had imagined, but it really was a fantastic bike. https://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...psm4ndpfkf.jpg
EDIT: I just found this page and it looks like the bike we have / had must've been from 1992 Trek Bike Models by Year and Color
EDIT: I just found this page and it looks like the bike we have / had must've been from 1992 Trek Bike Models by Year and Color
Last edited by retroscendence; 04-29-15 at 11:33 AM. Reason: Additional info
04-29-15, 07:30 PM
#16
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That head badge is late '80's early '90's
04-29-15, 08:40 PM
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Beautiful bike, enjoy the ride. You can find a lot of TREK information at this site: Vintage Trek Bikes- Information on Steel Road Bicycles made by the Trek Bicycle Corporation, bike
04-30-15, 05:44 PM
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I was looking at the 1995 catalog and the Trek 750 Trekking bike appears to have the exact same fenders and headlight and possibly the same rack, so they eventually did include all that on the American versions of their Trekking bike.
02-19-17, 09:17 PM
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I know that this post is several years old but I too have a 1997 Trek 790 and it mentions that is is of Cro moly butted construction. Is it cro moly steel or steel tubing with cro moly butted joints?
The one I have is in excellent condition and seems that someone has tried to enhance it performance by changing wheel set, gears and seat.
Any help with this is appreciated.
The one I have is in excellent condition and seems that someone has tried to enhance it performance by changing wheel set, gears and seat.
Any help with this is appreciated.
02-20-17, 12:45 AM
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Tubing is butted, these frames are not lugged, google is your friend.
I know that this post is several years old but I too have a 1997 Trek 790 and it mentions that is is of Cro moly butted construction. Is it cro moly steel or steel tubing with cro moly butted joints?
The one I have is in excellent condition and seems that someone has tried to enhance it performance by changing wheel set, gears and seat.
Any help with this is appreciated.
The one I have is in excellent condition and seems that someone has tried to enhance it performance by changing wheel set, gears and seat.
Any help with this is appreciated.
03-06-17, 07:45 AM
#22
Slowpoke
)Oops, I'm not allow to post images until I have 10 posts. I'll be back soon.
Last edited by wjjones; 03-06-17 at 08:54 AM.
