jmccain

I have an opportunity to purchase a Trek T50. It's a hybrid style make in the mid 90's. Is this a bike worth buying? It is the right size for my wife and me, but I know nothing about tandems.

Thanks, John

zonatandem

$$?

jmccain

They're asking $675. It appears to be in nearly mint condition by the photos (stored inside - low miles).

Xanti Andia

$ 675 seems a bit high for a T50, a 98 or so T100 recently went on e-bay for 500. Of course you have shipping to add, plus this bike you are looking at so you are not taking any risk. Still I think you should bring down the price. We have a T100 and we are quite happy for what it is worth, but I don't know the T50.

gregm

T200 was the road model, T100 a 700c hybrid, T50 hybrid with lower components than the T100.

Otherwise, as best as I can tell, the frames and forks are the same across the three models for any given year.

We have a 1993 T100... but over the past couple of years, parts replacement has given it drop bars, 105 shifters, Velocity/Phil/Schmidt 48-spoke wheels, new cranks, different seats, etc. etc.

A modern frame and fork will save you a lot of weight, but the T series of Treks are a solid starting point and will accept modern components. I do agree with others that the asking price sounds too high.

Good luck!
-Greg

zonatandem

Would also suggest a lower offer by at least $200; but seeing/test riding would be a bonus even for a basic starter tandem .

Xanti Andia

The T100 is a heavy bike, but that said, I find that it is quite stiff and performs rather well, I don't feel the frame flex that you might expect on a cheaper tandem, just a few more pounds to drag around. I did give 5 minutes thought to doing Zona's job of upgrading the components, and gave up because I thought it would not be worth the trouble. I was surprised you did Zona, maybe I will get to it some day, and keep it arround as a spare.

gregm

Xanti, I think you have us mixed up. I have the T100; Zona has a carbon fiber tandem.

I bet that Zona's frame alone is worth at least several times the value of my whole T100.

Cheers,
-Greg

Xanti Andia

That was a quick read of two posts, I am good at mixups, minor dislexia and major messes every now and then, sorry Zona and Greg.

Greg, do tell me about your experience upgrading the T100.

zonatandem

It's not how much your tandem costs . . . it's how much you ride/enjoy it that counts!
We did not start out with a 'dream tandem' back in 1975 . . . it was a French Follis 'real 10 speed' that cost us then around $350 . . . learned a lot from that tandem and things evolved/progressed from there.
Enjoy the ride!