Advise on a 1993 Trek T-100
 

Hello,
My wife and I are wanting to enter into the world of tandems and we found a 1993 Trek T-100 in the Indianapolis area listed on Craigs List for $600. Does this seem high or not? I'm sorry I don't have any other info on it as I haven't contacted the seller yet.
Thanks, Mark

My wife and I bought our first tandem back in January. We found there are several shops that carry entry level tandems in the $1000 to $2000 range in the Indy area. If the Trek has not been ridden recently you might not be too far from the bottom of the new prices by the time you get it road ready.
Bruce

The T-100 was kind of in the high-end entry level range. This range was characterized by being outside of the scope of the "department store" class, but below the Santana, Co-Motion, and the like price range. The closest comparable bike today would be the Hokitika by Tandems East, selling at about $2800. If you take Mark Livingood's "Used Tandem Pricing Guide" and extrapolate from 10 years of age out to 1993, you get something like 28% of the current replacement value. Figuring $2800 as replacement value you're in the right ball park. Things like racks, fenders, bottle holders, suspension (stoker) seatpost will increase the replacement value.

So if the bike is in good shape, and fits, the price is about right. The frame should be good enough to be worth upgrading components to something newer as they wear out.

Our first tandem was a T100 and we I enjoyed the bike very much. The frame is very good, components worked well enough. $600 might be a bit on the high end, but if it is in good shape it is a fair price, if it is not in good shape, it could be $600 too much. The bike has to fit though.

My wife and I actually have a 1993 Trek T-100 and really enjoy it. We purchased it in 2005 for $600 so the asking price may be a tad high. We try to do about 4-5 group rides a year ranging from 30-60 miles. Weather permitting we ride on the weekends. Here in NC we have some rolling hills which puts some stress on the bottom brackets. Last year I had my LBS overhaul it and he told me the BB bearings were just about shot.

The original rear wheel developed a circumferential crack and needed to be replaced. Find out if the wheels are original. If so, be prepared to replace the rear wheel. (and for sure the $600 is too high) The front wheel is ok. I did not replace as I don't care that the wheels do not match.

It's a good bike, I'm sure you'll like it and have many miles of enjoyment...

Trek's been in-and-out of the tandem market several times and they did have some wheel /spoke breakage issues with the older in-house Trek wheels.
An upgraded rim replacement/wheel rebuild (if you have wheel issues) is not overly pricey.
If it fits and is in good shape make an offer and see . . .
Pedal on TWOgether!
R & K/zonatandem

My wife and I bought a "94 T-100 2 years ago and payed $450. It was all stock, near perfect, and had less than 100 miles on it.

I've since changed from 7 to 8 speed and upgraded the shifters and derailures. About another $100 in it.

$600 does seem a little high unless there have been some upgrades.