x2mars

can anyone tell me what model trek this is? a good bike for me, being new to touring?
https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/54991305.html

bradw

I can't tell what bike it is, but based on the stated # of speeds (12) and the photo in the ad:

1) A twelve speed bike probably doesn't have low enough gears for loaded touring. It looks like a standard double crank (something like a 52/42) that has a 6 speed cluster in back. Those bikes seemed to have a gear-inch range of 100-40 inches. A loaded touring bike has a range of about 100+ down to about 18-25 inches.

2) I may be wrong, but it looks like it has side-pull brakes like you see on racers and sport tourers. Those generally don't have enough stopping power for loaded touring. Loaded touring bikes usually have cantiliver, v-brakes, or sometime disc brakes.

3) It looks like a big bike. For somebody over 6' tall.

Assuming the bike fits you and has functioning components, it might be ok for credit card touring or supported touring where you carry only a few things with you. If you haven't got the legs for the mountain roads (I don't) or need to haul along a tent, food, etc., this bike may not be for you.

x2mars

just found out its a trek 600 multi sport...can't find anything on the web about it

tourbike

I'd have to disagree. I have used only "side-pull" caliper brakes for touring, and if properly adjusted, I can stop on a dime.

I think that mostly you are right, however, it wouldn't be worth it to convert this for touring. I've done it, and it is costly...

x2mars

heres the catalog page https://www.vintage-trek.com/images/t...83/83Trek9.jpg

halfspeed

If that is, indeed, the bike then it =can= be made into a modern tourer with some caveats.

1) No rack mount on the front fork. You'll probably be pulling a trailer for longer tours.

2) Cost. You have to decide what you can spend and what you want out of it and look at the condition of the components. I spent about $500 on a project like this and I could have spent as little as $300 if I had gone for more minimalist requirements. I did, however, do my own work and some of the parts were sitting in my spares bin. That saved a fair amount of money. Here's the thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...light=trek+620