Originally Posted by
guygadois
I was able to purchase a rough shape 1985 Trek 420 with the thought of making it my next everyday bike. The paint is very doing but the frame is straight with no rust. It also has so many cool details that some later Treks just dont have (this is my first Trek). I realize it is a low end frame but it seems pretty nice, quality build wise. I am lucky to have a wonderful frame builder close by to help add a few things on it to 'update' it.
Has anyone added canti stubs to this frame? The frame builder said that it has a 'fastback' arrangement on the rear triangle which may make the spacing difficult. I am also looking to cold set it to 130mm, add shifter braze-ons and a brake bridge for the cantis.
After this is all done I'll have it stripped and powder coated. The existing paint is beyond anything worth keeping. Believe me. Now, I just need to find the head age and maybe some decals?
GG
I had a Mangalloy framed 84 420 that was a great bike- I'm sure conventional logic is that the True Temper frame is "better," but I REALLY liked that bike regardless of where it sat in the food chain.
I had the Z series brakes on that bike- and they were as fine as any other brakes. The only "upgrade" I'd consider dumping money into on that bike would be getting rid of the Helicomatic.