RoadGuy

Is the frame the right size for your riding buddy?

Looks like the tires are shot, and I'd check the wheels carefully. The wheel release levers on the brake calipers are in the release position, and the only reason to have them in that position is if the wheels are not running true and rubbing on the brakes.

When riding miles down to the beach on a bikepath (like from Anaheim Hills down to the beach, my friends and I ride roadbikes. If we are driving down to the beach (carrying the bikes on the car) and riding on the beach bikepath, we go with mountain bikes.

$300 is the going rate for a bonded aluminum Trek in ready to ride condition in the LA Market. Look on CraigsList and you will see plenty of Treks in that price range (or for as little as $90 needing a little work as this one does).

You might talk to your friend about getting two good used bikes, a roadbike for putting in the miles, and an inexpensive mountain bike for puttering around and when you need a throwdown bike for riding in questionable places. You can get a decent Trek 900 (910, 930, 950) series, steel framed mountain bike for less than $100 off CraigsList.

Looks like the paint and general condition of the Trek 1220 is decent, but I'd offer less ($200-$250, depending on the condition of the wheels), as a wheel truing is going to cost at least $25-$50 depending on the shop, and a pair of cheap tires with tubes is going to cost between at least $60-$70.

Your friend is going to need to spend some coin on a good Kryptonite u-lock to hold onto that bike when it's parked in LA.