Originally Posted by
ridelikeaturtle
Is it special? Is it uncommon? Is it rare? Is it Italian?
When I ask that, it's not a value judgement on the bike itself. It's solid, sure, and you're correct it's "nothing to sneeze at", and will make a great project.
But to me it's not special or unique... or worth treating to powder-coating. You could buy two more of them for the same cost, right? If I'm wrong, I'll hold my hand up.
It's the top of the line MTB from Trek for that year.
So, yes, it is special and uncommon. And US made.
Proprietary True Temper OD tubing, with only this and the 970 sharing the frame. The 990 with full XT build (when XT was the top of the line group).
It's a special bike.