Originally Posted by
markk900
Thanks everyone for the encouraging words - the bike looks even sweeter in person - all it really needs is a good clean and polish to get rid of surface oxidation (not sure if the chain is salvageable). I'm also going to go over the various rotating surfaces and check for good lubrication.
Question 1: spokes appear to be dull metal - are they cad plated or simply in need of cleaning?
Question 2: what are opinions on the Avocet I saddle - back in the day they were well regarded but this one looks like a bit of a brick - are they comfortable?
From what I gather the Trek fans on the list love their bikes - I can't wait to try mine out as soon as the roads are rideable.
Mark
ps. Bill: it was tough enough getting this one into the house - luckily its beautiful but I still need to get rid of a couple of old outboards as part of the deal with my spouse!
I can't speak specifically to your bike, but I can draw some insight from my 1984 610.
1. My spokes were dull, too. They became more so with age. I did have a lot of trouble trying to touch up the truing, since the nipples were hard to turn. I replaced my Trek 27 inch clincher wheels with a set of 700c tubular wheels. The original brakes (Shimano 600 BR 6207, not what I would call good brakes) reach the rims.
2. Mine originally came with an Avocet racing saddle, but I soon replaced it with a Brooks pro, then my old favorite. I didn't like the Avocet. It's just a matter of taste, some folks like them.
My 610 needed frame alignment badly. After that (no thanks to the LBS, grrr, still ticked when I think about it) its a great rider.