therover

Hellol all, I just returned from Portland and I'm itchin' for a new bicycle. I found this one on CL today. From what I have seen this guy restores bikes real well, I've seen some other of his work. Anyways, I would like opinions on the price and the bike. Thanks.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/2920208325.html

wrk101

For SF, looks like a good deal. Around here, that price would be high due to paint. But SF is red hot.

cycleheimer

It is an '83 sport touring model.



That means, basically, it has shorter chain stays and caliper brakes instead of cantilever brakes. Full touring bikes will have more bells & whistles. Check out the '84 620 for comparison. The catalog page and specs can be found here... https://vintage-trek.com/TrekBrochures.htm That bike also comes with 27" wheels instead of 700c wheels. Tires are easy to get, and pricing can be fairly reasonable. It is an older size rim, however, that hasn't been put on new bikes in about 20 years or so. It does have a nice lugged Reynolds 531 frame. You can research Heliomatic hubs and freewheels, and then draw your own conclusions. For comparison, a new touring bikes like the Windsor Tourist runs $599 from Bikes Direct to your door. If you don't buy the Trek, somebody else will. To some people that's alot of cash, to others it is pocket change. It also depends on the type of riding you are going to do. Maybe a good deal in SF, but I think it is a little high also considering the paint.

therover

Well I went to go check out the bike and turns out someone out in Texas had e-mailed and arranged to purchase it. Got to see it in person it was nice, but the paint was in rough shape. Thanks for the info

neurocop

The seller mentions that the 531 frame is Cr-Mo...I thought 531 was a Cr-Mn steel...I may be picking nits. The Reynolds decal also indicates the main tubes are made of 531, not the rear stays and fork. Maybe those parts were Cr-Mo? Priced about right for the SF market (i.e. overpriced for elsewhere).

cycleheimer

This bike is $800 at Bikes Direct ... LeTour Legacy .... https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._legacy_xi.htm

Ok, it's about twice as much...but check the specs. It's pretty sweet. It would be sweeter, however, if it had a triple. High used bike prices are good for sellers, not so much for buyers. I have a few friends who have asked me to keep a look out for certain types of bikes for them. I follow CL here in NY, and the bikes are overpriced and keep getting reposted because they aren't selling.
IMHO, the '80s was a golden age for high quality bikes at affordable prices. Luckily, enough were made that you can find them at bargain prices if you are patient, keep your eyes open ... and carry cash with you... and keep a bike carrier in your trunk at all times.

wrk101

Sounds like it was for the best. Trek made outstanding paint. I have found Treks where the bike overall was really trashed, but the frame and paint looked pristine. So one with mediocre paint must have led a very rough life.