Trek TX300 circa 1977 anything worthwhile?
07-31-15, 12:07 PM
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Trek TX300 circa 1977 anything worthwhile?
Hello all,
first time poster, go easy on me. I am currently seeking to buy an old school steel road frame, (as advised by a couple friends who ride a lot of bikes) and basically transform it into a new bike.
I am 5'3" so I need a smaller frame. I have heard Trek bikes are good, so I thought this could be a good frame to work with.
Check it below, they are asking $175 I think. I bet I can ask for $150 though. Please let me know if this is a good frame and or a good deal, as I don't know much about bikes.
Thank you!
??? Vintage TREK TX300 Frameset ???
More photos:
1977 TX300 by devobucket | Photobucket
first time poster, go easy on me. I am currently seeking to buy an old school steel road frame, (as advised by a couple friends who ride a lot of bikes) and basically transform it into a new bike.
I am 5'3" so I need a smaller frame. I have heard Trek bikes are good, so I thought this could be a good frame to work with.
Check it below, they are asking $175 I think. I bet I can ask for $150 though. Please let me know if this is a good frame and or a good deal, as I don't know much about bikes.
Thank you!
??? Vintage TREK TX300 Frameset ???
More photos:
1977 TX300 by devobucket | Photobucket
Last edited by droddle; 07-31-15 at 12:11 PM.
07-31-15, 12:13 PM
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This is seriously overpriced. Vintage trek catalogs are online. The 1977 Trek TX300 was made of double butted hi tensile steel, https://www.vintage-trek.com/images/t...rekMidwest.pdf
In any case, I would advise against buying an old frame and buy an old bike instead. It is expensive to build a bike up from a frame; you're better off finding the right vintage bike. Chicago is a big city; you'll find a great bike at a much more reasonable price than $175 for a so-so frame.
In any case, I would advise against buying an old frame and buy an old bike instead. It is expensive to build a bike up from a frame; you're better off finding the right vintage bike. Chicago is a big city; you'll find a great bike at a much more reasonable price than $175 for a so-so frame.
07-31-15, 12:30 PM
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I agree with bikemig.
I personally think that ol' Trek frame is cool, but the coolness is the "old Trek" factor, not the actual quality of the frame. As pointed out above, that particular model was made from hi-tensile steel, which is typically used on lower-end bikes. It's not a bad frame, but it won't be as strong or light as a frame made from CrMo (chromoly) steel. With some scouting, you can probably pick up a fully assembled bike built around a better quality frame without spending too much more.
I personally think that ol' Trek frame is cool, but the coolness is the "old Trek" factor, not the actual quality of the frame. As pointed out above, that particular model was made from hi-tensile steel, which is typically used on lower-end bikes. It's not a bad frame, but it won't be as strong or light as a frame made from CrMo (chromoly) steel. With some scouting, you can probably pick up a fully assembled bike built around a better quality frame without spending too much more.
07-31-15, 01:04 PM
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This one I like:
https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/5148028698.html
What is a good asking price for it? $390 seems expensive, but then again I don't know.
07-31-15, 01:51 PM
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Moved from C&V to Appraisals.
07-31-15, 01:53 PM
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This one I like:
https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/5148028698.html
What is a good asking price for it? $390 seems expensive, but then again I don't know.
07-31-15, 01:59 PM
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07-31-15, 02:06 PM
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I like the 1987 Trek 560 ex as well. It has a reynolds 531 main frame and shimano 600 parts. I think the bike is overpriced though at $390. I'd try to buy it at $300 or so. Keep in mind that this is a racing bike. The Trek 400 is not as fancy a bike but it is a sport touring bike with eyelets and will take fatter tires. I don't know what kind of riding you plan on doing but the 400 is the more versatile bike and you may be able to knock a bit of the price as well.
07-31-15, 02:09 PM
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I will be mostly riding around the flat city of Chicago with an occasional low-key race. Nothing crazy.
The 400 is a 54cm which is too big for me unfortunately.
The 400 is a 54cm which is too big for me unfortunately.
07-31-15, 02:41 PM
#11
incazzare.
It's expensive for a hi-ten frame, but then again, it is really cool. 
How long has it been for sale? If you could talk him down to $100 it might be worth it. Or maybe I just love old Treks.
How long has it been for sale? If you could talk him down to $100 it might be worth it. Or maybe I just love old Treks.
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1964 JRJ (Bob Jackson), 1973 Wes Mason, 1974 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1986 Schwinn High Sierra, 2000ish Colian (Colin Laing), 2011 Dick Chafe, 2013 Velo Orange Pass Hunter
07-31-15, 02:47 PM
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I'd pass. I gave similar money for a 1978 TX700.
07-31-15, 04:02 PM
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That 400 will no doubt take 32mm tires easily. My 910 does and would likely take 38s.
As bikemig says - the 400 would be friendlier commuter or just general riding around frame. The seller is asking $225. If it fits and is ready to go that's not a bad price in my opinion but $175 would be better.
As bikemig says - the 400 would be friendlier commuter or just general riding around frame. The seller is asking $225. If it fits and is ready to go that's not a bad price in my opinion but $175 would be better.
07-31-15, 05:39 PM
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Be as patient as you can and expand your search horizon. Old Treks are totally classy and their road racers were fast and very nimble. I had an '85 460 and presently own an '86 760 Pro Series. They are out there hiding, you just have to look a little bit.
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