Trek 620
06-09-18, 05:51 AM
#1
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Trek 620
I have heard a lot about the Trek 520, by not so much about the 620. Are they comparable? I saw one in lightly used condition, what would be a reasonable price? Thanks!
06-09-18, 06:15 AM
#2
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06-09-18, 06:36 AM
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Its a step up from the 520. In the early to mid 1980s, Trek made four touring models, a 420, a 520, a 620 and a 720. The 720 is the best.
The 620 model changed dramatically over just three years. The 1983 was nothing special, the 1984 was very good, and the 1985 was excellent. And then the model was gone.
Condition is KING, and how and where it is for sale matters a lot. Vintage bikes sold locally, depending on where you live, sell low. Finding one for sale locally should mean you will be enjoying a sizable discount.
Well, I looked at the ad. Its a 1983, by far the lowest of the years for that model. Side pull caliper brakes, shorter chain stays, less desirable frame, etc. Still a good bike for sure, but not comparable to later years. Nice racks and fenders. I would consider that bike a bargain at the asking price. And since it has been for sale for a while, you probably can do even better. This assumes in person inspection, no damage, nothing stuck.
I sold one for $375, no racks, no fenders, totally refurbished and ready to ride. I've sold two 1984s for a lot more. A savvy buyer knows and wants the later year models rather than the 1983.
The 620 model changed dramatically over just three years. The 1983 was nothing special, the 1984 was very good, and the 1985 was excellent. And then the model was gone.
Condition is KING, and how and where it is for sale matters a lot. Vintage bikes sold locally, depending on where you live, sell low. Finding one for sale locally should mean you will be enjoying a sizable discount.
Well, I looked at the ad. Its a 1983, by far the lowest of the years for that model. Side pull caliper brakes, shorter chain stays, less desirable frame, etc. Still a good bike for sure, but not comparable to later years. Nice racks and fenders. I would consider that bike a bargain at the asking price. And since it has been for sale for a while, you probably can do even better. This assumes in person inspection, no damage, nothing stuck.
I sold one for $375, no racks, no fenders, totally refurbished and ready to ride. I've sold two 1984s for a lot more. A savvy buyer knows and wants the later year models rather than the 1983.
Last edited by wrk101; 06-09-18 at 06:50 AM.
06-09-18, 06:49 AM
#4
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I saw it on CL as well and it's your size I think, https://desmoines.craigslist.org/bik...611826315.html
It's a 1983; it has a reynolds main frame and manganese alloy fork and stays. A "tretubi" build with the main frame being built from a name brand alloy and cheaper material used for the forks and stays was very common back in the day; a lot of very good bikes were built that way.
I think the price is within reason given its condition. That said, vintage bikes and vintage Treks just aren't that expensive in Iowa and the surrounding areas. I bought a 1979 Trek 510--a nicer bike than this with a full Ishiwata tubing set--for $150. I've seen old Treks that would sell in other parts of the country not move here because of the price. Over the last year or so I picked up a 1978 Trek TX 900, a 1979 Trek 510, a 1982 Trek 720, and a 1993 Trek 930. The only one of those bikes that cost me more than the Trek listed on CL was the 1978 Trek TX 900.
This bike is in very good condition and it has a lot of nice parts (racks, fenders, etc.). I'd value the bike at $250ish.
It's a 1983; it has a reynolds main frame and manganese alloy fork and stays. A "tretubi" build with the main frame being built from a name brand alloy and cheaper material used for the forks and stays was very common back in the day; a lot of very good bikes were built that way.
I think the price is within reason given its condition. That said, vintage bikes and vintage Treks just aren't that expensive in Iowa and the surrounding areas. I bought a 1979 Trek 510--a nicer bike than this with a full Ishiwata tubing set--for $150. I've seen old Treks that would sell in other parts of the country not move here because of the price. Over the last year or so I picked up a 1978 Trek TX 900, a 1979 Trek 510, a 1982 Trek 720, and a 1993 Trek 930. The only one of those bikes that cost me more than the Trek listed on CL was the 1978 Trek TX 900.
This bike is in very good condition and it has a lot of nice parts (racks, fenders, etc.). I'd value the bike at $250ish.
Last edited by bikemig; 06-09-18 at 07:03 AM.
06-09-18, 07:17 AM
#5
Senior Member
The 520 was a CrMo double-butted tubeset, 9/6/9 TT and DT, and 9/6 seat tube - just like Columbus SL! The 620 was Reynolds 531CS main tubes (see the Trek tubespec in the front of the 1983 catalog on the Vintage Trek site), and some kind of CrMo forks and stays. The 720 was fully double-butted Reynolds 531, but a stiffer 10/7/10 downtube, very long chainstays, and different brake specs in different years. All are great bikes!
06-09-18, 07:20 AM
#6
Senior Member
Its a step up from the 520. In the early to mid 1980s, Trek made four touring models, a 420, a 520, a 620 and a 720. The 720 is the best.
The 620 model changed dramatically over just three years. The 1983 was nothing special, the 1984 was very good, and the 1985 was excellent. And then the model was gone.
Condition is KING, and how and where it is for sale matters a lot. Vintage bikes sold locally, depending on where you live, sell low. Finding one for sale locally should mean you will be enjoying a sizable discount.
Well, I looked at the ad. Its a 1983, by far the lowest of the years for that model. Side pull caliper brakes, shorter chain stays, less desirable frame, etc. Still a good bike for sure, but not comparable to later years. Nice racks and fenders. I would consider that bike a bargain at the asking price. And since it has been for sale for a while, you probably can do even better. This assumes in person inspection, no damage, nothing stuck.
I sold one for $375, no racks, no fenders, totally refurbished and ready to ride. I've sold two 1984s for a lot more. A savvy buyer knows and wants the later year models rather than the 1983.
The 620 model changed dramatically over just three years. The 1983 was nothing special, the 1984 was very good, and the 1985 was excellent. And then the model was gone.
Condition is KING, and how and where it is for sale matters a lot. Vintage bikes sold locally, depending on where you live, sell low. Finding one for sale locally should mean you will be enjoying a sizable discount.
Well, I looked at the ad. Its a 1983, by far the lowest of the years for that model. Side pull caliper brakes, shorter chain stays, less desirable frame, etc. Still a good bike for sure, but not comparable to later years. Nice racks and fenders. I would consider that bike a bargain at the asking price. And since it has been for sale for a while, you probably can do even better. This assumes in person inspection, no damage, nothing stuck.
I sold one for $375, no racks, no fenders, totally refurbished and ready to ride. I've sold two 1984s for a lot more. A savvy buyer knows and wants the later year models rather than the 1983.
06-09-18, 07:34 AM
#8
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Thread Starter
@bikemig Interesting perspective on the are pricing. You know I am relatively new to the area, so that is helpful. Honestly I am used to Seattle pricing, so often I find things a bargain here (for all types of things not bike related) that others find expensive. You talk about all your deals, but I don't see much in Dubuque, particularly in my size. He had this bike listed at $399, and I passed, but he just lowered to $299, so it raised my interest level. I have to admit, Treks are not at the top of my desire list.
06-09-18, 07:38 AM
#9
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I saw it on CL as well and it's your size I think, https://desmoines.craigslist.org/bik...611826315.html
I think the price is within reason given its condition. That said, vintage bikes and vintage Treks just aren't that expensive in Iowa and the surrounding areas. I bought a 1979 Trek 510--a nicer bike than this with a full Ishiwata tubing set--for $150. I've seen old Treks that would sell in other parts of the country not move here because of the price. Over the last year or so I picked up a 1978 Trek TX 900, a 1979 Trek 510, a 1982 Trek 720, and a 1993 Trek 930. The only one of those bikes that cost me more than the Trek listed on CL was the 1978 Trek TX 900.
This bike is in very good condition and it has a lot of nice parts (racks, fenders, etc.). I'd value the bike at $250ish.
I think the price is within reason given its condition. That said, vintage bikes and vintage Treks just aren't that expensive in Iowa and the surrounding areas. I bought a 1979 Trek 510--a nicer bike than this with a full Ishiwata tubing set--for $150. I've seen old Treks that would sell in other parts of the country not move here because of the price. Over the last year or so I picked up a 1978 Trek TX 900, a 1979 Trek 510, a 1982 Trek 720, and a 1993 Trek 930. The only one of those bikes that cost me more than the Trek listed on CL was the 1978 Trek TX 900.
This bike is in very good condition and it has a lot of nice parts (racks, fenders, etc.). I'd value the bike at $250ish.
I'm a Craig's junkie yet somehow didn't spot that, but it's way too small for me. I agree with $250, though I would hope it really is in close to rideable shape.@crandress, just fyi there are two bike co-ops I know of in both Des Moines and Iowa City that are worth checking out.
DSM bike collective
Iowa City bike library
06-09-18, 07:38 AM
#10
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Thread Starter
Well that is a good observation, I suppose you say that because 21" is the smallest they offered? 21" is actually too big for me, so you probably saved me an hour and a half drive where I would have measured and said its too big.... 52cm (20.5 inches is the top of what I will ride, 51cm like my Mercian is ideal. So a big thanks to you sir!
06-09-18, 07:43 AM
#11
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Thread Starter
Seriously PM me if you spot anymore in a 56-58 size I'm a Craig's junkie yet somehow didn't spot that, but it's way too small for me. I agree with $250, though I would hope it really is in close to rideable shape.
@crandress, just fyi there are two bike co-ops I know of in both Des Moines and Iowa City that are worth checking out.
DSM bike collective
Iowa City bike library
I'm a Craig's junkie yet somehow didn't spot that, but it's way too small for me. I agree with $250, though I would hope it really is in close to rideable shape.@crandress, just fyi there are two bike co-ops I know of in both Des Moines and Iowa City that are worth checking out.
DSM bike collective
Iowa City bike library
06-09-18, 08:09 AM
#12
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Well that is a good observation, I suppose you say that because 21" is the smallest they offered? 21" is actually too big for me, so you probably saved me an hour and a half drive where I would have measured and said its too big.... 52cm (20.5 inches is the top of what I will ride, 51cm like my Mercian is ideal. So a big thanks to you sir!
Notice the space between the top tube and the down tube at the head tube. Then look the one in the add. Then look at this 19" one: FS: 1984 Trek 610 19"
Note however that Trek measured their bikes "center to top", and that 21" = 53.3 cm. If you measure "center to center" it would measure aproximately 52cm.
I ride a 21" or 53 / 54cm but anything from 52 to 55cm can be adjusted to fit, as long as the top tube length is ok.
06-09-18, 08:31 AM
#13
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Thread Starter
I know it's a 21" because I ride a 21", and have several 21" bikes, including a few Treks. I you look on the vintage Trek site at the '83 catalog you will see it came in 19, 21, 22-1/2 and some bigger sizes. The picture of the 620 in the catalog is a 22-1/2".
Notice the space between the top tube and the down tube at the head tube. Then look the one in the add. Then look at this 19" one: FS: 1984 Trek 610 19"
Note however that Trek measured their bikes "center to top", and that 21" = 53.3 cm. If you measure "center to center" it would measure aproximately 52cm.
I ride a 21" or 53 / 54cm but anything from 52 to 55cm can be adjusted to fit, as long as the top tube length is ok.
Notice the space between the top tube and the down tube at the head tube. Then look the one in the add. Then look at this 19" one: FS: 1984 Trek 610 19"
Note however that Trek measured their bikes "center to top", and that 21" = 53.3 cm. If you measure "center to center" it would measure aproximately 52cm.
I ride a 21" or 53 / 54cm but anything from 52 to 55cm can be adjusted to fit, as long as the top tube length is ok.
06-09-18, 10:05 AM
#14
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Because the 83 has side pulls and 44cm chainstays.
The 84 has cantis and 45.5cm chainstays
The 85 has cantis and 47cm chainstays.
The 83 was the same "600 series" frame as every other 600 series bike- the only difference were the components. The main frame was 531C with manganese alloy fork and stays.
By 84 it became a unique bike 531CS frame - with 531 main frame and CrMo fork and stays, a very nice bike all around.
The 85 was the closest in terms of geometry and components to the 720.
The leftover 1985 620s were repainted in the 86 color scheme (silver head tube) and sold as "620 Cirrus."
The 84 has cantis and 45.5cm chainstays
The 85 has cantis and 47cm chainstays.
The 83 was the same "600 series" frame as every other 600 series bike- the only difference were the components. The main frame was 531C with manganese alloy fork and stays.
By 84 it became a unique bike 531CS frame - with 531 main frame and CrMo fork and stays, a very nice bike all around.
The 85 was the closest in terms of geometry and components to the 720.
The leftover 1985 620s were repainted in the 86 color scheme (silver head tube) and sold as "620 Cirrus."
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06-09-18, 10:05 AM
#15
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Because each year is different from the next, and 1983 is a far cry from the 1984 and 1985 versions, which GB detailed already (no reason to go over details again). 1985 is very close to the 720, a bit of a sleeper. So someone thinking they must have a 720 can expand their search and save some $$ by getting the 1985 620.
You have to recalibrate versus Seattle market. You will find many "great deals" in rural Iowa before you realize its normal. While weaker markets are great for buying, if/when you want to sell, then they are not so hot.
Its kind of like when I moved from Seattle to Atlanta. I drove around with a realtor: "what about that house?" Answer: "Not in your price range." Me: "What about that one? Realtor: "Not in your price range." Finally me: "How come all these houses are not in my price range?" Realtor: "Because they are too cheap." I ended up with a house twice as big, on five acres, ten minutes to work...... Now when I sold it seven years later, it was basically breakeven. Meanwhile, Seattle prices had doubled in that time.....
You have to recalibrate versus Seattle market. You will find many "great deals" in rural Iowa before you realize its normal. While weaker markets are great for buying, if/when you want to sell, then they are not so hot.
Its kind of like when I moved from Seattle to Atlanta. I drove around with a realtor: "what about that house?" Answer: "Not in your price range." Me: "What about that one? Realtor: "Not in your price range." Finally me: "How come all these houses are not in my price range?" Realtor: "Because they are too cheap." I ended up with a house twice as big, on five acres, ten minutes to work...... Now when I sold it seven years later, it was basically breakeven. Meanwhile, Seattle prices had doubled in that time.....
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Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
Last edited by wrk101; 06-09-18 at 10:16 AM.
06-09-18, 10:09 AM
#16
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06-09-18, 01:30 PM
#17
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Because each year is different from the next, and 1983 is a far cry from the 1984 and 1985 versions, which GB detailed already (no reason to go over details again). 1985 is very close to the 720, a bit of a sleeper. So someone thinking they must have a 720 can expand their search and save some $$ by getting the 1985 620.
You have to recalibrate versus Seattle market. You will find many "great deals" in rural Iowa before you realize its normal. While weaker markets are great for buying, if/when you want to sell, then they are not so hot.
Its kind of like when I moved from Seattle to Atlanta. I drove around with a realtor: "what about that house?" Answer: "Not in your price range." Me: "What about that one? Realtor: "Not in your price range." Finally me: "How come all these houses are not in my price range?" Realtor: "Because they are too cheap." I ended up with a house twice as big, on five acres, ten minutes to work...... Now when I sold it seven years later, it was basically breakeven. Meanwhile, Seattle prices had doubled in that time.....
You have to recalibrate versus Seattle market. You will find many "great deals" in rural Iowa before you realize its normal. While weaker markets are great for buying, if/when you want to sell, then they are not so hot.
Its kind of like when I moved from Seattle to Atlanta. I drove around with a realtor: "what about that house?" Answer: "Not in your price range." Me: "What about that one? Realtor: "Not in your price range." Finally me: "How come all these houses are not in my price range?" Realtor: "Because they are too cheap." I ended up with a house twice as big, on five acres, ten minutes to work...... Now when I sold it seven years later, it was basically breakeven. Meanwhile, Seattle prices had doubled in that time.....
06-09-18, 03:13 PM
#18
Thrifty Bill
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Southern suburbs first. Secondly, Seattle continues to be red hot, our friends have a crappy 2 bedroom 1950s ranch with a minor view, in West Seattle, under 1000 sq ft. Price is $725,000....
06-11-18, 07:11 PM
#19
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Here's mine, unfortunately I crashed it and bent both frame and fork...
06-11-18, 07:57 PM
#20
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I cycle by this house often and the entire neighborhood is desirable, and it looks even better than this pic. And everything is close by in this area. Suburbs. Like you can walk to just about anything in under a half an hour. Including a train in 15 minutes that will take you into the city, hop on Amtrack, and go anywhere like to Canada for instance all without a car. (Cities are ridiculously overpriced)
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2...36383854_zpid/
Still, local CL is the pits for bike sales. Even in DC. To much money. Everybody wants high end modern, or cheap junk for a starving student.
I had a 520 once that was about an 1 1/2 Inches to big. Always irritated me that I could not ride it. Paid $40 for it. Okay, pic, end of ramble.....
Last edited by StarBiker; 06-11-18 at 08:04 PM.
06-12-18, 05:23 AM
#21
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Agree, 1983 is a very nice "sport tourer". Its just not the touring machine that many are seeking.
06-12-18, 06:42 AM
#22
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Thank you for all of the input. I decided to pass on this one, but will keep my eye out for deals in Iowa!
06-13-18, 11:42 PM
#23
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What a beautiful bike-- would make a wonderful commuter and all-round bike. Too bad it's so far away for me.
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