DYubeta

hello guys! I am interested in buying a "new" road bike for weekend riding and possibly a commuter . I wanted advice If 125$ for a trek 400 that looks to be in great condition is a good deal? I'm too new to post pics unfortunately.. any input is appreciated!

bargainguy

Welcome! Now that you have 10 posts, you should be able to attach pix. Click on the Reply button (not the Quick Reply next to it), click on Manage Attachments, and upload from there.

Now for your Trek 400. $125 could be a reasonable price, but for a 25-30 year old bike, you'll probably need new tires, cables, housings, brake pads, bar tape and possibly an overhaul depending on whether the grease is still viable. Factor that into your $125 price.

DYubeta

Thanks for the response! I will try to post the pic. Judging by the pictures almost everything looks new, a side from the bottom bracket which I obviously cant tell lol.

DYubeta

DYubeta

bargainguy

It's been modified. Originally had drop bars. This one has riser bars, an adjustable stem and what look like Avid brake levers. Rims are mismatched.

On the plus side, you've got a triple crank, a stay-mounted kickstand, and a rear rack.

DYubeta

I noticed the rims, I think I actually have an extra rim I could replace it with.. so given the mods and condition would you still say $125 is fair, or a no go? Thanks!

DYubeta

I dont want to low ball the guy, but I think I would be comfortable offering 80?

bargainguy

Decide first, does this bike tick all the right boxes for you? Modified tends to be worth less than original. If you want an original drop bar 400, I'd wait for that and pass on this one.

One other thing - this looks like a really tall frame, probably 25". I hope you're 5'10 and up, because if you're not, good chance the frame will be too big for you.

DYubeta

I didn't have anything too in particular in mind, I just want something that is old school, paint in excellent condition, cables in good shape and ready to ride with no neccessary work. This bike seems like it could be the ticket.

good point! I'm actually 6'5, I often times have a tough time finding bikes my size.. lol

katsup

The only thing I don't see mentioned is to make sure the brake levers are the correct pull for the brakes. I am not familiar with the Avid levers to tell by the photos. I bought my 520 as a flat bar conversion, but the brakes were converted to V-Brake to match the pull.

You can always ask for $80 and see what happens.

Edit: If you are planning on converting it back to drops, do the math as it may make sense to wait for one that wasn't converted to flat bar.

DYubeta

I will be sure to check the brakes, thanks for mentioning it! As for the bars, I dont plan on changing them as drop bars are not too particularly comfortable for me! Thanks for the input guys!

tkamd73 

markjenn

Here's how it looks (mostly) stock.



I have two Trek 400's - both excellent steel old-school bikes. The market for these is pretty strong and a really nice complete original bike can easily get $500 so if you're okay with the handlebars and frame size, could be a nice find. I wouldn't quibble over paying $80 or $125 - in a bike this old, condition is everything and a single repair can easily cover the difference. If it is in excellent mechanical condition and is straight, it is easily worth $150. OTOH, if it's like most of these old bikes (not straight and with lots of mechanical gremlins), $50 is too much unless you want a project.

- Mark

StarBiker

Where. The Cheapskates won't pay $400 for my 660. CL is dead.