Trek 730 for $100. Looking for Advice Please!
10-04-22, 11:15 AM
#1
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Trek 730 for $100. Looking for Advice Please!
Hello!
I’d like to get back into riding a bicycle and after doing some research I decided I’d like to get a used bike from Craigslist or the Facebook Market Place instead of a new one from stores like Walmart or Target. I found a Trek 730 Multitrack bike on FB for $100. I believe it’s from the year 1994 or 1997, but I’m not quite sure. The description reads as follows: “Forest Green frame with bike rack, bike tire pump, Bontrager tires and shoe nets. 21 speed, 24.5” high to seat bolt”. My question to this wonderful forum is, would this bike fit me as someone who is 5 foot 8 inches? I don’t know much about bikes either so is $100 a good price for what is being offered? I’ve attached pictures below as well. Thank you in advance for any advice or comments given to me. I appreciate it!
I’d like to get back into riding a bicycle and after doing some research I decided I’d like to get a used bike from Craigslist or the Facebook Market Place instead of a new one from stores like Walmart or Target. I found a Trek 730 Multitrack bike on FB for $100. I believe it’s from the year 1994 or 1997, but I’m not quite sure. The description reads as follows: “Forest Green frame with bike rack, bike tire pump, Bontrager tires and shoe nets. 21 speed, 24.5” high to seat bolt”. My question to this wonderful forum is, would this bike fit me as someone who is 5 foot 8 inches? I don’t know much about bikes either so is $100 a good price for what is being offered? I’ve attached pictures below as well. Thank you in advance for any advice or comments given to me. I appreciate it!
10-04-22, 11:25 AM
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It should fit you fine. Looks like the paint is in fair shape.
Go try it out. Go thru all the gears. Ride it for a least a few minutes
If all work, I would offer $75.00 Cash
If you do end up buying it, the first thing I would do is take off the toe clips.
This is what I do when I buy a used bike. Save them though. Someone, or yourself might want them
Good Luck !!
Go try it out. Go thru all the gears. Ride it for a least a few minutes
If all work, I would offer $75.00 Cash
If you do end up buying it, the first thing I would do is take off the toe clips.
This is what I do when I buy a used bike. Save them though. Someone, or yourself might want them
Good Luck !!
Last edited by bikemike73; 10-04-22 at 07:54 PM.
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10-04-22, 11:32 AM
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Price is fine. Probably a little small for you based on specs given (24" to seat bolt is low). If you stand up against a wall and tuck a large book between yours legs (like a saddle) and measure to the top - this is your standover height. Bike you posted would have a standover of 23"-ish based on seatbolt at 24". For frame size you would likely be looking for 17" or 18" (seat tube)
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10-04-22, 12:59 PM
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Thanks for both of these helpful responses. I appreciate it. I know the next two bikes I’m going to mention aren’t classic or vintage but I saw a used Schwinn Knowles bike for $80 and a like new Schwinn Ranger bike for $175 on FB. Both look to be in better shape than the Trek but I’m feeling like the Trek is still the better quality bike overall. If I got either of the schwinns I’d also want to replace the wheels because I’m not really looking for a mountain bike since I’d prefer a hybrid. I’m an indecisive person and like to make sure I’m making an informed/good choice hence the back and forth going on in my head!
10-04-22, 01:07 PM
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Originally Posted by jimothyjames
Thanks for both of these helpful responses. I appreciate it. I know the next two bikes I’m going to mention aren’t classic or vintage but I saw a used Schwinn Knowles bike for $80 and a like new Schwinn Ranger bike for $175 on FB. Both look to be in better shape than the Trek but I’m feeling like the Trek is still the better quality bike overall. If I got either of the schwinns I’d also want to replace the wheels because I’m not really looking for a mountain bike since I’d prefer a hybrid. I’m an indecisive person and like to make sure I’m making an informed/good choice hence the back and forth going on in my head!
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10-04-22, 01:32 PM
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Thread moved from C&V to C&V Appraisals.
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10-04-22, 01:36 PM
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The Trek 730 is from 1997 and it's much too small for you (it's too small for me and I'm your height), so don't buy it. The Schwinn Knowles and Schwinn Ranger are both department store bikes. Do not buy them used.
I understand it's frustrating to have to wait for something specific like a hybrid your size to pop up on the used market, but it's not worth it to rush out and buy junk or buy a bike that'd be too cramped or too tall.
I understand it's frustrating to have to wait for something specific like a hybrid your size to pop up on the used market, but it's not worth it to rush out and buy junk or buy a bike that'd be too cramped or too tall.
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10-04-22, 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Clang
The Trek 730 is from 1997 and it's much too small for you (it's too small for me and I'm your height), so don't buy it. The Schwinn Knowles and Schwinn Ranger are both department store bikes. Do not buy them used.
I understand it's frustrating to have to wait for something specific like a hybrid your size to pop up on the used market, but it's not worth it to rush out and buy junk or buy a bike that'd be too cramped or too tall.
I understand it's frustrating to have to wait for something specific like a hybrid your size to pop up on the used market, but it's not worth it to rush out and buy junk or buy a bike that'd be too cramped or too tall.
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10-04-22, 03:02 PM
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+10 Those Schwinns are box store bikes. Might as well buy a new one on sale if you go that route. Google bike sizing, and take some measurements of your body. That Trek is too small.
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10-04-22, 03:09 PM
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Thank you again for everyone who responded. I’m excited to be part of this forum because I’m getting great advice without any of the bs and I truly appreciate it.
10-04-22, 04:26 PM
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Finding a decent vintage hybrid or vintage mountain bike of roughly the quality of a Trek 730 for around $100 isn't hard but you do have to be patient sometimes to find one in your size in decent condition. Don't forget that almost any bike you find will need new tires which can run around $50-$80 easily. I can't recommend enough getting decent quality new tires for your (new) old bike.
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10-04-22, 05:11 PM
#13
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Yep, expect $80+ for tubes, tires and potentially brake pads.
I am 5'9" and have been riding a slightly small 17" Giant Innova. (The size is so close I am fine with it)
You are going to need a bike with roughly a 29" stand over.
The bike I have been riding would probably fit you perfect.
I have $103 in this......(I have since changed the seat, but the seat has been on three different bikes so I did not include that in the price.)
I am 5'9" and have been riding a slightly small 17" Giant Innova. (The size is so close I am fine with it)
You are going to need a bike with roughly a 29" stand over.
The bike I have been riding would probably fit you perfect.
I have $103 in this......(I have since changed the seat, but the seat has been on three different bikes so I did not include that in the price.)
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10-05-22, 09:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Hobbiano
I think that's a very small frame, more suitable for someone around 5'-4".
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