Considering a 1978 Trek TX-900 frame on Chicago CL - seem overpriced?
03-20-13, 08:57 AM
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Considering a 1978 Trek TX-900 frame on Chicago CL - seem overpriced?
(This is not my bike. I'm not fishing for an asking price, but considering it as a purchase.)
I'm fairly certain I've seen this TX-900 on Chicago CL before:
https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/3690853844.html
and, while these frames are not all that common (I found none in the eBay completed listings, for example) the $675 asking price seems a bit steep to me. (Also, having discovered that my Medici's fork was slightly bent, it seems that every frame I look at now has a bent fork -- paranoia, no doubt). Still, it might be interesting, and I do have most of the parts needed to build it up.
I'm thinking maybe half that price at the top end? Or maybe my slightly-too-small-for-me '84 770 frame plus a small amount of cash for his TX-900?
Thx,
Skip
I'm fairly certain I've seen this TX-900 on Chicago CL before:
https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/3690853844.html
and, while these frames are not all that common (I found none in the eBay completed listings, for example) the $675 asking price seems a bit steep to me. (Also, having discovered that my Medici's fork was slightly bent, it seems that every frame I look at now has a bent fork -- paranoia, no doubt). Still, it might be interesting, and I do have most of the parts needed to build it up.
I'm thinking maybe half that price at the top end? Or maybe my slightly-too-small-for-me '84 770 frame plus a small amount of cash for his TX-900?
Thx,
Skip
03-20-13, 09:08 AM
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The TX900 framesets do look as-if they have a bent fork, but the rake on the TX900 is steeper than the touring models to quicken the steering.
I'm in Chicago and had to buy a TX900 from an owner in Portland OR. Finding a local frame is far cheaper than buying on eBay once the risk of buying without an inspection is considered.
I would haggle with the seller, the trade might be the best angle.
I'm in Chicago and had to buy a TX900 from an owner in Portland OR. Finding a local frame is far cheaper than buying on eBay once the risk of buying without an inspection is considered.
I would haggle with the seller, the trade might be the best angle.
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 03-20-13 at 10:16 AM.
03-20-13, 10:47 AM
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Can someone explain the difference between a TX900 and a similar 1978 930?
03-20-13, 11:15 AM
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03-20-13, 11:18 AM
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03-20-13, 11:24 AM
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The 930 and the 910 are both Columbus tubing as are all 9XX bikes from this period. Both the TX900 and the 930 are road-race models with 41.5mm chainstays and a 7.7mm rake. The 910 is the sports/touring model with 44.5mm chainstays and a 7.2mm rake.
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 03-21-13 at 08:07 AM.
03-20-13, 04:25 PM
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Seems like a lot of money for a Trek that is a candidate for a restoration.
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03-20-13, 04:29 PM
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OK, another stupid question. Sorry, so is the TX a different model? The reason I ask is I have a line on a 930. So if its considered a TX900, I might grab it.
03-20-13, 04:50 PM
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I would ask if the chainstays are 41.5cm or closer to 44.5cm. If it has the short chainstays and is Columbus tubing, it's the more valuable road-race model. Also check the serial number, The first letter is the model designation: J = TX900, K = 910, L = 930,
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 03-20-13 at 05:18 PM.
03-20-13, 06:52 PM
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Sheesh, I recently saw a Raleigh Team Pro 753 SBDU with number hanger, in team colors and better condition, go for barely more than this Trek frame.
03-20-13, 07:00 PM
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It might be the grail of the earliest Trek frames, but IMO that's still quite a bit too much considering the condition. If it was NOS, sure. If it was really nice, maybe. But someone paying that much for this will want it to have nice paint and no rust.
03-22-13, 09:24 PM
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Mystery solved on the local one near me. Its a 1979 930 (L1C9 are the first four markings of the serial number).
Barrettscv is right. The TX designation was gone by 1978. Models seem to be the same otherwise.
Barrettscv is right. The TX designation was gone by 1978. Models seem to be the same otherwise.
03-23-13, 07:17 AM
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That's definitely been offered on Chicago CL at least a few times before, but seller takes a long break between listings. He also has listed a 700-series frame he's looking for a strong price on.
There is something of a Trek cult and seller is evidently one of the most committed members, so may need someone more obsessed than himself to come along and buy it at that price.
It's possible the seller is a guy who's in the circle of Chicago C&Vers, but not a BF member.
There is something of a Trek cult and seller is evidently one of the most committed members, so may need someone more obsessed than himself to come along and buy it at that price.
It's possible the seller is a guy who's in the circle of Chicago C&Vers, but not a BF member.
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03-23-13, 07:39 AM
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Yes, I know the seller. He is very helpful, and no-one is more serious about steel Treks.
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
03-23-13, 07:52 AM
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I spoke with him on the phone a couple days ago to discuss the possibility of a partial trade for my 58cm 770, but he said that it was too big for him, and that he already has 40 or 50 bikes. (He seemed grateful that his wife puts up with his collecting.) I'll continue the discussion. I did send him a note today asking about the chainstay length, but the picture makes it look like a touring frame. There seems to be plenty of clearance between the tire and the seat tube. (In contrast, the 16.5" stays on my 770 mean I have to let air out of the tire to remove the wheel.)
03-23-13, 07:57 AM
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Yep, that's the guy, incredibly knowledgeable, very specifically focused on Treks.
I have suggested that he should join BF with the moniker 2manyTreks, but so far he's held off.
I have suggested that he should join BF with the moniker 2manyTreks, but so far he's held off.
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03-23-13, 08:19 AM
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I am friends with the seller; great guy with a nice collection of Treks and Bianchis.
Yes, he is a Trek aficionado and only another Trek buff will likely pony up the dough for it. Treks are not my cup of tea, but that's a pretty rare beast....
One bonus of buying it is that you might get the chance to see his collection
Yes, he is a Trek aficionado and only another Trek buff will likely pony up the dough for it. Treks are not my cup of tea, but that's a pretty rare beast....
One bonus of buying it is that you might get the chance to see his collection
Last edited by bibliobob; 03-23-13 at 08:25 AM.
03-23-13, 11:18 AM
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I spoke with him on the phone a couple days ago to discuss the possibility of a partial trade for my 58cm 770, but he said that it was too big for him, and that he already has 40 or 50 bikes. (He seemed grateful that his wife puts up with his collecting.) I'll continue the discussion. I did send him a note today asking about the chainstay length, but the picture makes it look like a touring frame. There seems to be plenty of clearance between the tire and the seat tube. (In contrast, the 16.5" stays on my 770 mean I have to let air out of the tire to remove the wheel.)
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 03-23-13 at 05:28 PM.
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