Trek 710 1981 good deal?
 

I was thinking of picking this one up as a commuter for Seattle. http://imgur.com/a/tsqBq#0
I want to have a classic lugged steel frame that holds rack and fenders, and is comfortable. It also might be too big, I'm 5'8" and this is a 56, but it looks like the top tube is longer. I was also looking for something that can be on the road with less that 100 buck invested in fixing, but I can build up with better components. I hear the trek 720 was a great and sought after frame, same thing with the 710? Thanks, MJ

Edit: price is 490

Price?

I agree, looks like a 56cm. I had a 56cm 1981 Trek 710 and it was 56 square (both top tube and downtube.) So you should be good there, if you can ride a 56.

It looks like it could be a 710 based on the 531 stickers on the fork and seat tube and rear rack bosses but you'd have to check the serial number to be sure. All the Treks of that era look extremely similar.

The 710 was a great frame, a precursor to the 720. It is not quite as versatile as a loaded touring bike but would make a great commuter.

It clearly needs a complete overhaul after years of neglect. Factor that in. Are you doing the work yourself? Before you decide to buy, check for a stuck stem or seatpost.

Oops price is 490, seems high

Focus on the fit as well; that bike is a little large for you. The price is high as well. Maybe it would be worth close to $500 if it were in top notch shape but it is not.

Also if you are looking for a commuter, I'd focus on vintage MTBs. They do not command as high a price as road bikes but they make great commuters. I love my 1988 stumpjumper comp as a commuter; comfy frame, fat tires, and plenty of room for fenders and a rack.

I think you may be happier on a 54cm frame. Otherwise, except for dirt it looks pretty clean. Maybe $400-$425ish. Seller is not too far off the mark if you look at these sales.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Cycling-/729...&_nkw=trek+710

I'm 5'8" and am comfortable on a 56. But with the cost overhauling that one, the price seems a good but high.

You may be "comfortable" on a 56 but it may not be optimumal for you. A lot depends on your inseam measurement. In any case, a vintage mtb like this would make a great commuter at a much lower price:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/bik/4042166940.html

And while I rarely disagree with oddjob a/k/a the oracle as to price, I think $500 is too high for a 710 that needs a fair amount of work. That's an OK price but you can do a lot better by shopping hard.

I suggested low $400s, not $500.

Thanks for all the advice. I also can get a 1983 miyata 210 54cm for 120 bucks, in very good working order. I may go with that and save up. Miyata seems very heavy tho.

+1

$490 is a stupid high price in that condition. In pristine ready to ride condition with nice parts, sure. As-is, maybe $200.

Wow, now that is a deal! Why can't that be in Madison???