Wow... you know, it was never an issue until last week. I never had any problems with this bike- but just last week I did something bad...

I changed the wheelset from what the bike was originally redone with- complete with a larger big cog freewheel.

It's funny that it's never come up, even in the discussion (with a boatload of pix) about the triple pulley RD.

I'll get a new chain. Thanks!

If you put the matching blue Blackburn bottle cages, that is exactly what I wanted to do with my maroon 720.
Very nice!!! That is an awesome bike.

I've had a few: ca 1984 Fuji Touring Series V, similar era Fuji TS IV, and Miyata 610. All of these were boring to ride and are either already sold(TS IV and Miyata) or will be this summer(TS V). The Trek 720 seems faster and enjoyable. I liked it so much that I bought a Blue 620 over the winter to hopefully replace the remaining Fuji Touring Series V, but have not taken it out yet.

As for fully loaded touring, I have not done that yet. The 720 has mostly been used as a commuter, carrying my clothes, tools, and food.

Thank you!

The story around yours is really cool- I remember when you found it.

I have one blue cage from my 620, and I could swear I was gifted another blue cage from a forum member, but neither of us can recall for sure. In any case, I have 3 silver "jim blackburn" cages and just replaced the black front rack with a silver one. I'm considering stripping the blue powder coating off the back rack- it's scratched, besides, I really think the blue was a stretch on this bike anyway.

Hey... Tell me about that TSV...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v...2B15.09.13.jpg

You've seen it before, but here's my 1982 in fresh powder coat.

Another night I can't sleep... digging up pix of people's 720s and found this thread... thought I'd give it a zombie bump with pix of my 1985 720. Ten speed rear end, upgraded extensively...and a lovely, lovely ride..


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4646/...28f7ddf0_b.jpgIMG_0616 by Dave The Golden Boy, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4734/...4b77138c_b.jpgIMG_2377 by Dave The Golden Boy, on Flickr

Beautiful bike. Did you outline the lugs yourself?

I installed the XC Pros on mine this weekend and took her for a ride. Amazing! Need to wrap the bars and then I'll post some photos.

It's somewhat variable as others have pointed out. It can handle a 32c or 1 and 1/4 and after that it may get dicey. Also all but the 1982 (which used calipers) was designed around a 27 inch wheel so cantilever adjustment can be a problem compounded by the narrow posts. So going to 700c on one of the post '82 720s will help you use a little fatter tire but you'll have to deal with the cantilever issues.

Trek also made touring bikes in the 70s made of Ishiwata tubing (the 510).

Yes, I did the lugs. Not very well...

I used a felt tipped paint pen- it wasn’t until I was nearly completely done that I figured out I could cut the tip on more of an angle to get a more fine point.

Hurry up and get pix!!!

:D

Any of the TX bikes (except 900) and any of the early x1x bikes were tourers- but the only 531 tourers were the TX700 and 710. (And the only Columbus tourer was the TX770)

Very nice ride! That burgundy frame is just classic. I'm looking around at fenders for my 720 build up. What brand and size are those fenders? Thanks!

The ones I have are the SKS P45 longboards chromoplastics.

I like them.

I keep thinking I want to replace them with fluted aluminum fenders. I just haven't been quite happy with any of the aluminum fenders I've used. That's pretty much also me saying "I don't know how to mount aluminum fenders" but I was able to mount the SKS fenders.

She's finally ready to hit the road. 1984 720 upgraded to 9speed. Thanks to [MENTION=174646]The Golden Boy[/MENTION] for advise on upgrading brakes. Absolutely love the look and feel of the XC Pros.

It looks lovely [MENTION=469097]tarsi[/MENTION]!!!

How do you like the SE brakes?

So far I love them. Setup wasn't nearly as bad as I feared and stopping power seems more than adequate for fully loaded touring. Thanks again for the recommending.

Really nice.

What are the pedals & how do you like them?

Top tube protector info please.

Thanks

Incredibly awesome bike . I am so jealous and one day I hope to find one myself. I did find an 82 frame but it is for a midget
:(

Pedals are from crankbrothers (https://www.rei.com/product/100698/c...latform-pedals).

Was hoping the color would be a closer match to the Brooks' Honey but they are a bit too orange for that. Was also hoping my standard mountain bike cleats would work with them but they require a different (proprietary?) plate which is not the easiest to slip in and out of. May just need to fine tune my cleats/pedals but verdict is still out on these pedals.

Top tube protector is from Velo Orange (https://velo-orange.com/collections/...tube-protector).

Main purpose to cover up a small dent in top tube. Although was a pain to install (had to sew shut on underside of tube and meticulously cut-out areas for cable guides) I am happy with the results. The only issue I have is the way the cable bends upwards at the entrance and exit points of the cable guides. This is the result of the protector and may be manageable by extending slits for the guides a bit further. Was also going to explore thinner cable housing in hopes that I could find something that sits flatter along the tube. All-in-all, pretty happy with protector as a cheap alternative to having dent professionally repaired.