Beautiful bike and nice job on the clean up. I was really hoping to find a similar Trek while searching for a tourer.

Very cool and iconic touring bike. Thanks for sharing.

As an aside, I think these may have been the first production bikes to have a braze on mid fork mount for low riders. Very ahead of the curve for 83.

I was using photobucket, switched to Imgur when all my online photos disappeared. Much faster and easier to use.

Thanks sloar! They don't come up too often. It wasn't cheap, but I'm starting to realize that it's cheaper in the end to buy a well-maintained bike at a higher price than to have to repair and replace everything.

Thanks Salamandrine, I've been looking for a Blackburn low-rider, but they seem scarce and pricey. I'm going to have to be patient on that one.

Don't trouble yourself with vintage. It don't think the design has changed one iota. Still available brand new for $40.

https://www.blackburndesign.com/fl-1...er-rack-2.html

You can use it with the Blackburn front rack, or by itself.

EDIT: I see most places are out of stock. They may have been recently discontinued, but a few online retailers do still have them. Probably a few sitting in LBS's too.

That's awesome! Didn't know they were still in production, thank you!

Cool bike, these 720's have perhaps the smoothest ride that I have experienced on a diamond-framed bike.


I wonder about that Sugino hi-column nut perhaps giving a false sense of security regarding the quill expanding within the threaded portion of the steerer. While it supports the quill above the limit line, the steerer is supposed to be unthreaded and with no washer-tab notch where the stem quill actually expands.


I've seen production bikes with very long steerer threading that left the quill fully within the threaded length when the stem was raised to the line, so it must not be the worst thing imaginable, but a fractured steerer at the threads also is not unheard of.


This might be a case where usage loading conditions as imposed by stem length, bar width, rider weight and riding conditions should be evaluated, as well as considering the frequency and duration of such usage. I myself would not be worried in the short term however.

Thanks for the heads up - I'm going to pull the stem and measure inside the steerer to see how far the threads go down. I actually lowered the stem quite a bit, the original owner had it about an inch and a half higher. The last thing I want is a fractured steerer.

So [MENTION=64748]devinfan[/MENTION], how were the rides over the weekend?

Yeah, it's best to be careful. Fractured steer tubes can happen. It's better IMO to get the wedge below the threads and nowhere near the limit if possible. Also, there's nothing wrong with fitting a Technomic if it is needed. They were used on touring bikes even at that time. I prefer the wedge design of Nitto stems. Cinelli has a single line of contact.

But boy that satiny finish sure is purdy.

The ride is amazing! The frame combined with the Sunshine hubs makes for an incredibly smooth ride. I find myself bracing for bumps that I normally find jarring on my commute that the bike just cruises over. The saddle still has a question mark hanging over it. I'll give it some time. I want it to work because the yellow on it matches the bike so well. It feels soft when you touch it, but so far it reminds me of a Kung Fu concept called "Needle in the Cotton". Time (and a few miles) will tell!

Congrats on a great find. If it’s 200 smoother than the 520 I used to have, you’ve got yourself quite a ride.

Thanks duo route! I've never ridden a 520 so I can't say. I think the ride is mainly due to the geometry and long stays. I'm not sure I could detect the difference in steels by riding - I kind of doubt it. I think there were some years where the 520 had the long stays as well?

I never took those measurements. Iirc I had a 1987; 531 frame with cantis. Maybe the smoothest rider I have had. Unfortunately a size too big so I reluctantly let it go.

That was a beautiful bike!

I've had bikes that are heavy and stiff, stout and stiff and light and springy.

My 1986 Trek 400 Elance is not exactly "light," but it's not heavy. It's 531 main tubes with CrMo stays and fork. That's more of what I associate with a CrMo bike.

My 1987 Trek 730 is light and springy- it's 531 frame, fork and stays- that's what I associate with 531.

My 720 is not particularly springy (to me), although some refer to them as "flexy." And compared to my Miyata 1000, I would say the 720 rides much lighter, and not as stiff....

Basically, I guess I associate 531 with being "light and springy" (is this where the word "compliant" comes in?).

I have an Avocet Racing I saddle- I've had no desire or even idea to replace it. I have several bikes with Avocet Touring II saddles on them.

My '83 720 (60cm) is by far the "flexiest" bike I own. It took awhile to get used to it.

I bought the frame new in 1983 with the plan to turn it into this at the time. Well, working, going to school and etc., Would share photos next time.

Thanks. Hated to see it go but it was the right call and I got a very fair price. Also the buyer was totally stoked to get it and drove 6 hrs. rt. That always makes it easier.

What's with the rear derailleur on that bike? I just emailed a seller I was passing on their 84ish Nishiki International that had what looked suspiciously like that kind of rd. I couldn't help it. My family won't be happy if I brought another bike home... I told myself it's okay, maybe the frame is an inch too small to my preference (21 vs 22).... Reasonably priced too for around here, and looks relatively good in picture... advertised as with original parts (though clearly the pedals and handlebars were not).... should I be kicking myself now?

The derailleur is a Suntour Cyclone 3-pulley derailleur, it was Suntours solution to the demands of touring and Mountain bikes to handle massive chain wrap, such as the half-step plus granny set up on the 720. It allowed for said chain-wrap without a long cage, which has the potential to snag on rocks, stumps etc. I think it's a great idea but it never took off.

I had a bad dream about the saddle last night. Woke up still feeling it. I think it is going...