Two Vintage Trek in 7 days
#1
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Two Vintage Trek in 7 days
Last week I bought a 1991 Trek 990 as a winter project. While looking for a decent set of used tires on local online listings, I came across a bike that piqued my interest. It was listed as a 70/80’s Trek mountain bike, but from the pictures all I could see was an old bike with RRB Cycles logo’s on the frame and forks. I figured it was worth checking out.
When I got there I did notice that it was a Trek and that the serial number dates to 1983. Due to the large the spacing for the wheels and a little research, I realized that it is a 1983 Trek 850 mountain bike. The bike was the seller’s father’s bike, who was originally from Chicago, but no one in his family rode bicycles. His father had passed a few years ago, so it was time to sell it.
I didn’t need another bike, but since this one seems mostly original, minus the seat, wheels and grips and it has some cool historical significance, I decided I needed to rescue it.
I’m curious as to why and old Trek would be repainted and littered with RRB Cycles logo. Any ideas?
When I got there I did notice that it was a Trek and that the serial number dates to 1983. Due to the large the spacing for the wheels and a little research, I realized that it is a 1983 Trek 850 mountain bike. The bike was the seller’s father’s bike, who was originally from Chicago, but no one in his family rode bicycles. His father had passed a few years ago, so it was time to sell it.
I didn’t need another bike, but since this one seems mostly original, minus the seat, wheels and grips and it has some cool historical significance, I decided I needed to rescue it.
I’m curious as to why and old Trek would be repainted and littered with RRB Cycles logo. Any ideas?

#2
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Nice; those are the longest chainstays I have ever seen.
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Last new bike 1991
Last new bike 1991
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Nice vintage mountain bike. They can and do take quite a thrashing.
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Stretch that Deerhead gear!
It's a real beauty, XC Pro pedals and the pump behind the seat tube looks great.
It's a real beauty, XC Pro pedals and the pump behind the seat tube looks great.
Last edited by clubman; 10-29-20 at 09:48 AM.
#6
framebuilder
Ron Boi (RRB Cycles) was a north Chicago frame builder and painter. The owner probably wanted it repainted and it looked pretty plain with no decals and getting Trek decals might have been a problem (or at least somewhat of a bother). Didn't Ron close his shop a few years ago?
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deerhead alone was worth the price of admission.
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Two vintage Trek in seven days
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RRB Cycles
Ron Boi (RRB Cycles) was a north Chicago frame builder and painter. The owner probably wanted it repainted and it looked pretty plain with no decals and getting Trek decals might have been a problem (or at least somewhat of a bother). Didn't Ron close his shop a few years ago?
#10
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Don't forget the proper use of the word "piqued."
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
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The ealy ones with lugged frame and fork crown are hard to find. Nice score!
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#13
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Sacrilege, I know.