First time going vintage - should I buy this?
01-23-23, 04:35 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
First time going vintage - should I buy this?
Hi everyone, I'm a longtime cyclist but I'm looking into purchasing a vintage bike and updating, as opposed to fully restoring. I've found a 1980 Trek 412 for sale locally that is really intriguing. Having looked around at the info here on this forum, I see that it was a lower end bike at the time, which is fine because I'm interested in updating with 700c wheels and shifters on the hoods. Does anyone have any input on this bike? I've talked with the seller, without having gone to see the bike yet, and he's willing to sell for $250. It appears in good shape and the current owner claims it's currently able to be ridden. I can see myself visiting this forum daily if I go and pick the bike up this week. Thanks!
01-23-23, 04:45 PM
#2
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 5,387
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1718 Post(s)
Liked 1,796 Times
in
1,207 Posts
Roughly where are you located?
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1980s Vanni Losa Cassani thingy, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981? Faggin, 1996ish Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe (most not finished of course)...need to not buy any more.
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1980s Vanni Losa Cassani thingy, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981? Faggin, 1996ish Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe (most not finished of course)...need to not buy any more.
Likes For jdawginsc:
01-23-23, 04:47 PM
#3
Senior Member
Originally Posted by InternetUser23
Hi everyone, I'm a longtime cyclist but I'm looking into purchasing a vintage bike and updating, as opposed to fully restoring. I've found a 1980 Trek 412 for sale locally that is really intriguing. Having looked around at the info here on this forum, I see that it was a lower end bike at the time, which is fine because I'm interested in updating with 700c wheels and shifters on the hoods. Does anyone have any input on this bike? I've talked with the seller, without having gone to see the bike yet, and he's willing to sell for $250. It appears in good shape and the current owner claims it's currently able to be ridden. I can see myself visiting this forum daily if I go and pick the bike up this week. Thanks!
Likes For Hondo6:
01-23-23, 05:02 PM
#4
SE Wis
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 9,626
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2369 Post(s)
Liked 2,644 Times
in
1,611 Posts
Likes For dedhed:
01-23-23, 05:06 PM
#6
Newbie
Thread Starter
I can't post the Facebook Marketplace listing, but it's a Trek 412 located in Raleigh, NC.
01-23-23, 05:20 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 1,072
Bikes: You had me at rusty and Italian!!
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 423 Post(s)
Liked 646 Times
in
364 Posts
Might this be it?
Trek 412
Nice looking original bike. Given what you are planning I would think a frameset would be a good option.
Just my 2 farthings…
Trek 412
Nice looking original bike. Given what you are planning I would think a frameset would be a good option.
Just my 2 farthings…
Likes For RustyJames:
01-23-23, 05:23 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ontario
Posts: 2,466
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 402 Post(s)
Liked 424 Times
in
226 Posts
Welcome to the forum, and good luck with the purchase. Others will chime in about value, but I will state that Treks are well loved for a good reason. Hardly a "lower end bike", just lower on their lineup. I put 700C wheels on my 83 600 and it was no problem at all. Brifters (shifters on the hoods) I have no idea about (other than I always think they look awkward, but hey to each their own!), though I believe brifters might need to work with indexed derailleurs and the Trek would not be indexed, rather it is friction shift (again others will tell you if it can be done).
Likes For markk900:
01-23-23, 05:25 PM
#9
Newbie
Thread Starter
Hey, that's it! Yep, I've considered the frame set option, which is actually what led me here. I don't need/want to immediately radically alter everything, but the owner did mention that it will need new wheels. It seems like 700c is a great way to go since there are lots of tire options, so that would be the only immediate change I'd plan. Other than that, I can't say I have terribly firm plans since this will be my first vintage purchase. I'm open to all suggestions and input, thanks!
01-23-23, 05:27 PM
#10
Newbie
Thread Starter
Great, thanks for the info. I can't say I have definitive plans - other than a wheel change to 700c since the owner says it likely needs new wheels. For all I know, I will love the friction shifters on the frame. I'm not looking to replicate a bike I already own, just looking to learn more about bikes and have one that I have put some love and time into.
Likes For daverup:
01-23-23, 05:42 PM
#12
Bikes are okay, I guess.
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 8,459
Bikes: Waterford Paramount Touring, Giant CFM-2, Raleigh Sports 3-speeds in M23 & L23, Schwinn Cimarron oddball build, Marin Palisades Trail dropbar conversion, Nishiki Cresta GT
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2442 Post(s)
Liked 1,712 Times
in
1,174 Posts
If the seller thinks it needs new wheels he should be charging you much less than $250 for that bike. That's about what it cost new. Talk him down.
Likes For thumpism:
01-23-23, 05:47 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,652
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 977 Post(s)
Liked 880 Times
in
524 Posts
Were the original wheels 27" wheels? If so you might find it necessary to buy mid to long reach brake calipers if you want to switch to dual pivot brakes after you switch to 700c wheels. The other issue is that this frame and fork uses non-recessed brake caliper mounting. All Shimano dual pivot brakes use recessed mounting. Luckily I believe Tektro makes non-recessed mount dual pivot brakes with long reach.
Likes For icemilkcoffee:
01-23-23, 05:49 PM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ontario
Posts: 2,466
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 402 Post(s)
Liked 424 Times
in
226 Posts
Perhaps the seller meant "new tires"? Only OP will be able to tell once he looks at the bike, but the photos (small as they are) don't telegraph any major wheel issues.
Likes For markk900:
01-23-23, 06:06 PM
#15
ambulatory senior
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Peoria Il
Posts: 5,257
Bikes: Bob Jackson World Tour, Falcon and lots of other bikes.
Mentioned: 66 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1606 Post(s)
Liked 2,184 Times
in
1,078 Posts
700c conversions are great for allowing larger tires and potentially fenders. Only you can say if the price is right but know it can last a lifetime if it fits.
Likes For 52telecaster:
01-23-23, 06:08 PM
#16
Full Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 200
Bikes: Merlin Extralight '94 & Cannondale Supersix '15
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Liked 153 Times
in
88 Posts
Updating to brake lever shifters causes a big domino effect.
Going from stock to anywhere like 8sp thru11sp means several other upgrades/changes:
* cassette/freewheel
* derailleurs front & rear
* chainrings
* chain
* spread rear dropouts from 126 to 130
* possibly replacing brakes (recommended, since they improved them significantly over the years)
Now, sometimes you can locate a used gruppo for sale at a decent price. Might search eBay for an integrated system.
Going from stock to anywhere like 8sp thru11sp means several other upgrades/changes:
* cassette/freewheel
* derailleurs front & rear
* chainrings
* chain
* spread rear dropouts from 126 to 130
* possibly replacing brakes (recommended, since they improved them significantly over the years)
Now, sometimes you can locate a used gruppo for sale at a decent price. Might search eBay for an integrated system.
Likes For roadcrankr:
01-23-23, 06:21 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,127
Bikes: '38 Schwinn New World, '72 Peugeot PX-10, ‘7? Valgan, ’79 Holdsworth Pro, ’80 Peugeot TH-8 tandem, '87 Trek 400T, ’97 Cannondale T900, '98 Peugeot Appalaches, ‘7? Raleigh Sports, ‘7? Raleigh Superbe, ‘6? Herc
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 474 Post(s)
Liked 812 Times
in
418 Posts
Originally Posted by 52telecaster
700c conversions are great for allowing larger tires and potentially fenders. Only you can say if the price is right but know it can last a lifetime if it fits.
*but of course, take all the necessary measurements to figure out what you'll need as far as brake reach, etc, etc.
Likes For ehcoplex:
01-23-23, 07:15 PM
#18
señor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 6,669
Bikes: Old school lightweights
Mentioned: 77 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2803 Post(s)
Liked 4,011 Times
in
2,129 Posts
Originally Posted by InternetUser23
I've found a 1980 Trek 412... I see that it was a lower end bike at the time
Low end bikes suck. A 1980 412 is a really nice bike.
Likes For SurferRosa:
01-23-23, 07:48 PM
#19
mycocyclist
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Monkey Junction, Wilmington, NC
Posts: 2,057
Bikes: 1964 Schwinn Paramount P-13 DeLuxe, 1964 Schwinn Sport Super Sport, 1972 Falcon San Remo, 1974 Maserati MT-1, 1974 Raleigh International, 1984 Lotus Odyssey, 198? Rossin Ghibli, 1990 LeMond Le Vanquer (sic), 1991 Specialized Allez Transition Pro, +
Mentioned: 23 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 821 Post(s)
Liked 578 Times
in
345 Posts
Blunt
Originally Posted by InternetUser23
First time going vintage - should I buy this?!
(Been monitoring Our Area for more then a minute, and, well, you can do much better. Most of what you'd be buying isn't what you are wanting anyway? Watch the "Are You Looking For..." Thread, and wait. Patience.)
Likes For machinist42:
01-23-23, 07:51 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 8,917
Bikes: 85 team Miyata (modern 5800 105) , '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 94 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1885 Post(s)
Liked 1,724 Times
in
1,030 Posts
The bike looks to be in nice shape....hard to tell about the wheels but they don't look all trashed out
tires have no wear, but if old could have age issues
I would get it, ride it and then see what you want to do with it,
there are lots of options depending on what you want to do and how you ride
is this going to be around town do errands get coffe or a beer? then maybe you put north bars on it and make it a city bike? pretty simple and cheap $40 bars, $40 brake levers and $14 thumb shifters
want to ride on the road a lot and more gears and have combined shifter/brakes., bunch more money unless you can get used
careful it is addictive
tires have no wear, but if old could have age issues
I would get it, ride it and then see what you want to do with it,
there are lots of options depending on what you want to do and how you ride
is this going to be around town do errands get coffe or a beer? then maybe you put north bars on it and make it a city bike? pretty simple and cheap $40 bars, $40 brake levers and $14 thumb shifters
want to ride on the road a lot and more gears and have combined shifter/brakes., bunch more money unless you can get used
careful it is addictive
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or whole biked 57,58)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or whole biked 57,58)
Likes For squirtdad:
01-23-23, 07:53 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Posts: 2,327
Bikes: 92 Colnago Master PIU, 83 Pinarello Record, 92 Tommaso, 92 Merckx MX Leader, 90 Serotta Colorado II, 99 Tommasini Sintesi, 90 Pinarello Montello, 89 Tommasini Super Prestige, 08 Look 585, 89 Merckx Corsa Extra, 72 Holdsworth Professional and 3 more
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 319 Post(s)
Liked 428 Times
in
196 Posts
I would pass on that bike. Keep your eyes open for a Centurion Ironman. You would be very pleased with one of those.
Likes For rjhammett:
01-23-23, 08:07 PM
#22
Junior Member
If it is the light blue one. In the one link, it looks to be a good deal. I would ride it the way it is.
__________________
TigerTom
TigerTom
Likes For bluesteak:
01-23-23, 08:16 PM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,127
Bikes: '38 Schwinn New World, '72 Peugeot PX-10, ‘7? Valgan, ’79 Holdsworth Pro, ’80 Peugeot TH-8 tandem, '87 Trek 400T, ’97 Cannondale T900, '98 Peugeot Appalaches, ‘7? Raleigh Sports, ‘7? Raleigh Superbe, ‘6? Herc
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 474 Post(s)
Liked 812 Times
in
418 Posts
I think without some more info we're all really just shooting in the dark here. What are you riding now? What kind of riding do you usually do? What's your motivation for wanting to 'go vintage' (no wrong responses here, just might narrow things down)? Are you 'handy' with bike repairs? If not, do you want to be? Vintage Trek road frames are pretty nice, but that doesn't necessarily mean this one is ideal to get you started down the wonderful road to C&V addiction, bankruptcy and ruin!
Likes For ehcoplex:
01-23-23, 08:28 PM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 16,225
Mentioned: 432 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3272 Post(s)
Liked 4,791 Times
in
1,998 Posts
My first new bike (as an adult, anyway) was a 1982 Trek 412. Here's the receipt:
I'm not sure how the 1980 model compared to the 1982, but it was a solid bike, fairly middle-of-the-road, which isn't a bad thing. That said, I don't think I'd pay $250 for a used one unless it was super pristine, and then I'd still want to change out a bunch of parts, e.g., 27" wheels.
I'm not sure how the 1980 model compared to the 1982, but it was a solid bike, fairly middle-of-the-road, which isn't a bad thing. That said, I don't think I'd pay $250 for a used one unless it was super pristine, and then I'd still want to change out a bunch of parts, e.g., 27" wheels.
Likes For nlerner:
01-23-23, 08:56 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Toledo Ohio
Posts: 1,128
Bikes: 1964 Frejus,1972 Fuji Newest, 1973 Schwinn Super Sport, 1983 Trek 700, 1985 Ironman, 1985 Torpado, 1983 Peugeot UO14, 1989 Miyata 1000LT and others
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 410 Post(s)
Liked 450 Times
in
252 Posts
I’m building up an 82 model 412 for a winter project. One other note not mentioned is that the stock crankset may be the odd 118 bcd one that also came on my 82. That limits you to a 40 tooth small ring which is probably what is on that bike.
Likes For sd5782:
