Hi all,

I'm still riding my "old" Trek road bike. Bought it in '78 or '79. It's still an incredibly good ride. I just wish it was a couple of cm smaller (I'm what people used to call "short", not sure what the current PC term is nowadays), 'cuz when I straddle the bike the TT gets awfully "familiar" with certain parts of my anatomy - if you know what I mean.

I've been thinking about getting a new, probably custom, road bike, but don't know what I should do with my old Trek. Thought about converting it to a fixed gear (don't worry, it doesn't have any braze-ons to cut off), but I think I'll just get a purpose-built FG frame that fits. Thought about setting it up as a winter/commuter bike, but not sure how much I'd use it (yeah, I'm a wimp/fair weather rider). Thought about painting or powder-coating the frame (doesn't look bad now, but let's face it, it is 30 years old), but didn't know if that would be considered a big "no-no" among the C&V crowd.

Anyway, the old Trek is one of the sport touring models, with Ishiwata 022 tubing, I can't really return it to stock form, because when I bought it I had my LBS replace the BB with a Phil, the crankset with a TA triple (the old half step plus granny gearing using a 5-speed freewheel), wheels with some Avocet hubs, brakes with some Mafac Racers. Can't even remember if the Suntour Cyclone GT derailleur (replaced with a Shimano Deore sometime in the 90s) was original or not. So this bike never really was "stock". Also, back in the 90s I had some new wheels built up with Chorus hubs and an 8-speed cassette, and the rear triangle spread to accomodate.

So, I'm open to suggestions. On the one hand, I'd like to keep this as "original" as possible. On the other hand, it's already been heavily modified, and i't not as if this was a similar vintage Colnago or Masi.

If this was your bike, what would you do?

Thanks,

KenshiBiker

P.S. I know, I know, "Pics or it doesn't exist". I'll try to get the pics today or tomorrow.

"If this was your bike, what would you do?"

What's wrong with just continuing to use it?

If it were my bike and it didn't fit, I'd sell the frameset on eBay and keep the parts for another build on a frame that's more my size. Fit is the most important criterion to me.

Neal

old treks are awesome, much better then many of the higher bikes IMHO. if it fits you keep it and ride it

Unless you really can't deal with the size & it's keeping you from enjoying the bike, hang on to it. It does sound like you may have already decided it's too big for you, in that case I'm sure some fellow C&V members would be interested in a fair "trade"
I think we have the same frame btw, I'll wait for the pics

Classic? Vintage? Old? Doesn't really matter - it's at least one of those three. Sounds like a nice bicycle.

If the paint is an eyesore, or is sufficiently lacking to the extent that it doesn't adequately protect the frame, it's time to get it painted. Even if it is just to suit your own sensibilities - heck, it's your bike. Not like it's a super-rare bicycle that St. Coppi rode up a harrowing climb to put himself back in the maglia rosa or anything. Do what you like. Some of us have gotten into the habit of acquiring nice frames that are already out of their original paint for cheap. I've gotten two that were in need of repainting when I got them, and it took 100% of the angst out of the equation.

It sounds like you have had a rather wonderful love affair with this bike, why exactly are you wanting to replace it after all these years. It sounds like you have ridden it alot already, you know it and are comfortable with it.

Are you wanting to get that new romatic feeling again?

I would get the new bike started and keep the old bike as is until you're sure you don't want it or can't use it. You already know you like that bike and can ride it, even with the top tube intrusion.

+1 If it really is either a 78 or 79, and you are ready to move on, then sell the frameset on ebay, if I was sure the components were not original.

If it fits, I would keep it.

I got rid of my old college bike that I bought new in 1975 solely because it did not fit (sold it earlier this year). It was not even close. So I passed it on. Had it fit, I would have kept it.

The 1977 TX 500 was Ishiwata 022 tubing. The TX 504 had Cyclone GT derailleur. You should be able to verify the age of the bike easily on the vintage trek site. And almost all components have date codes, so you can see if they are original, or of the same vintage. The Trek vintage site is one of the best ones out there. https://www.vintage-trek.com/

I would think a Trek of that vintage would have significant value, so I would not do anything to it that is not reversible.

Thanks for all the replies so far. I don't think I really got my point across in my original post. Here's a recap:

1. The bike does not fit well (see pics below), but it is definitely rideable, and I intend to continue to ride it, for at least the foreseeable future (finances/economy being what it is). I have, however, always wanted a bike that really fits, and fits well, something I am sure you all understand.

2. I mainly want to avoid doing something boneheaded that leaves everyone (well, mainly folks in this forum) shaking their head, mumbling "What a shame".

3. The paint isn't really bad (see pics below). If funds were unlimited (shame they never are), I'd send it to Joe Bell and get it redone with the original paint, decals, etc. the way another poster did a while back. Funds being what they are, I thought it might be better to powder coat (keeping in mind point 2 above), then keep riding it until I can afford to replace it (and even after maybe), and apply the $400 to $500 savings to a new bike (or maybe leave it as is and apply the $600 toward a new bike).

4. I don't know that I'd characterize it as a "love affair" with this bike. I am very fond of it. It has always been a great ride, and it's never disappointed me. I recently got started riding again after a lengthy layoff (still unresolved foot issues keeping the rides short for now), and even after all this time, I just pumped up the tires, and took off. The shifting was still crisp and precise, handling was good, and braking was as strong as ever. As far as starting a "new romance", well, I've always admired the bikes of my youth: Colnago, Masi, Merckx, Cinelli, but I realize none of these are likely to ever appear in my garage (their geometry and mine just aren't compatible). I can, however (probably), get a bike that fits me properly, that is suited for the type of riding I intend to do, and exhibits the same type of craftsmanship that was employed "back in the day" (please don't destroy my fantasy that these frames were well built and beautiful as well).

OK, so here are some pics.

OK,
1-Don't straddle the bike. As we age, we have to think about it more. (slower reaction times)
2-Don't FG it if it's close to too big, FG's tend to work better smaller, not larger, than your road fit.
3-Determine it's value.
4-Determine what you'll have to pay to get one that fits better and rides as well or better.
5-Subtract 3 from 4, and that's what you'll need, minimum.
6-Determine if you'll really ride it's replacement enough to justify #5.

You may want the simplicity of a FG or single speed. If so, I highly recommend finding a suitable frame, which can be had pretty cheaply, and building it yourself, which is simple and very fun. Look at examples that catch your eye (BF threads or velospace.org, etc) and go from there.

If all you want is a FG or single speed, and you want to sell the bike to offset that cost, it makes sense.
If you were going to get a FG or single speed anyway, you need to look at #6 above again, decide what you want to do road-wise.

If it was mine? I'd trade if for an Ironman. That's what I always say, though.....

Realistically, I'd ask myself how/when/where I plan to ride in the future, and get a bike for that.

Be careful, you can get addicted. .........

We're brewing good stuff here.

Hi KenshiBiker, Thanks for posting pics of your Trek. To me, it still looks to be in good condition, nothing there a good wash and touch-up with matching paint or blue nail varnish wouldn't put straight. So, if it were my bike I'd do just that, continue to ride it and save all the money towards that "perfect fit" frame. Once the new bike is finished, then a choice to keep it as spare (always useful IMHO) or sell it on. No need to make that choice until/unless you're 100% happy with the new ride!

P.S. What Model Mafac brakes are those? Did they come drilled as standard?

that's a trek with some real charisma. just add a brooks and a duopar RD!

too bad it doesn't fit. i would not hang on to it, for that reason alone. if you can create a well founded bicycle like this (with help from the LBS), then you will likely pull it off again, with a frame in the right size.

So far I think this is the best answer (certainly the most fiscally responsible one). I think I'll just clean it up, replace the tires (they are pretty old as tires go, and when new they were so tight a fit I don't think I could get them off if I flatted on the road - even with the alloy levers I carry), and keep on riding.

Thanks,

KenshiBiker

They're Mafac 2000's. The levers came pre-drilled. I added the brake bridge (I don't recall it being made by Mafac) shortly after getting the bike.

My point exactly. It's a good bike. If it did fit, this would be a no-brainer. I'd probably keep riding it, eventually get a new bike, keep both, end up with 12 bikes hanging from the rafters. . .

I think I will keep riding it, at least for the near future.

Thanks,

KenshiBiker

They're Mafac 2000's with an add on stiffener. The stiffeners show up on eBay once in a while. I've been outbid on a couple of them. They were recent copies of the originals from the 1970's.

Do they make them any smaller?

are those wheels 27's? if so why not put a pair of 700's on and that would lower the frame a tad. ( at least I think that is how it works), am I right guys?

Definitely do not repaint it. If you ultimately decide to sell, that will detract from its collector's value. No, it isn't terribly valuable monetarily, as it was probably mid- to lower-range in Trek's frame lineup, but I bet the frame alone could fetch $100-$200. The screw-on headbadge indicates it's one of the very early Trek frames. I don't know what type of riding you do, but the 'sport touring' geometry is desirable to a certain segment of the riding community, because it accommodates wide tires, fenders, and offers a stable ride over rough terrain. Very difficult to find a production bike these days with similar qualities, though a few exist and more are being offered.

So, I'd agree with the above. Keep it and ride it; and then if you purchase a new bike, keep it as a backup. Or if you ultimately choose to sell it to offset the cost of your new bike, I'd suggest parting it out. Well presented auctions on ebay of cleaned, polished parts and frameset will give you a far better return on your initial investment than selling it as a complete bike.

So your Trek isn't lonely in this thread, here's a '79 Trek 530 I recently sold to a BF member. Full Ishiwata 022 (tubes, stays, forks).

I believe that's why a custom built frame is being considered.

I also agree with Oldpeddeller, just keep it and perhaps use it as your wet weather bike. I do suggest fitting it with a set of plastic mudguards. They can temporarily be fitted with zip ties and the guards can easily be modified to fit around other components.

After 30 years it would be nice to have a new, better fitting bike for those nice day rides.

Give me an hour with that bike, and I'll show you an original paint job that looks like it just rolled out of Joe Bell's paint booth.

The secret: Careful attention to corners, and a $7 tube of Meguiars Scratch X.

-Kurt

+1
People bring me their bikes, in about the same condition as yours, wanting to "fix it up so I can sell it."
After 2-3 hours (I'm not as quick as Kurt), it's often back to "I think I'll keep it."

I don't quite think you're in their category, because the changes to the bike look like they were knowledgeable and effective, but even the most jaded cyclist sometimes gets the longing for that old flame, when she's dolled up and clean..... eh?

Yeah, that would be a keeper for me!,,,,BD