There is a 79 Trek 512 for 100.00. Complete but needs some work. Is it worth the money.

Are you trying to flip it or keep it?

Pictures? "Needs some work" could mean quite a bit to different people.

Do you like it? Does it fit? Do want to do the fix-up? Do you have the hundred bucks to spare?
If your answers are 'yes' . . . then get it.

Can't really answer that without seeing it. The answer is, maybe. What kind of work does it need?

-Shin

there's a 78 trek 512 listed for 100 dollars on craigslist if that's the one i'd say it looks to be in fine condition. if the only 'work' it needs is tires and tubes i'd say it's fine. if you're looking for a rider. if you're looking for a flip... not so certain. that price may be steep for your area. look at what other stuff is bringing.

Yes, that is the one. It needs tires and tubes, new chain and total clean up for sure. I just was thinking of getting it to fix it up and keep it. Not for riding, but just because it was older. It did not appear to be a very popular bike for Trek, am I correct?

If the frame is straight with no damage, get it. I've got one. Great frame for its intended purpose (sports tourer, not a racer):

You could easily sell that frame alone for $100.

I just found the ad, too. I think it's a 712, because it's got Reynolds 531 tubing. That gives it even more cachet. I have a 500 series with Ishiwata 022, which is comparable to 531 but a bit stiffer. 022 is good for me in a larger size, but Ishiwata 022 doesn't quite have the same cachet.

The frame is what's most noteworthy on the bike. The components are serviceable, but nothing particularly special unless something has been upgraded.

Not for riding? WTF?

I believe the 1978 512 uses Ishiwata 022 which is 0.9 - 0.6 - 0.9 double-butted chromoly, which is pretty decent stuff. Like JunkYardBike says, if the frame is straight without any dents or rust, I'd grab it.

EDIT - I just saw where JunkYardBike thinks it's a 712 with Reynolds 531. If so, that makes it even more desirable.

I went and picked it up. The guy took 75.00. I will post shortly with spec.

Quick answer: yes.

You got a good deal.

Not sure what it is. The numbers on the bottom are AC80673AC and 008286. Any help would be appreciated

By the serial, it is a 1981 610, 24 inch frame

That's not the one on Phoenix CL: https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/bik/1604218179.html Someone run out and grab it!

According to the S/N, it's a 1981 610 in 24".

Looks like it was marketed as an '82 614, however. The frame isn't quite as sought after as the one I thought it was (yours only has 531 in the main tubes), but it's still worth the money you paid. The crankset alone, if in good condition, sells for $50-$75.

https://www.vintage-trek.com/images/trek/Trek3pg6.jpg

EDIT: Beat to the punch.

Oh, and the fork is not original. Did you check the tubes for impact damage?

This is the one on craigslist you have posted. It is not a 512 like advertised.

Okay...I'm confused. They look different to me!

EDIT: Okay, studied them some more. I thought the decals on the CL pics were the older style, which would have made it a late 70's 712 model. I also didn't make out the chrome fork, which is not original unless the original was chromed at some point.

Here is what is on the bike. Suntour Cyclone M-ll derailer, Rigida rims, Sugino AT cranks, Laprad seat post, Sakae custom bars (road champion). There is no damage or signs of impact on the frame.

This bike is in Casa Grande. Not quite halfway from Phoenix to Tucson. Too bad it is way too tall of a frame for me.

Her is a quick update. Since I am off today I stripped the bike down to the frame. Everything is in good operating condition. The crank is still in the frame because I do not have a socket on hand that will fit inside the crank hole to take out the bolt. I will have to go get one somewhere. Everything appears to match the stock bike brochure except the forks. They are Tange. There is no damage to the frame, just scratches and rub marks. Is there somewhere I can get the matching color of paint so I can touch up the frame?
My intentions are to clean and touch up the frame, clean all the components, replace tubes and tires, and replace bar tape. I will also replace chain.
The only other thing I found off was the rear derailer is bent just a touch on the gear bracket, so the gears are off just a little. Would it be ok to try and straighten this or should I leave it alone as it really does not hinder the function of the derailer?

If the derailleur is bent you need a new derailleur. If the mounting tab that holds the derailleur is bent it can probably be bent back. Your LBS should have a special tool to bend this back and make sure it's straight. If you want, you can probably get away with doing it yourself with something like a large adjustable (Crescent) wrench. The derailleur cage should be in a parallel plane with the freewheel cogs at all positions.

you did extremely well.