i posted this about a week ago in the road section and didn't get too much love. Someone suggested posting in the classic and vintage section so her she is.. i got the bike off ebay and slowly acquired the shimano 600 components off craigslist. Unfortunately the cranks had a hairline crack so i kept the 105's on there.. other then that she is riding great through the streets of Seattle. I also added NOS suntour sprint shifters (the micro ratchet style) which are very nice

If you have a Trek from a similar era, feel free to post.. I'd love to see them

Pretty! An '88

That was the first year these guys got the True Temper frames instead of the 531 frames, but these RC-1 frames are very nice (and hugely underrated). Why did you decide to go with friction? Those 105 shifters are much better than any Suntour product, if you like indexing...

Nice trek. I want to find one like it some day.

Volkgti90 -
True Temper , hugely underrated +1
Deciding to go friction +2

Trek Steel is a wonder, and your 560 in blue is just a classic! (Just keep your toes away from the front tire at low speeds).

You evidentally have the same tastes as so many C&V'rs.
I think you belong with us instead of the Road forum contingent.

Sweet.

I am seeing a pattern here with the rear wheels on 80's Treks. My '85 400 Elance is the same. It's very easy to spot because there'll be the distinctive dark anodised Matrix front rim and an aftermarket (Sun in my instance) rear rim. What was wrong with rear wheel on Treks of this era? Were they all Helicomatics or something?
Nice bike, BTW.

This bike is an 88. The Shimano 105 would be original - not Helicomatic, so there must have been another reason. ( I kind of like Helicomatics though - very smooth).

I was actually wondering if this was a 531 frame?? i noticed in the catalog the 87's were. As for the friction shifting, its just something i got used prior and i kinda like the feel of finding the sweet spot when shifting. It doesn't hurt also that these suntour sprint shifters are polished and sleek looking

I'll tell you guys after riding a fixed gear for the last 2 years strictly this bike is a godsend. The 600 components work flawlessly and the steel frame rides so comfortably. I can't imagine my track bike getting any attention anytime soon. My bike prior to that was a 80's Nishiki Custom Sport which i converted into a six speed. Not a bad bike but this Trek feels alot better.. anyways, if anyone has some nice Treks to post DO it!!

now that's a nice trek!

My daily rider at the moment, a 24" 1989 Trek 400. No idea when it lost it's original rear wheel, or the seat post. It was also converted to a flat bar with Avid levers... I dug up some basic aluminum drop bars and a pair of 105SC levers. Haven't gotten around to doing my first bar wrap

Only thing that bugs me about the bike is the ratcheting actuation of the front shifting lever, as it never seems to ratchet to the right trim, but I've been busier riding it than tweaking it. The rear shifter smoothly frictions, haven't tried the indexed mode yet.

I have a white 87 560EX with 531 and 600 sis components. Great riding bike, love the handling and stiffness. I took it out yesterday for a steady speed group ride, I was able to hang with riders on modern carbon, Ti and aluminum bikes. 16 mph over 62 miles, not too shabby for a 23 year old bike. I live in Western Washington also.

Here is mine. This picture is older, but everything is still the same except for the saddle.

RC1 or 531 really doesn't make a bit of different in the riding department. Both weight about same. I think it is all in the geometry of the frame. Of course the 531 tubing decal makes the bike looks cooler.

Any steel Trek road bike=
I've only got an 83 560 and a 83, 400, but they are soooo nice. I really like the color of yours, not common at all.

the last thing i may consider down the line is lacing up some Velocity deep v's (or something of better quality) to the existing 600's hubs.. not sure though if it would be worth it or not..

I just love that color.