scozim 

I already posted about my deal for the '81 Trek 510 this morning. According to the vintage Trek site it should have Ishiwata 022 tubing. It's a 22" or 57 c-m, c-t frame - the top end of frame height for me.

I've done some minor cleanup. There's a lot of sticker debris I need to get off the tubes. The frame has a lot of chipping - anyone know a touch up paint with good color match for the Trek gun metal gray? It only needs to pass the 10' test.



Now, I'm looking for some thoughts/help on what to do with it. Someone mentioned making it a cyclocross bike. That's a possibility. I've thought about a light tourer since it has the rack braze on's and a triple chain ring already.

However, it's a serious Frankenbike:

Headset: Tange
Wheels: Rigida (I think) 700c with Campy hubs





Freewheel: Suntour Perfect 13,15,17,20,26,32


Crankset: Sugino AT 50-42-28


Stem: says Custom - I'm assuming it's a SR stem
Seatpost: SR Laprade
Saddle: Selle San Marco Concor


Brakes/levers: Shimano - but I don't know what model


Shifters: Suntour
Front derailleur: Suntour Cyclone M II (with some rust on it)
Rear derailleur: Shimano 600 (rainbow model)
Handlebar: Sakae Road Champion that someone cut into bullhorns

I swapped some Mavic Module E's from my Gitane Sprint for now - it rides quite nicely. It's got a 14-24 6 spd and I'd like to stay in that range. Although I have two 13-21 6 spd freewheels and with the 28t ring up front I may go that route to (assuming I don't tour for awhile on the bike).

Bullhorns vs. traditional drop - I've never ridden bullhorn style bars. What do most people use them for? I have an unknown brand drop handlebar I could swap in.

Anyway, give me some ideas - what would you do with the bike (and yes, I'm keeping it.)

brockd15 

I love bikes like this...good quality, nice riding bike where you don't have to worry about originality so you can do anything to it you want. I like bullhorns, but I'd want TT levers for a cleaner look instead of using drop bar levers. One possible downside to that is that you would probably be limited to black levers.

But if it was mine, I'd put road bars on it with barcons, add some long-reach brakes, and convert it to 650b (assuming it is a good fit) to make it a real go-anywhere, do-anything bike...and add fenders.

auchencrow

Hi Scozim -

I recommend getting some randonneur bars and a decent rack, and you'll have a wonderful touring bike - just as it was originally intended . ( Just look at those luscious long chain stays ! )

mattface 

change the bars, ad some spit and polish and call it done, OR strip it powdercoat it and then put it together with nice pretty shiny parts. either way it'll be a great bike for you.

treebound 

You have hills in your area so that triple setup will be nice. If it were mine I'd simply swap out the handlebars for some un-cut road or rando bars, lube and tune the bike, and put some miles on it.

I wouldn't worry about the paint issues if you can live with it as is. Those types of issues can be worked out once you've got some miles on it and know better how well it suits you and how well you like the setup and framework.

Bianchigirll 

I agree with most of the others. aside from the hipster cowhorns it looks like a great randonneurer type bike. just change the bars clean it up really nice and experiment. I am no trek expert but I don't think these came with 1/2 step gearing, did they? so odds are pretty good some prior 'bikeaholic' set up the gearing for around there.

looks like you have lots of room in that frame I would consider a x28 tire for a bit softer ride.

bradtx

scozim, I have to agree with the above, what a lovely tourer frame. Rando bars, hoods for the brake levers or some BRS 300 levers, rack and maybe some fenders. Get 'er built and tested before worrying about the paint. If it turns out as nice as I think it can, you may want a full paint or powder coat.

Brad

sailorbenjamin

Ask your wife what you should do with it.

scozim 

Whit51 

I agree with Brockd15, except I would stick with 700c wheels.