thenomad

I'm debating on whether to stop by and look at this Trek. Can't tell what it is though. I bet I'll get there and it'll have a terrible repaint, stuck stem and rust or something.

Any ideas is this is a worthy model? Supposed 531 but I don't trust the seller. Everything is "rare" and "vintage" and great condition to him.

MetinUz

Hard to tell what it is, decals all missing. Perhaps ask the seller to send the serial number (at the BB shell), then look it up at vintage-trek.com.

thenomad

Campy dropouts may put it pre '81 but it has a plastic spoke protector so I'm wondering if it's actually an early 80s. Probably a low 400 model.

jstewse

I'd say serial number would be your best bet. Those stays look super long and I know 720's came in a burgundy color like that. I'd say it's definitely worth investigating.

auchencrow

I would check it out just because of those long stays.
- It could even be a 720 as jstwse suggested, though I think you will find it's a repaint. If so, the price should reflect it of course.

David Newton

Then take a look at this c-list ad, all I can tell for sure is that it is made in England, of aluminum 531 tubing.

https://beaumont.craigslist.org/bik/2098434867.html

It is about an hour from me, maybe I'd check it out, but not for $300.

auchencrow

https://beaumont.craigslist.org/bik/2098434867.html

Looks like an '83 '630, or possibly 620. If so it's a good price for a great ride.

Chombi

Chombi

thenomad

It's a repainted, from a serial number check it looks to spec out to a '78 or 736 with 600 components. "small dent in top tube" so I'll check it out and see what it's looking like. Good 531 frame for a commuter though if the price is right. It's exactly my size too...

What range do you all think I should be in? I often have my own "get it for under 100" ideas but real "value" of a good frame can be tricky to price.

I'm looking to put together a bike for a friend so it may pay for itself as a parts donor.

JohnDThompson 

A 720 would have double eyelets on the front and rear dropouts. Although its hard to see the rear, the front shows no sign of a second eyelet. Campy dropouts were used into the early 80s interchangeably with Shimano SF. It could be either a 600 or 700 series frame -- 600 series had domed stay ends and weren't finished as nicely (you could see the slots in the stays). 700 series had radiused stay ends and were blended into the dropouts so the slot wasn't visible, and used a Haden investment cast fork crown rather than a pressed crown.

JohnDThompson 

If it's a Trek, it wasn't made in England, and 531 tubing is steel, not aluminum.

David Newton

Gee John, that's what the seller said, and he's got the bike, so it must be true!

thenomad

'78 736
I'll take a look at it and may pick it up around 100 but we'll see.