I've been looking for a rack for my commuter, entertained the idea of getting a single speed for the commute as well.
After much back and forth I picked up a rack today and came home with the 1978 Trek 730 attached to it as well.

OK, I'm not that clever but I am happy, so far, with my $45 purchase. A Trek 730 with a rack on it. Reynolds 531 and Shimano 600, missing wheels, crank and FD. It's very light and my perfect size.

I'm hoping this builds into a fine machine. I'm very tempted to make it into geared century ride. It's got a lot of work needed but I'm happy with $45 for the 531 frame.

You know the drill, pics or it didn't happen

I'm going to start making an amendment to this rule - pics, or send the bike to me and I'll take pics of it

Funny - I once got a $40 Trek 720 with 50 pounds of Park Tools in its pannier bag.

-Kurt

Well, she aint pretty but I look forward to the ride.
A mere shadow of her former self but I've got "plans".
Same one I'd asked about before. I couldn't pass on it at $45 after I kept seeing it pop up on CL for weeks.

Wondering what color would be appropriate...

You did great. Do you know what year the frame is from?

'78 Trek 730 or 736, so sad there's no canti-studs...

Very nice. Looking forward to a complete bike.

Nice score. Given the other bits attached to it, I'm surprised it was around for weeks. I'd say you got the frame for free, easily.

Thread: Bought a rack and a 1978 Trek Frame was attached to it.

It's pretty spiff as it sits. Bar tape color selection could be a challenge though.

I passed on it for a while at $120 with wobbly wheels, 600 crank and 600 RD. Couldn't bring my budget in line. The only thing I could go for now is the original crank, that would have been a good perk. I have a more modern one I can use though, not sure if I'll try to make it totally vintage or just go with what works well. I plan on keeping the barends for future geared life.

Now I'm thinking of what paint scheme to make it. I've always liked the Schwinn Super Sport Red with Black rear triangle. I'll either go boring metalflake gray (have the paint) or something flashy/stylish, I kinda want stylish since my other bikes look boring.

I might go tan/brown on the saddle and tape, but I have a budget.

Here's a bonus. For kicks I threw on some cross wheels

700x35 knobbies fit, even though the rear is close to the knobs it'll still hold fenders in those big upper gaps as well.

i NEVER find these kinds of deals... nice find!

Even though the clearance is really tight, I love the red tires-they are great ! Boy, what a deal you got.

Thanks. It may not end up red. I've got a few ideas but I'll run them on a different thread. I'm thinking something like a 35 with smoother tread and fenders would be a cool commuter level ride.

I have it all disassembled, everything came out easy and is in good condition. Drive side BB cup needs to come out so that's for tomorrow.

The rack is an alloy Jim Blackburn. I'll spend some time polishing all the alloy bits so it should come out nice.

the pics are showing a pretty decent finish; why so intent on painting it? Looks really nice. I wouldn't worry overmuch by the lack of canti-posts, but i would say that those brakes might need to be upgraded to something more rockin'?

very nice score there...
-rob

That's got to be a repaint, but what's wrong with the current paint job?

N.B. The 730 is a short chainstay model and thus less suitable for touring, if that's why you're disappointed about the lack of canti bosses.

Do they fit fully inflated?

I'll pump the rear up shortly, just threw them in there. Pretty sure they'll fit with a knob free model too.

The frame has been repainted. It was light blue. The paint on this is some dull lifeless stuff. looks better in pics. It's flaking off in places. I've painted several bikes now so I'm ok with the project.

I suppose I could leave it as is and just wail away on it commuting and in the hills, but I'd rather it look the way I'd like: glossy, lugs lined, shiny bits etc. I'm thinking I'll be doing dark silver metallic with red accents sine I have the paint already. Either that or I'll go full on Ferrari Red, Holdsworth Orange or something, not sure yet. Heck, maybe Camo.

I'd like canti studs to make wheel changes easier. I'll have to deflate to get them past the brakes. Not sure there's an easy way around that. Perhaps centerpulls may be needed.

nice deal, especially if you have wheels laying around ready to roll...
accidental pun?