Trek Identification help
#1
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 36
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From: Spokane, WA
Bikes: 1983 Trek 520, 1991 Trek 400
Trek Identification help
Hello!
I just bought this Trek on Saturday, and I've been doing some research on it and I have been having some difficulty pinpointing it. My best guess is that it's a 1990 trek 1200?? Not 100% sure though. The serial number is 615439. I've seen a similar one but it was aluminum and this is a classic steel frame. It has purple decals on the down tube. It's missing the head badge and the model number sticker and the chain stay sticker. It has matrix rims and mallard hubs. I'm not sure if the components are original. The pedals are from my old 520. I haven't hooked up all the cable and housing, so it's just a single speed for now. I just replaced the bottom bracket last night with a sealed cartridge. Any help is appreciated!
Thanks for looking!
I just bought this Trek on Saturday, and I've been doing some research on it and I have been having some difficulty pinpointing it. My best guess is that it's a 1990 trek 1200?? Not 100% sure though. The serial number is 615439. I've seen a similar one but it was aluminum and this is a classic steel frame. It has purple decals on the down tube. It's missing the head badge and the model number sticker and the chain stay sticker. It has matrix rims and mallard hubs. I'm not sure if the components are original. The pedals are from my old 520. I haven't hooked up all the cable and housing, so it's just a single speed for now. I just replaced the bottom bracket last night with a sealed cartridge. Any help is appreciated!
Thanks for looking!
#2
Hi mastersquid, welcome to Bike Forums. I moved your thread from Introductions to Classic and Vintage. The people here know a lot about this and can help you.
Siu Blue Wind
Forum Admin
Siu Blue Wind
Forum Admin
#3
#4
Bianchi Goddess


Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
I think the frame is about a '87ish? 4xx something. are the Diacomp and Suntour OEM?
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
#7
I'm stumped, can't match that decal scheme. Is there any signs of missing decals on the seat tube, as I'm surprised the model number isn't plainly evident. And the lack of True Temper decals, which became more prominent as time went on.
I can only suggest it is a 1990s model from the cable guide braze on on the chain stay, instead of routing it through the chain stay in earlier years.
I can only suggest it is a 1990s model from the cable guide braze on on the chain stay, instead of routing it through the chain stay in earlier years.
#8
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 36
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From: Spokane, WA
Bikes: 1983 Trek 520, 1991 Trek 400
There was glue residue from the chain stay model number but as far as the seat tube..I can't see anything. My 1983 trek 520 ran the cable through guide underneath as well. Like I said, the only one with white and purple decals was from the 1990's BUT it was Aluminum. I'm starting to think it was a special order because the serial number indicates that it was a custom size (63 cm).
#10
By earlier, I was referring to the late 80s. My 1992 Trek 400 is just like yours, with the chain stay cap that has the little hole. On my 1989 Trek 400, that is where the rear derailleur cable pops out.
63cm is a neat find. It is quite the gap between the usual 24" and 25.5" models.
63cm is a neat find. It is quite the gap between the usual 24" and 25.5" models.
#12
Here is my well used 1989 Trek 400. I haven't taken photos of my gently used 1992 yet.

The 1989 has shorter 41cm chain stays, sharing it's geometry with the 660.
My 1992 looks much like yours, and comfortably fits 700x32 Paselas.
The 1989 has shorter 41cm chain stays, sharing it's geometry with the 660.
My 1992 looks much like yours, and comfortably fits 700x32 Paselas.
#14
Thrifty Bill

Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Look up the component date codes at the vintage Trek site. Add six months to the newest component. Then pull that year's catalog, and you will have it.
+1 1991 Trek 400, crankset has been changed out. I have found some dicrepancies in the Trek catalogs on color combinations (not unusual, given the lag between printing and actual manufacture).
+1 1991 Trek 400, crankset has been changed out. I have found some dicrepancies in the Trek catalogs on color combinations (not unusual, given the lag between printing and actual manufacture).
Last edited by wrk101; 01-25-11 at 08:44 PM.
#16
Thrifty Bill

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,642
Likes: 1,106
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Serial number matches 1991 production.
Last edited by wrk101; 01-25-11 at 08:59 PM.
#17
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 36
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From: Spokane, WA
Bikes: 1983 Trek 520, 1991 Trek 400
That looks a lot like the 400 in the brochure! Thanks a lot guys, I appreciate your efforts. Does anyone know where I can get a head badge and some replacement stickers???
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