Hello all, I have a few questions here regarding a Trek 660 frame I have had laying around for a couple months. I believe it to be from the model year of 1988 because of the serial number 332546.

The first question I have is will it be able to accept modern 8 speed cassettes and STI shifters, or do I have to cold set the the frame?

My other question is whether to get it painted or powder coated. The paint is not in terrible shape, but it could be way better. There are also a couple dings here and there and possibly some minor rust. I live in Orange County, CA and am looking to get the frame done by a professional. It would be nice to have someone local do it, but if it can't be done then I will have to go out of state possibly. So if anyone has any suggestions they would be greatly appreciated.

Here is a picture that I took, sorry for the cell phone quality. I will take some more with a better camera when I get a chance.

I didn't have to set my 87 trek 400 to go to 130mm 10 speed. Dropped right in. I did have to drill the brake bridge for recessed nuts. I blasted and powder coated as it was cheaper than painting. Actually paid more for the repop decals than the powder coat. I can't believe there wouldn't be someone local in OC to paint or powder.

I actually know some people who do powder coating here in OC, but I was thinking it might be better to send it off to someone who specializes in bikes because of the minor rust and dents. Just an assumption I guess.

There are a few good paint shops in Calif but CHA CHING!! a good quality paint is not cheap. It will look factory fresh with decals and all but expect to spen over $300 for prep, paint, clearcoat and decals.

What is so horribly wrong with this as it is?

Here are most of the problem areas. It may not be as bad as I am making it out to see, but I am somewhat of a perfectionist.

you have a white bike, dude. it's not sparkly midnight moon blue with a pearlescent base.

gently remove the rust and touch up with a little white paint/nail polish.

I'd vote to leave it "as is". They only have original paint once and yours is on the good side of that fuzzy line between patina and ratty. But then I wouldn't upgrade the drivetrain either. I enjoy the 12-speed and downtube shifters on my 88 400. It makes it the classic that it is.



- Mark

My first thought would be that you could find a pretty nice frame (or complete bike) for $300...

....but maybe you're that much of a perfectionist?

I'd vote for leaving it as is and touching it up a bit. Old Trek's are classy and getting more difficult to find by the season.

If you want a more modern bike and in better shape, why not find just the right one and keep this for a build later on?

Do what gets you on the saddle more. Personally I'd have it powder coated and throw on the STI's. Where I live there is an LBS that specialises in PC. Frame and fork= $120. You can add decals later.

Way better (resale) existing value over time if it has original paint. You'll not find a nice waterslide decal to match the originals and the investment cast lugs which are a nice feature ill look crummy with PC as they'll fill in a bit.
Heck, for the money you'd spend you can sell the vintage frame and buy a modern frame like Nashbar or scattante and call it a day. Nice and shiny and you'd have CF fork etc to go with the STI. Someone on the board is sure to snatch that frame up. It's too big for me or I'd make an offer.

i'd have it stripped and powder coated. should cost about 100/150. they'll take care of rust, but dents may be extra. i probably wouldn't spring for the decals, except possibly the headtube badge or decal.

The 660 is one of my favorite bikes and I have two -- my original grey and a white I picked up a couple of years ago. Looking at your photos, I'd pc and not worry about decals. There is another member of this forum who has done the same with a 660. I have ridden the white one with both racing tires and narrow CX tires. The 660 is a great rider. Make it work for you.

Am I surrounded by horses? because all I hear are naysayers.

Treks are great bikes for modernizing. The rear is probably 126, but you can probably fit a 130 in there pretty easily without coldsetting. I have had bikes of that vintage that can take 130 with no effort. Alternatively, you can (1) run 8 speed STI and run 7 speed on the 126mm rear since the cog spacing is very similar or (2) run 9 speed STI and use 8/9 cogs on a 126mm wheel.

Don't powdercoat though. The frame is white, and the paint is not bad at all.

The only people naysaying are agreeing with your comments about leaving the paint. I ride a 9 speed sti Ironman and its a great ride. Easy conversion. If I get a frame in terrible shape then I repaint, but that one can easily be resurrected with some elbow grease, white nailpolish and 1000 grit wet sanding. It's called "patina".

But, if he so desires then of course it is his, do it and enjoy the ride. He asked for advice.

Umm ok, I was joking by quoting 30 Rock and there actually were a few comments about not doing the upgrade.

see:

Wait, I have another one:

ha ha,just giving options on the paint (leave as is) and for the build (spend paint money on a frame). Don't watch enough 30 rock apparently.

All in jest. The latest season has gone downhill IMO.

So I've decided that Im going to leave the paint as is, because as someone said earlier, "it's only original once" I still would like to put an 8 speed STI group on there.

easy to do, all the parts bolt right back on and you can use a 130 wheel easily. Just need downtube cable stops and you're good to go.

Really Puget? I think this season is the best in awhile, and thought last was the worst of them all.

Remember that whole episode of Tracey's wife? smh

I'm a big fan of upgrading the drivetrain on nicer vintage steel racing bikes. If you want to manage the cost, find a donor bike. Otherwise, the cost gets pretty high.

Does the frame have a chain hanger brazed on the dirve side seat stay??
If it doesn't, the picture of your very scratched up drive side chain stay says very clearly why one should have one and use it every time they take off the rear wheel.
If you are planning on stripping the frame anyway, you might consider having a chain hanger peg brazed on to the right side seat stay by a frame builder so you can avoid the same paint damage on the chain stay in the future.

Chombi

I loved the 660 I had but it was 1 size too small. 9 speed with Shimano bar ends. Loved it. I said that already. No problem, just pop the rear wheel in there.

Cleaned up the rust on mine. Had no problems fitting a 130 MM spaced wheel in rear, it measured exactly as is and dropped right in. Slowly upgrading it to 9 spd STI or maybe 10 SPD. Currently having way too much fun with the Bianchi. Bike sits as currently as shown...