'86 Trek Elance 310
12-03-12, 01:48 PM
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'86 Trek Elance 310
There's been a '86 Trek Elance 310 on CL for a few weeks asking $130. Pic looks nice but other than that here's what I know about it. '86 310's frames did not use columbus or reynolds, they were made by bridgestone: Ishiwata triple-butted. Used 27' wheels and I believe Suntour components? Anyone know about the rarity of these? value? I would probably consider making a SS out of it if I were to buy it.
12-03-12, 03:00 PM
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Is this where you located the 310 info? https://www.vintage-trek.com/images/t...rekCatalog.pdf
The '86 300 series bikes were the first Trek road models made in Taiwan. Not sure about Bridgestone frame manufacture, although there are experts here who might know. As entry-level bikes they aren't especially rare or as valuable as American-made Treks from the same era.
Nevertheless, they are smooth riding and the $130 price you're looking ain't bad if its in nice shape. The specs in the Trek brochure indicate the 310 had decent quality components. Although it would perform best in its original configuration, if you do get the bike and decide on a SS conversion you'll want to keep all the original parts so it can be returned to its former identity.
The '86 300 series bikes were the first Trek road models made in Taiwan. Not sure about Bridgestone frame manufacture, although there are experts here who might know. As entry-level bikes they aren't especially rare or as valuable as American-made Treks from the same era.
Nevertheless, they are smooth riding and the $130 price you're looking ain't bad if its in nice shape. The specs in the Trek brochure indicate the 310 had decent quality components. Although it would perform best in its original configuration, if you do get the bike and decide on a SS conversion you'll want to keep all the original parts so it can be returned to its former identity.
12-03-12, 03:04 PM
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Not rare at all, it was basically the entry level Trek. Now Trek, different than other manufacturers of that era, did not make the low end crap, so entry level Trek = mid level for several brands. $130, depending on condition, is a deal.
Want a rare, high end tubing Trek? Get ready to spend $500 to $750.
The Trek name gets a strong response around here. A Trek steel frame racing bike, in ready to ride condition, bring $200 plus. The better ones go up from there.
As far as a SS conversion, you will rapidly exceed the cost of a new SS bike, that will come with 700c wheels, flip flop hub, modern dual pivot brakes, color of your choice, handlebar style of your choice, brand new tires (brand new everything), frame material of your choice: Al, cromo, whatever, etc. The value on the vintage racing bikes is for the multispeed versions. The internet branded SS/FG bikes out there have killed the vintage bike conversions.
Want a rare, high end tubing Trek? Get ready to spend $500 to $750.
The Trek name gets a strong response around here. A Trek steel frame racing bike, in ready to ride condition, bring $200 plus. The better ones go up from there.
As far as a SS conversion, you will rapidly exceed the cost of a new SS bike, that will come with 700c wheels, flip flop hub, modern dual pivot brakes, color of your choice, handlebar style of your choice, brand new tires (brand new everything), frame material of your choice: Al, cromo, whatever, etc. The value on the vintage racing bikes is for the multispeed versions. The internet branded SS/FG bikes out there have killed the vintage bike conversions.
Last edited by wrk101; 12-03-12 at 03:08 PM.
12-03-12, 03:05 PM
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It is down to 120 now. I agree if you have to fixie this keep the OEM parts.
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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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12-04-12, 01:43 PM
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Yea, don't know if I'll make a move on it, feel like i'll be in over my head, and it's not a frame I NEED to have. Is still a nice looking bike though, and some have written that this Ishiwata frame is very comparable to some of the reynolds, columbus frames of the era.
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