I recently traded some things for a barn-find Trek 720 from 1984. The thing is in great condition, with all original parts and only 84 miles on the installed odometer. Based on virtually no brake pad or other wear I assume that is the mileage on the bike.

The bike is great, however the only issue is that the frame is the 22.5 inch model and I normally ride 58-60 cm road frames (6'1" height). I already noticed that when saddle is set for my height, the saddle to bar drop becomes a bit more than I like. The 56 cm top tube should not be much of an issue for me, as a ride the 61cm Raleigh international (which also has a 56cm top tube) with no problem. The Raleigh, however has a much taller head tube, so saddle to bar drop is not an issue.

What would be the best option for me when it comes to this bike. Sell it? Trade it (unlikely as the frame is rare)? Get one of those tall nitto stems and try to make it fit?

What are general considerations when it comes to touring bike fit?

photo (7) by avzay55_ebay, on Flickr

IMHO, a taller Nitto stem would be the right way to go. I don't think you'd be likely to lose much in terms of handling or comfort, and if it still feels off, you wouldn't be losing much if you looked to trade it off later.

If it feels right, well, heck, you've got a fantastically mint 720 at your disposal. Worth a gamble on a new stem.

I agree with the taller nitto stem and possibly a more setback post (depending on your riding style). The bike is already long, so it shouldn't be too much of an issue with overly quick handling just because you are a taller rider. The good part is that the taller stem and more relaxed parts choices look right on a tourer.

Sell it and get a bike that fits. Life is too short and you are too tall.

Try the nitto stem first, then sell it if that doesn't work.

Check the seat tube angle. On my '82, the seat tube angle is actually steeper than the head tube angle, which is a pretty unusual feature, if not downright bizarre. But it means you can set the seat a bit farther back than you'd expect. This will gain you an inch or so of length.

If you don't want to shell out $50 for a Nitto Technomic for an experiment, try the $20 experiment first.


Sunlite Alloy 2-Bolt Quill Stem - 180 x 22.2 x 80mm, Silver

Taller stem will not work because it lacks the proper length.


Sell it or trade it for the proper size.

Taller stem will not work because it lacks the proper length....OP needs something in the 120mm length range


Sell it or trade it for the proper size.

(Brilliant idea.)

[Taller stem will not work because it lacks the proper length. WRONG]


OP, you realize the Nitto Technomic stems come in various height ranges and stem lengths so you make that reach and drop match your desired spec. But, you'll want to get it right the first time. You should be able to match your Raleigh it that's what you want. However, where your center of gravity ends up being afterwards will be another matter.

Went through similar issue with recent 84 expedition that was too small. I wanted to make to make it fit and believed it possible then after a few weeks realized delusion was behind those thoughts. Im 6ft and ride 58-60 cm frames and really prefer a 60cm vintage treks size. So sell or trade is my advice.

I like the taller stem idea. If anything I err to a smaller frame on a touring bike. A loaded bike with a tall top tube can be tricky to toss a leg over because you can't easily lean the bike over to mount it.

Sell it and get one closer to your size. I am slightly under 6' and find 58 to be the min of my range with 60 about right. I only buy 58 because 60's are a bit difficult to find and they are not at the great prices I have found for the 58's. My 58's with period Campagnolo posts require Brooks Pro saddles or equivalent rail to top of saddle heigth to avoid extending beyond the limit line.

I wouldn't be too quick to sell it. Trek 720's are hard to find and replacing it will be tough. Try a taller stem and if you can't get the bike to fit so you love it, consider selling or trading it. You can always keep it while looking for a replacement. If you find something, you should have no problem selling the Trek to recoup the cost of the other bike.

Congratulations on joining the Trek 720 Club!

I would recommend trying everything you can to get the bike to work for you, at the same time- keep looking for a similar bike in your size.

I'll say that I used a tall Nitto Dirt Drop stem, that put me more upright than stretched out. It looks like they make Technomics with at least 110mm reach. Make sure you wrap up that Cinelli stem- it's got such a beautiful sheen you don't want to damage in storage.

On one hand, the 720 is a fantastic bike- it's a great rider, and it's got that "cachet" that goes along with it. On the other hand- if it doesn't fit you, you're not really going to be happy with it. On the OTHER hand- the 22.5" is additionally quite a desired size- so you've got premium trade bait and selling power when you find your grail bike in your size.



And for bike pr0n porpoises- my 85 Trek 720:

the center of gravity thing is what worries me. I tend to prefer bikes with shorter top tubes, 58 being the most I can handle (ideal is 56-57 with 80mm stem). So the top tube is in the ball park for me. The uncomfortable thing right now is the excessive saddle to bar drop.

I can borrow an adjustable stem, dial it in and then get a matching nitto... Wonder if that approach would work.

[MENTION=4875]avzay66[/MENTION]- is there a bike co-op near you? You could get a taller stem there, if they have what you need, on the cheap. Try it out for awhile. You don't nave to decide immediately. The wisdom if the group is highly valuable, however it's still worth a try. If it doesn't work then at least you'll know you tried to make it work.

I'd try the longer stem. I had always thought they look a bit goofy and were a way to get an ill-fitting bike to work, and I suppose both those things are true. But I recently picked up this too-small RRB and had a Technomic in the bin so I thought what the heck. It's turned into a favorite; no steering issues at all and very comfortable. You will need to go a couple cm longer than normal to compensate for the setback.

I have an 24" 84 720 SerialNo 140591 that I'd consider selling PM me if you want more info. I live in AK so shipping will probably make it less attractive.

Adding photo and you will have to email I guess I can't be PM_ed yet.

My extra tall and long Nitto stem worked "OK" on getting my 56cm Trek 2100 rideable for me, but ultimately, I sold the bike. All my bigger bikes just felt better, even thought they were all at least 5lbs heavier.

However, since it's only a $50 investment, and everyone fits differently, I'd give a long, tall Nitto a shot for an '84 720. Absolutley.

Nice, real nice!

Like Oddjob said, try the Sunlite. I rotate mine between bikes that are "close" to see if they will work for me.

Pretty much this was my experience with my same-sized 1984 720, except that I was a little shorter than the OP, and the bike still felt too small.

The inexpensive stem quill adapter would allow the OP to verify whether a taller bar really makes the bike comfortable, but the bars on these bikes have a narrow stem clamp diameter of about 25.4mm, so an older MTB threadless stem would fit best on the adaptor.

Im looking for a 24 inch 720

You omitted, "with perfect paint!"