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Originally Posted by seat_boy
(Post 23453110)
I picked up a '96 Trek 720 MultiTrack from FBM just before Christmas. Mostly as something to tinker with this winter. This is as I got it:
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b25a5fda08.jpg I quickly changed out the saddle for something realistic, and took it for a spin through the neighborhood. It's clearly very upright, but it felt like a pretty nice ride. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a191b50f1f.jpg My plan turned into making it into a dual mode bike: I bought a Surly Corner Bar, thinking I could use this to quickly swap the controls over and go from a drop bar bike to an upright bike. Here's the drop bar mode: https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4e01764bd2.jpg I've yet to ride this more than up and down the block: https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...df1cd7643e.jpg My final upright build came out like this: https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3e9a7fdb93.jpg The basket and the slide on grips make it not such a quick change artist anymore, but that basket makes it super convenient to schlep stuff around. I had a set of full fender ready for this, but they were too narrow for these 38mm tires. The drivetrain is a Box 9 speed I bought on super closeout, with a Soma crank also purchase on super closeout. |
Originally Posted by sarahbruce
(Post 23278358)
All my parts came in and this 730 is pretty much done…for the time being! Now I just need to get my cardio and heat tolerance back up 🥵
-Bruce https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...497211d74.jpeg |
Originally Posted by sh00k
(Post 23461682)
what a beautiful ride!! may i ask what tires those are? im looking for similar gumwall (more brownwall) tires for my trek antelope mountain bike ;) thanks!
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Originally Posted by bikemig
(Post 23306397)
I've owned my share of road bikes and MTBs but this is my first hybrid. I picked it up a few years ago, stripped it down, and finally got around to rebuilding it. This is one of the lugged 750s. I decided to go with trekking bars as I wanted to lean into this being a hybrid but I wanted to avoid flat bars. I've taken the bike on 2 rides (total of right around 36 miles with 1500 ft of climbing) and the bars rock. The straight part fits more or less like the flats on my drop bars and the curves on the bars let me stretch out which is great particularly when climbing. The bike clearly didn't have many miles on it as there was little wear on the rims. I kept the wheels, headset, cassette, and seatpost, but changed pretty much everything else. The parts that came stock on the bike were so-so but the frame is first rate. I'm impressed with how well the bike handles and the weight is pretty darn good at 27 lbs with Schwalbe Marathon tires and a Brooks saddle. I could easily knock a pound and a half off the weight by switching tires and saddle. I like the gearing on the bike (46/36/24 rings and a 12-28 7 speed cassette). Heck I like everything about this bike. Here are some pics of the bike on my first two rides and a screenshot of the catalog page.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...766d981a48.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...58bde2097a.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f6d56a96f7.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6e5749127c.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4951d460be.png |
Originally Posted by Vermilion
(Post 23462346)
Picking up this threadA from last summer, I recognize the Des Moines Riverwalk by the botanic garden. I was there on a road trip a few years ago, visiting the capitol, the state museum, the Riverwalk, and the garden. Pitched a tent at Saylorville Lake. I've been to the Art Center many times on later trips.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0630a3a3bf.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7dda3b5b3c.jpg |
Trying a new handlebar set-up. 630mm wide cruiser/mustache bar. The bike maybe doesn't look as sleek anymore, but the ride is sure comfy.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7a487919ec.jpg |
That looks awesome! If you want sleek, ride a racing bike. If you want practical and comfortable, ride this. Enjoy your ride!
Originally Posted by PrincipalRider
(Post 23465339)
Trying a new handlebar set-up. 630mm wide cruiser/mustache bar. The bike maybe doesn't look as sleek anymore, but the ride is sure comfy.
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Originally Posted by bluelick
(Post 23459348)
I'm posting this since I have seen some on this thread at times looking for a Trek 520 touring bike and I noticed this 1984 520 for sale on FB Marketplace in KY. Listing says it's tall, $350. Other than seeing it there and posting it here, I have no connection to this bike or listing, just looking to be helpful! Also, it's not nearby so I can't go look at it for you, sorry (and we have four inches of snow coming)!
I just discovered I can't post a link until I have ten posts, so you'll have to look for it yourself: "1984 Trek 520 Bicycle" near Burgin, KY on FB Marketplace. If there is a better place to post this, please feel free to copy and paste! |
Originally Posted by casanewt
(Post 23471186)
Where are you and what size are you looking for? I am in Cincinnati.
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My 720 Multitrack
Added a bigger photo -
This is my 1997 720 Multitrack fresh from the LBS after a tune up and a new chain. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bfdd30b20e.jpg |
So I found this one last night and expected it to be gone this afternoon. I
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9e2b47e20.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...00a4a5c67.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e14e6c8ae.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8f2aa47d5.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4c6ff5d27.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3173f2efb.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c2d9029ab.jpeg |
Sweet ride!
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+1 That's a great find. I'm on the lookout for a nice 730 or 750 with a 21 inch frame in my area. Lot's of 700's and 720's as well as smaller 730's available but I already have a nice 720,
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Originally Posted by GeezyRider
(Post 23483460)
+1 That's a great find. I'm on the lookout for a nice 730 or 750 with a 21 inch frame in my area. Lot's of 700's and 720's as well as smaller 730's available but I already have a nice 720,
I’m holding out for a 750 but this one was too nice to pass up. I promised myself I’ll ride it as it… then I remembered some parts I have in the basement, especially the silver VeloOrange Hot Bars. And I have a nice Sugino triple that will go on it before I ride it. Oh so many ideas! https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...45f79bcbc.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...00ac2a1d6.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c66fb87e3.jpeg |
Originally Posted by Trav1s
(Post 23483470)
Oh so many ideas!
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Originally Posted by GeezyRider
(Post 23483783)
I know. So many ideas, so little time!
The VeloOrange parts list continues to grow... https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...418693c69.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6f29d3c12.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b5db27d17.jpeg |
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I have taken the past two days to review this entire thread. Thanks to one curb find 1998 730, I learned about one of the best kept secrets of the Trek world. I'm still holding out for a 750 or 790 but I'm good with 730s. My daughter has really enjoyed this 730 which happens to be my favorite build to date. Light, fast, stable, and looks great. Upgrading the wheel set gave me additional flexibility so it ended up with GRX 2x11. I will be swapping the 50/34 crank to a 46/30 and different bars this summer.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...93f8748ae.jpeg I'm patiently waiting to fund this forest green 730... I have some titanium cables that would look smart on this one. :foo: So many choices! https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7a9469d74.jpeg I keep thinking about GRX 800 2x11 and this wheel set… https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7372d0f52.jpeg |
lugged 790 vs TIG'd 750 - geometry differences?
How much of a difference is there in geometry between a '92 lugged Multitrack 790, vs a TIG-welded '97 750, for the same frame size? I rebuilt a 790 as a gravel bike (pictured elsewhere in this thread), and while I'm happy with it, the geometry is just slightly off from my ideal. The 790 feels like it has a high bottom bracket such that I can't get the seat height right relative to both the ground and the bottom of a pedal stroke, and also I ended up with a short stem to make the reach right. Did the later Multitracks have significantly different geometry? I have the option to move everything from the 790 to a 750 frame, both 17", wondering if that would be an improvement in any way or if it would be basically the same.
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Originally Posted by nathand
(Post 23504358)
How much of a difference is there in geometry between a '92 lugged Multitrack 790, vs a TIG-welded '97 750, for the same frame size?
I have a ‘97 750 and it’s one of my favorite bikes. It just feels right. I do have a shorter and taller stem on it, but the frame itself feels in correct proportion and the ride is very good. |
1998 7500
Trash day find 98 7500 as found except I removed the wide saddle. Tires and seat as found look new Grips covered with electrical tape are gooey underneath.
Rides and shifts fine Only overhauled front hub so far https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6aa7f38866.jpg |
Originally Posted by nathand
(Post 23504358)
Did the later Multitracks have significantly different geometry?
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Originally Posted by wstephenson
(Post 23505364)
I've owned and compared lugged '91 and welded '96 750s, both built up for gravel/allroad use with drops. I got the 96 because of the issues you mention. The 96 has a noticeably lower bottom bracket and a slightly steeper head angle (iirc), but a longer effective top tube. I had to use an 80mm stem to be comfortable. The 96 felt more planted on the road, and I didn't feel like I was fighting fork flop when changing from a left to a tight turn or vice versa. The '91 had better aesthetics but I dislike the high BB.
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The '97 750 is probably the most "natural" and "neutral" feeling bike I have. By that, I mean it almost seems like the bike disappears beneath me...like I don't think about it at all. With most bikes, you notice things about how the bike feels, like turn-in is very crisp or very lazy, or the wheelbase feels short or feels long, or it feels like it self-steers or that you have to provide more input than you should...for some reason, the '97 750 (and I presume the TIG-welded 730s also, maybe even the 720s) feels right down the middle on all of it. It's neither lazy nor twitchy. It's neither too short nor too long. It's neither too dead-centered nor too prone to wander. No-handed riding is easy. It feels like the bike's a natural extension of the rider...at least to me and how I ride it.
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After closer inspection, turns out what I have is a '95, not a '97 (apparently I can't distinguish "Gloss Ice Inkwell Blue" from "Ice Indigo"). This bike has clearly been through some things and the rear wheel is totally wrong (8-speed cassette for what should be 7-speed, and the hub is missing a spacer so it rubs on the frame and doesn't actually spin smoothly). It was described on Craigslist as a "Trek TrackMaster," and for $50 it's a nice frame I can rebuild. I don't have the parts to build it up identically to my '92 790, and even if I did I don't need two nearly-identical bikes although it would be interesting to ride them one after the other for comparison. I think I'll start by stripping everything off the 750 frame and then I can lay it on top of the 790. If the geometry looks different enough I can move everything over from the 790 to this 750 and see if I like it better.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0a78823e26.jpg |
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