A few years ago I made the decision not to ship my 20+ year-old Miyata 914 back to the US when I returned after 6 years of living in Austria. For the $400 or so that it would have cost to ship it, I thought I could find a similar bike here. After a few years of not riding much at all, I went looking this spring and found myself still drawn to older steel bikes. But, closing in on 50, I'm liking the more relaxed posture of some of the touring frames. In the midst of the great (new) bicycle shortage of 2020, I found a 1985 Nishiki Riviera GT in great condition in the used bikes/parts basement of my local bike shop. Riding that bike this summer and fall has reminded me how much I missed my old Miyata.

Now it's winter and I'm hoping to grow my limited knowledge by tapping into the collective wisdom of this group, especially in the C&V area. With a lead from this forum, I just picked up a 1984 Trek 720 at an auction that I hope to restore/rebuild this winter. I haven't actually seen the bike in person yet, but I'll hope to have it in hand by Christmas. This will be by far the biggest bike project that I have undertaken, and I expect that I'll have some questions!

Are you planning on painting the frame? I bought an 2000 Trek 800 for my daughter that she'd love to have painted pink. I'd be interested in seeing how that goes for you.

Welcome. The C&V crowd here is excellent and always eager to help.

Welcome from Kalamazoo. Let me know if I can assist you in some way.

Definitely not planning to paint the frame on this bike, lleaff . The color and classic Trek nameplate are going to stay!

Thanks, cb400bill . I can tell by your Bell's Oberon avatar that you are a person of good judgment!

Kalamazoo native here too

Where's the founders?

Hmmm, maybe with my 10th post I will be able to add an photo avatar as well as post pics? If so, I think I will go with my favorite Founders artwork even though it's not my favorite Founders beverage.

Und, ich wünsche dir frohe Weihnachten in Süddeutschland, Chris!