1984 Trek 520: How much is it worth?
10-25-06, 12:07 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 4
Bikes: Standard STA 500, GT Pro Series
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
1984 Trek 520: How much is it worth?
First off, I am a total noob when it comes to road bikes. Ive been MTN biking for years. I want a good, but inexpensive road bike.
There is a man near where i live that is selling a 1984 Trek 520 touring bike in very good condition for $120.
Is it worth $120 if its in good shape, or should he not be asking that much.
Thanks guys!(and girls!)
There is a man near where i live that is selling a 1984 Trek 520 touring bike in very good condition for $120.
Is it worth $120 if its in good shape, or should he not be asking that much.
Thanks guys!(and girls!)
10-25-06, 12:10 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
First, if it fit and second, had no rust or structural issues, I would have no trouble paying $120.
10-25-06, 12:14 PM
#3
Prefers Cicero
I paid $250 for mine. It's a very good price.
But only if you like vintage steel bikes.
But only if you like vintage steel bikes.
10-25-06, 12:15 PM
#4
59'er
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Alexandria, IN
Posts: 3,307
Bikes: LeMond Maillot Jaune, Vintage Trek 520 (1985), 1976 Schwinn Voyageur 2, Miyata 1000 (1985)
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
3 Posts
It all depends on the condition and how much the seller values the bike. I've seen these bikes go for as little as 20 bucks. Check out the "Catch of the day" thread over at Classic & Vintage. Yes the bike is worth $120 if it is indeed good shape. I have a 1985 Trek 520 and it's a sweet ride. If you get it, post a picture for us.
__________________
10-25-06, 12:46 PM
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 4
Bikes: Standard STA 500, GT Pro Series
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks guys.
I really dont mind steel. And, considering i come from BMX street riding and MTN biking, i dont think the weight will be a big deal.
Anyone else have any opinions?
I really dont mind steel. And, considering i come from BMX street riding and MTN biking, i dont think the weight will be a big deal.
Anyone else have any opinions?
10-25-06, 12:46 PM
#6
Unique Vintage Steel
If it's in good shape, it is definately worth $120.
10-25-06, 01:26 PM
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 4
Bikes: Standard STA 500, GT Pro Series
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Oh, i forgot to ask. Im about 6'1"-6'2". This bike is 24"/61cm frame. Would that be about right?
10-25-06, 01:39 PM
#8
Unique Vintage Steel
Sounds good, your pants length is about 34"+ right? I rode a 62cm frame for a while and I'm about 5'11" and while it was way big on me, someone 2-3" taller should fit it pretty well for that style of bike.
10-25-06, 01:46 PM
#9
59'er
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Alexandria, IN
Posts: 3,307
Bikes: LeMond Maillot Jaune, Vintage Trek 520 (1985), 1976 Schwinn Voyageur 2, Miyata 1000 (1985)
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by THE_ROD
Oh, i forgot to ask. Im about 6'1"-6'2". This bike is 24"/61cm frame. Would that be about right?
__________________
10-25-06, 02:19 PM
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 4
Bikes: Standard STA 500, GT Pro Series
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
awesome, thank you. I think im gonna ask the guy when i can meet him and ride it. If it hits the spot, i will probably buy it. Ill post some pics if i do.
anymore suggestions would be welcomed and appreciated.
anymore suggestions would be welcomed and appreciated.
10-25-06, 04:08 PM
#11
Prefers Cicero
I'm a pencil width under 6' and ride the 22.5" frame and it fits with the seat in the highest position, so if I were actually 6' I'd need the 24" frame.
10-25-06, 04:42 PM
#12
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 19,895
Bikes: Lemond Chambery/Cannondale R-900/Trek 8000 MTB/Burley Duet tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Wife's '84 Bianchi, 105 equipped. Guy wanted $40 for it, we gave him $100. Put a few bux into it and she still loves it. She now has a Pilot 5.2 full carbon that she's been riding. Rode the Bianchi the other day and said it feels as good as the new bike, just a bit heavier. She won't let it go!
I say go for it!
I say go for it!
10-25-06, 04:53 PM
#13
Dolce far niente
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Northern CA
Posts: 10,704
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
14 Posts
Definitely worth the $120, if it is in good shape and it fits.
They have a following, so you should easily be able to get your money out of it if you realize you don't like it. Check out completed auctions on eBay - none sold for less than $195.
At $120, I'd buy it just to flip it.
They have a following, so you should easily be able to get your money out of it if you realize you don't like it. Check out completed auctions on eBay - none sold for less than $195.
At $120, I'd buy it just to flip it.
__________________
"Love is not the dying moan of a distant violin, it’s the triumphant twang of a bedspring."
S. J. Perelman
"Love is not the dying moan of a distant violin, it’s the triumphant twang of a bedspring."
S. J. Perelman
Last edited by bigbossman; 10-25-06 at 04:58 PM.
10-25-06, 07:10 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,250
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
Good fit and good riding condition are the key. A 2007 touring bike of equal quality would cost between $900 and $1,500. But, if you buy a used bike for $100 and then spend $100 for repairs, $80 for new tires, $200 for new wheels...the total tab gets up around $500 before you get on the road.
I've seen some 1984ish touring bikes in "mint" condition selling for $200 or so. All they needed was new tires, a minor tune-up, some grease, and some wheel truing to be in "like new" condition. So, for under $350, the result is a like-new bike.
Take the bike to a good shop, and get a written estimate for the cost it will take to put the bike into "perfect" riding condition. Subtract that estimate from $350, and that is what you should offer the owner for the bike. So, if the restoration cost is about $200, $150 would be a reasonable amount to pay for the bike.
Or, you could haunt Goodwill and Salvation Army until you find a similar bike. Guys at the "Vintage" forum who make regular trips to those stores are often bragging about finding "mint" bikes for $25. All they seem to have when I stop by are vintage Huffys.
I've seen some 1984ish touring bikes in "mint" condition selling for $200 or so. All they needed was new tires, a minor tune-up, some grease, and some wheel truing to be in "like new" condition. So, for under $350, the result is a like-new bike.
Take the bike to a good shop, and get a written estimate for the cost it will take to put the bike into "perfect" riding condition. Subtract that estimate from $350, and that is what you should offer the owner for the bike. So, if the restoration cost is about $200, $150 would be a reasonable amount to pay for the bike.
Or, you could haunt Goodwill and Salvation Army until you find a similar bike. Guys at the "Vintage" forum who make regular trips to those stores are often bragging about finding "mint" bikes for $25. All they seem to have when I stop by are vintage Huffys.
Last edited by alanbikehouston; 10-25-06 at 07:16 PM.
10-25-06, 07:19 PM
#16
Well, duh, Mr Obvious.
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NIU town
Posts: 2,271
Bikes: see sig, and others
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by bigbossman
Definitely worth the $120, if it is in good shape and it fits.
They have a following, so you should easily be able to get your money out of it if you realize you don't like it. Check out completed auctions on eBay - none sold for less than $195.
At $120, I'd buy it just to flip it.
They have a following, so you should easily be able to get your money out of it if you realize you don't like it. Check out completed auctions on eBay - none sold for less than $195.
At $120, I'd buy it just to flip it.
__________________
03 Specialized Allez CrMo-Singlespeed conversion
03 Specialized Allez CrMo-Singlespeed conversion
10-27-06, 11:36 AM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Don't know if he'll get it, here's a guy on craigslist asking for $625 for a similar vintage Elance 400:
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/226451030.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/226451030.html
10-27-06, 11:46 AM
#18
Unique Vintage Steel
caloso - that post makes my plans to get $220 for my Trek 400 Elance not nearly as crazy of a thought! SanFran does have a higher market for vintage steel, but I don't think it's 3x higher.
10-27-06, 11:50 AM
#19
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,728
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
But, do you want downtube shifting ?
If it had a triple with a nice low gear and a great set of wheels, it could be good tour bike for you.
If it had a triple with a nice low gear and a great set of wheels, it could be good tour bike for you.
10-27-06, 11:52 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Yeah, it's a really nice looking bike but I still think it's pretty high. I was watching a 510 on eBay a few weeks ago https://cgi.ebay.com/Trek-510-all-Cam...QQcmdZViewItem and that went for $255. That had 501, not 531 tubing, so maybe that had something to do with it.
