I've found a used trek 820 on craigslist for $80, its been in storage a while so besides the frame and fork everything may potentially need to be replaced. How much does a typical drive train setup for touring cost? And would it be worth it over a cafe latte from bikesdirect? Thanks.

I recently bought and fixed up a Trek 820 for my daughter for general riding. I wouldn't assume that everything would need to be replaced. Mine was definitely not well-cared-for, but everything but the tires and tubes were functional after cleaning, lubing, and adjustment. Some of the parts are not the best quality-wise, but it should be fine for most purposes. Components specs change year to year, so what I have to say may or may not apply to your potential bike.

Mine came with single-wall Araya rims that don't look particularly sturdy for a mountain bike. Mine is a 24" wheel bike, so they might be different than the ones in the ad. The bike in the ad has metal cantilever brakes, whereas mine has ones that are partly plastic, so that's good. Mine has a biopace crankset, which is sort of an evolutionary dead-end. It works, but you might want to check if it has that and decide if you care.

Mine has a chromoly frame, but the sticker indicates it has straight-gauge tubing rather than butted. Therefore, it is somewhat heavier than some other bikes of that type and vintage.

Would I choose this bike to tour on? If it was equipped like mine, and money was an object, I would probably keep looking for something of similar vintage but a higher-end model. My wife has a Trek 850 of about the same age, and it's actually a very good bike. I wouldn't hesitate to tour on something like that.

Another thing to consider is the specific parts that would need to be replaced. If it's really "everything," then just buy a new bike. The new bike will likely be much cheaper.

Actually for $80, it looks in reasonable shape. It might not ultimately be your dream tourer, but you might find some other uses for it. Might be OK for a few overnight runs...

If it fits you, it will make a good touring bike. I just sold one , an Antelope 820 and exactly the same color, to my brother-in-law. I bought it because it was a 1993, literally new in the box, and planned on using it for around town utility bike. However, I have another bike that fits the same need, so the 820 only was ridden a few times. It is a good solid bike, has decent components, and relatively long chainstays. If it is in good shape it will get you on the road with enough left over for other gear. Panniers, racks etc are transferable to other bikes if the 820 does not suit your needs. Used ones in tough shape go for about $200 around here.

I didn't really want to sell it, but I like the guy, and he really wanted the bike.