Leaozinho

Hello,

I'm new here but have learned a lot already from this great community. I'm looking to do some touring in the future but need a new bike first, and I'm wondering if anyone can offer opinions on this 1985 trek 620: https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/3867881888.html. It's a little more than I was hoping to pay, but it seems like a great deal (other than that it might be a little too big - i'm 5-6 and 1/2, and was looking for something closer to 54cm). Any opinons on price, quality, or anything else would be appreciated. Thanks!

seeker333

It's not a great deal if it doesn't fit. I can fit that bike, but I'm 2" taller than you, and even then it would be a little on the large side for me. You should carefully research bike fit before you start shopping for bikes. There are fit calculators you can use to get a better idea what fits -

This one is good for road bike fit:

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO

This one is better for a more relaxed, upright touring bike fit:

https://www.rivbike.com/kb_results.asp?cat=23

You can buy a LHT frameset for $400 and build it for another ~$500.

https://www.modernbike.com/search.asp...04831&SCPK=607

Here's the original Trek brochure, featuring the 620:

https://www.vintage-trek.com/Trek-Fis...d/1985trek.pdf

That bike was originally equipped with a 5s freewheel. This means the frame was originally spaced 120mm at the rear dropouts. CL ad says it now has 7s, which can be either freewheel or freehub, and requires 126-130mm spacing. The owner most likely simply jammed the wider hub into the frame and clamped it down.

The original wheels were 27", owner may have changed to 700c when he changed hub. There are more a lot tire choices in 700 (622mm BSD) than 27" (630mm BSD). He may have also changed brake calipers to fit the slightly smaller 700c rim (probably just adjusted pad position instead, cheaper).

You should ask owner about these issues, as it limits your options for using more modern components.

B. Carfree

The top tube lengths of the size you seek and the size you have available are the same (see the Trek brochure). So, the only real issue is whether or not you can set the saddle low enough to meet your needs and whether the stand-over height will work for you. I have found that I like the handling of the next size up frame from what I "should" ride, but if I was going to land on the top tube when I put my feet on the ground I certainly wouldn't be happy with the bike.

As far as the dropout spacing mentioned above, all of my many old Treks were spaced at 126mm. If you choose to modernize and put a 130 mm spaced wheel in there, it is fairly easy to cold set the rear triangle. You can either read about it on Sheldon Brown's site or have a shop or frame builder do it for you.

The price looks perhaps a hair on the high side, but the bike seems to be well-loved and ready to roll. If you like the fit, it's a fair enough price from my view, but I do have a soft spot for these older Treks. As the late Johnnie Cochran might have said (but didn't), "If it fits, you must ride it".