Sjtaylor

I’m getting back into cycling after not riding for almost 40 years. I’m having to learn about modern stuff and I’m having fun wrenching on bikes.

i stumbled across a 1984 Trek 720 a few months ago. I bought that bike without knowing the full significance of that particular model. I had purchased a 2013 Trek 520 the week before and I was still watching the CL listings for touring bikes my size. I thought it would be fun to get a touring bike from my era so I bought the 720.

when I researched to learn more about the 720 I was pleasantly surprised. I eventually stripped the 520 to modernize the 720 with its components. I posted about that project here.

i kept the 720 frame, forks, fenders and cantilever brakes. Everything else was salvaged from the 520 except I changed to a long quill stem adapter the get the bars level with the seat. I also went to an 11-36 cassette to get down under 20 gear inches. Yes, I cold set the dropouts to 135mm. The 720 is now complete with front and rear pannier racks, a couple bottle cages and a frame mounted pump. The 24” framed bike weighs in at 32 pounds.

This morning’s ride with the 720 is where the “l get it moment” happened. I regularly ride a rail trail near my house. I’ve collected a few bikes to date and I’ve ridden the same route several times on those modern frames. Those other bikes have short wheel bases and with carbon or aluminum forks. I’ve now ridden enough miles on other bikes to appreciate what Ive read about the 1984 Trek 720. Today’s ride on the 720 felt like a luxury car ride compared to what I experience with my fleet of modern bikes that I thought were so great.

Some one should start making that frame again but luckily I already have mine and I’m planning my first tour with it.

Thanks.