jlaw

I've got a line on a 24" 1985 Trek 460 (racing frame) for $100. I have a 22.5" 1985 Trek 410 (sport/tour) that I successfully converted to 650b and really enjoy.

However, looking at many of the vintage bike photos on BF makes me think that a 24" frame would fit me better.

I previously inquired about converting a Trek 760 (racing frame) to 650b and the consensus was a resounding NO!

The geometry specs for the 410 and the 460 are shown below. The 460 is a bit different than the 760.

Is the 460 a contender for conversion to 650b? If not, what is it about the spec. numbers that make this so.


Thank you!

RiddleOfSteel

I think someone has done this very thing to a 460, and it came out great. Looked proportional and of course with the extra tire, rode quite nicely. I'd google image search it.

As the 460 was the entry level racing frame, it's set up for short reach brake calipers. What advantage this has over, say, a 410 or other models that have standard reach brake setups (for 700C wheels), is that the 460 with 650s won't require the brake caliper reach to be as far, thus preserving braking capability, or...having it not suck as much.

Perhaps the main reason the 760 had the "no" vote was because it's a 760. A 460? They made plenty of them and at $100 for a complete one, that's a killer price on a race frame Trek with good geometry. As a Schwinn guy, I wouldn't do a 650B conversion to a Prologue/Circuit/Peloton. Heck no. But I'd do it to a Prelude or Premis, maybe even a Tempo.

Oh look, found it! I think it looks pretty good! That even looks like a 24" to boot.

Lascauxcaveman 

Can't tell you until I get the 650b wheels & tires and extra long brake calipers and shove 'em all in there.

Going by those geometry diagrams will only get you so far.

jlaw

Thanks RiddleOfSteel - looks like the very same bike in a 24" - looks like some mid-large tires will fit

Yep - the fact that the bike was originally built with 700c wheels means that the drop to 650b won't require quite as long of a reach for the new brakes. I've used the Tektro 559s and they are good, but something a bit more compact will be better.

The bike I found is 100 miles away and has been up for sale for 6 days - will have to see if it is still available..

seedsbelize 

I would consider doing this with my 414, though it came with 27" wheels.

ironwood

It will work, but you'd be better off if you could find something in the 1983 600 series. These bikes had 55mm of fork offset, so they probably handle better with a front bag.

bear_a_bug 

Yep. 1983 Trek 620 below. Handles 42mm tires with fenders, and front load handling was perfect.

ironwood

Trek built better than they knew back then.

jlaw

I actually have a 1984 Trek 620 - but it was the first year they used canti brakes - also had 27" wheels originally - so I'm trying 700c on that one because the brakes can't be adjusted enough to make 650b work. But, the 1983 620 would be a very nice 650b. As other suggested, the 600 (or 610) would also be a good candidate.

The 531 steel on these bikes is a theoretical upgrade from the True Temper used on the 460 I'm looking at - not sure if I would notice the diff.

bear_a_bug 

Yeah, IIRC, all the 6** models from '83 had the same frames, just different components at the time.

I used to have an '85 Miyata 210 touring bike and was able to convert to 700c, but could never get wider than 32mm tires with fenders. At the time, I didn't mind, but I've gotten to the point where I either want skinny racing tires for my Davidson Impulse, or fat wide tires on my 650B bikes. Middle ground doesn't hold as much appeal for me anymore.

Good luck finding a suitable frame! Shouldn't be too hard. Tons of early 80's Treks out there should fit the bill.