1984 Trek 720 - front or rear rack?
12-17-12, 08:55 PM
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1984 Trek 720 - front or rear rack?
Hi I recently started working on upgrading a trek 720 from 1984. The bikes in great shape!
Wondering if anyone has thoughts on front vs rear racks given the geometry of the bike. I am looking to use the racks for panniers.
If someone has first hand experience with this model and can share some thoughts, that would be much appreciated!
Also - this is my first post. Looking forward to being part of the community!
Wondering if anyone has thoughts on front vs rear racks given the geometry of the bike. I am looking to use the racks for panniers.
If someone has first hand experience with this model and can share some thoughts, that would be much appreciated!
Also - this is my first post. Looking forward to being part of the community!
12-17-12, 09:08 PM
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Hi I recently started working on upgrading a trek 720 from 1984. The bikes in great shape!
Wondering if anyone has thoughts on front vs rear racks given the geometry of the bike. I am looking to use the racks for panniers.
If someone has first hand experience with this model and can share some thoughts, that would be much appreciated!
Also - this is my first post. Looking forward to being part of the community!
Wondering if anyone has thoughts on front vs rear racks given the geometry of the bike. I am looking to use the racks for panniers.
If someone has first hand experience with this model and can share some thoughts, that would be much appreciated!
Also - this is my first post. Looking forward to being part of the community!
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Last edited by Poguemahone; 12-17-12 at 09:23 PM.
12-17-12, 09:11 PM
#3
The Drive Side is Within
I'm a fan of front racks. I feel like it allows me to use my upper body to control/carry the weight on my cargo bike. My last tour was on an '85 Raleigh with geo similar to the 720 (I also have a Trek 620 and 520 from the era). I used a rear rack only. Kept thinking I'd be a little happier with a front rack on it. Next tour!
Here's an '84 720 in the catalog with a front rack:
https://vintage-trek.com/images/trek/84Trek3Touring.pdf
You'll enjoy browsing this site: vintage-trek.com
Here's an '84 720 in the catalog with a front rack:
https://vintage-trek.com/images/trek/84Trek3Touring.pdf
You'll enjoy browsing this site: vintage-trek.com
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The bicycle, the bicycle surely, should always be the vehicle of novelists and poets. Christopher Morley
Last edited by Standalone; 12-17-12 at 09:14 PM.
12-17-12, 09:22 PM
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I'll second Standlalone's observation, at least as far as touring goes. I've toured with front and rear racks, and with a rear rack only and I vastly prefer the former for handling's sake.
On the other hand, if you don't plan on stuffing your panniers full and you're only getting one rack, it makes sense to get a rear one. I just looked up the geometry of the '84 720 and it's got high-ish trail, around 52mm with 27 x 1 1/4 tires. Okay, maybe not that high, but not low either, so I don't think I'd put much weight on the front.
On the other hand, if you don't plan on stuffing your panniers full and you're only getting one rack, it makes sense to get a rear one. I just looked up the geometry of the '84 720 and it's got high-ish trail, around 52mm with 27 x 1 1/4 tires. Okay, maybe not that high, but not low either, so I don't think I'd put much weight on the front.
Last edited by jar351; 12-17-12 at 09:29 PM.
12-17-12, 09:33 PM
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I'll second Standlalone's observation, at least as far as touring goes. I've toured with front and rear racks, and with a rear rack only and I vastly prefer the former for handling's sake.
On the other hand, if you don't plan on stuffing your panniers full and you're only getting one rack, it makes sense to get a rear one. I just looked up the geometry of the '84 720 and it's got high-ish trail, around 52mm. Okay, maybe not that high, but not low either, so I don't think I'd put much weight on the front.
On the other hand, if you don't plan on stuffing your panniers full and you're only getting one rack, it makes sense to get a rear one. I just looked up the geometry of the '84 720 and it's got high-ish trail, around 52mm. Okay, maybe not that high, but not low either, so I don't think I'd put much weight on the front.
12-17-12, 09:38 PM
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Neat bike! Is that the 1984 model? And are the tires panaracers?
