thegr33ngiant

I am trying to get into cycling and wish to buy a used bike before I jump into buying a new, quality bike. I found this Trek 400 on facebook marketplace for $450 and since I have no knowledge on bikes, I would love to get some input as to whether this is a good purchase or not.

"This is a 57 cm Trek 400 Series True Temper steel frame road bike, that has been fully reconditioned and is like new ready to ride. It has some minor cosmetic scratches in the decals. Campagnolo 42/52 170 mm cranks, Shimano everything else. 2x8 gearing."

cycleheimer

Right now is a rough time, in many markets, to buy a bike. Hyper demand is generally boosting prices to crazy "pandemic" levels. A Trek 400 is a modest bike. Campy cranks, though, can be pricey. Usually these bikes sell in the $150 to $200 range within an hour drive for me. There was one on NY CL for over a year at $150. Still on CL, but price doubled. It will sit for another year.
BTW, reconditioned by a reliable shop offering some type of warranty?

bikemig 

That's a lot of money for that bike even today when supply is scarce and demand is up due to the pandemic. It's a bottom end Trek which means it's a pretty good bike. Trek did not really make a low end BITD. This is worth (or was pre pandemic) worth around $150.

Why don't you start a new thread stating that you are looking for a used road bike and also providing the size you need and the city you live in. The posters here will help you find a good bike at a more reasonable price.

thegr33ngiant

I will do that! Thank you for the suggestion!

tkamd73 

I paid $250 for this, before the economy was shut down, it’s a 1988 400t with a Tru-Temper frame. Looks a lot nicer now, with the added time and money, doubt I’d get $300 for it, even in today’s market. Price of the one your looking at is too high.
Tim


1988 Trek 400t

Mr. 66

I think that you, if desired, could get more than 3 bills. Nice build.

tkamd73 

Thanks! Guess I’m not going to argue with you, but it’s probably the last one I would part with. Rode it the most miles last season, and it’s the one I’ve ridden the most this year.
Tim

Deal4Fuji

I bought an '84 400 a few months ago for $75 but it did not have Campy cranks. According to the Trek catalog the tubing should be Tange 2001 and cranks are SR. I had very few stickers still on mine, so I'm going by the catalog for a '84 400 "sport model". https://www.vintage-trek.com/images/t...Trek2Sport.pdf

Pics




EDIT - Where'd I get in my head you said '84 ?

ramzilla

WIth something like an old Trek 400 it's all about the wheels. The frames are great. But, they're stationary. (They really don't move much). The wheels are what make the bike come alive. How old are the wheels? Are the wheel bearings still good? Are the rims still true? Are the spokes OK? How much do they weigh? What kind of tires are mounted on them? You get the idea. IT'S ALL ABOUT DA WHEELS.

zukahn1 

I would bit a bit concerned that the seller is selling it like new with 2 x 8 about everything working like new since these had a 2 x 7 drive original and wheels that I would consider nicer than what is on the bike now. It has been fully rebuilt with with newer but slightly downgraded components nice used components which the seller is promoting as like new for me even in covid land it's a $200 bike if everything works looks great. even then I would likely pass..

thinktubes 

Agree that these max out around $200. I've owned 3-4 Trek 400 over the years. Nice, solid riders.

The 400 line stayed with 27" wheels longer than other Trek models, so watch out for that. Not easy to convert to 700c.

Mr. 66

I sold the big red for $225, that was my pre panicdemic price. Sold very fast in the big city. At this time I'd put the big red at~$285.