Keegar1

Hi everyone. I'm looking to buy a decent starter bike for $200-$300 dollars. I found a Trek 400 bike on CL with new tires and it seems like a nice bike, I was wondering what you guys think it would be worth? Here's the description:
Trek 400 - 12 Speed Road Bike
57cm True Temper Cro Moly Steel Frame/Fork
27" Rigida Aluminum Alloy QR Wheelset
Sakae CR 52/40 Forged Alloy Crankset
Shimano Z Derailers/ Down Tube Shifters
Dia Compe 500 Side Pull Brake Calipers/Dual Levers


Thank you!

Edit: Because my new account cannot post links, if you search the description above on google the CL post should show up with photos. Thanks again!

CliffordK

A location always helps when searching...

Trek 400 Road Bike (57cm) - $250 (East Side)





It looks like the post has been up for about a month.

My search also turned up this one:
The second ad being removed. Have you contacted the seller yet to verify the bike is still for sale?

CliffordK

The first question is how tall are you. That bike would fit someone best between about 5'10 and 6' (ish).

Then what are your goals. That bike will make a fine basic commuter bike, perhaps light on road touring or utility cycling.

It will make a good Classic/Vintage bike if that is your interest, but won't necessarily stand out in the crowd.

As @SurferRosa mentioned, the bike has been up for a while, and perhaps the seller is ready to deal.

For a "project bike", I'd probably want the price as low as I could get it ($150-ish as mentioned). But, up to around $200 might not be bad if that is what you're wanting.

A lot has changed in the cycling world in the last 30 years or so.

Keegar1

Thanks for the responses everyone! I am around 5'11" so I think the fit should be okay. I'm mainly looking to use it as a commuter around town and maybe some short rides recreationally. I'm not really looking for any particular bike (whether it be newer or a classic) so I'm just not sure if buying something like this for around $200 if possible would be best or trying spending a little more money and getting a newer trek model for around $400.

jlaw

I have a similar model, similar vintage (1985 410).

It's a comfortable (for me) sport/touring frame - but I completely rebuilt the bike with new components and wheels - $$$. In its original condition I found the gearing, shifting, 27"wheels, bars, brakes, etc. to be sub-par. I wanted the frame and fork as a base for the rebuild.

If you want an around-town commuter that you can take on short rec. rides there may be other CL bikes out there with lower gearing, 700c or 26" wheels that fit wider tires, better brakes, a more convenient shifting mechanism, fender eyelets, etc. - in your stated price range.

If you want a project bike then the Trek 400 you found would be a good start - for $200 or less. I have noticed that the Milwaukee CL seller you found is a Trek specialist and sometimes has 5 or more good, vintage Treks for sale at the same time.

randyjawa 

The Trek 400 is a pretty decent starter bike, in my opinion. The one presented is not all original and will need, as mentioned, a full overhaul (just to be on the safe side). Other than that and if the bike is a good fit, it is hard to go wrong. Though this Trek 400 and I never spent much time on the road, together (too small), it was a fine bike and the overall presentation, i.e. workmanship, is hard to beat...

thinktubes 

ramzilla

Trek 400's were well built bikes & there were many sold. So, not a real collector's item. Another one will come along soon enough. Value really comes down to the condition of wheels and tires. Make sure they're in top notch shape. Those look pretty well worn to me. So, I would offer far less than the asking price.