Original 1977 Trek TX304
07-21-18, 07:04 AM
#1
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Original 1977 Trek TX304
I’ve been wanting an early Trek TX700 frame bike but haven’t found one close enough in my size. This 22.5” TX304 was listed in the Appleton area and after seeing what condition it was in, just couldn’t pass it up. This low end Trek built complete bike will have to do for now.
Seller said it was purchased new in 1977 by her late husband. That in 1977, Trek bikes were the new Wisconsin built bikes and they purchased it from Janis Cycles in Appleton as they were a Trek Dealer and were the only ones selling Trek bikes back then.
It’s been hanging unused in her basement for the last 30 years. She was cleaning out her basement recently and had the bike in the throw away pile when her daughter said the old Trek was probably worth something.
They took the bike to a local shop that appraised it at $500-$600.
She list it locally and after some negotiation I made the drive to pick it up. Had it been a TX700, maybe it would be worth the appraisal, but it’s a Hi-ten frame.
She was pretty firm that this was a fully built original Trek bike. She mentioned they had replaced the seat but all the parts were original. I searched vintage-trek and was able to match the components with the 1977 catalogue model TX304. These early 1977 complete bikes were only sold in the mid-west.
07-21-18, 09:02 AM
#2
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That is quite a time capsule!
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Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
Last edited by Aubergine; 07-21-18 at 09:31 AM.
07-21-18, 09:10 AM
#3
Extraordinary Magnitude
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Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
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I love that old Trek green!
That built is pretty much dominate.
What is your normal sized bike?
That built is pretty much dominate.
What is your normal sized bike?
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
07-21-18, 09:26 AM
#4
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Frame- TX300 serial C3K7D27
crankset- Sugino New Maxy NJX-2 (stamped G3.... April 1977)
brakes- Dia-Compe G500 sidepull, drilled racing levers w/gum hoods
headset- micro adjust
handle bar- SR custom engraved alloy ( stamped C 77)
stem- SR apex forged alloy recessed Allen key
(Stamped C 77)
derailleurs- Suntour Cyclone GT ( TA stamp code) w/ PDL-M rachet downtube levers
pedals- MKS #QR-K1 w/ Mikashima toe clips and straps
wheels- Shimano 600 series small flange hubs ( date code B I ) laced to NISI Toro narrow profile alloy rims. ( dated 1977) made in Italy.
freewheel- Suntour Pro Compe 14-28 cogs with Izumi gold chain.
tires- IRC Roadlite 90lb. 1” narrow profile tires
came with an Avocet Touring 1 saddle that was installed by original owner.
it’s a very nice clean looking old Trek. I’ll need to detail it later. Has a very nice screw on brass head badge without any damage or fading.
crankset- Sugino New Maxy NJX-2 (stamped G3.... April 1977)
brakes- Dia-Compe G500 sidepull, drilled racing levers w/gum hoods
headset- micro adjust
handle bar- SR custom engraved alloy ( stamped C 77)
stem- SR apex forged alloy recessed Allen key
(Stamped C 77)
derailleurs- Suntour Cyclone GT ( TA stamp code) w/ PDL-M rachet downtube levers
pedals- MKS #QR-K1 w/ Mikashima toe clips and straps
wheels- Shimano 600 series small flange hubs ( date code B I ) laced to NISI Toro narrow profile alloy rims. ( dated 1977) made in Italy.
freewheel- Suntour Pro Compe 14-28 cogs with Izumi gold chain.
tires- IRC Roadlite 90lb. 1” narrow profile tires
came with an Avocet Touring 1 saddle that was installed by original owner.
it’s a very nice clean looking old Trek. I’ll need to detail it later. Has a very nice screw on brass head badge without any damage or fading.
Last edited by Chriscraft760; 07-21-18 at 02:01 PM.
07-21-18, 09:38 AM
#5
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I’m riding a 24” Trek 728 so this TX304 isn’t too small small for me. I haven’t even tried to ride it yet. That seat post and stem were already raised way above max height. That’s how It was when I picked it up early this morning.
I don’t know what it’s worth as it doesn’t matter right now. I’m happy with what I paid for it and with the 200 mile round trip to pick it up. I don’t think I’ll ever find another early Trek frame as clean as this one.
07-21-18, 09:59 AM
#6
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I love the color too as it’s my favorite color.
I’m riding a 24” Trek 728 so this TX304 isn’t too small small for me. I haven’t even tried to ride it yet. That seat post and stem were already raised way above max height. That’s how It was when I picked it up early this morning.
I don’t know what it’s worth as it doesn’t matter right now. I’m happy with what I paid for it and with the 200 mile round trip to pick it up. I don’t think I’ll ever find another early Trek frame as clean as this one.
Yeah- that early Trek green is awesome- and you don't see a whole lot of them. It's mostly the light blue and darker blue ones. I've got a light blue TX700 that I'm sure is stock- and a dark blue 78 730 that I'm pretty sure was repainted..
One of the nice things about having a 'not so high end' bike is that you can ride it and not be afraid of it- but having a 40 year old time capsule like that kind of puts the kibosh on that.
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
07-21-18, 10:13 AM
#7
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I had to be at work this morning by 9am, so Yup I’m crazy I guess. I hit the road at 5am and clocked in at work by 8:58am.
I’ve seen those light grey/blue colors and photos of the dark blue colored frames. This dark green color In this condition is why I got up early this morning. I didn’t know these green colored early Treks were not common.
No dings or dents on the frame/fork but I do see some very minor scuff/scratches to the paint, rear derailleur and crank. It still has the original tires that hold air, one reason I have not tried to ride it yet.
I’ve seen those light grey/blue colors and photos of the dark blue colored frames. This dark green color In this condition is why I got up early this morning. I didn’t know these green colored early Treks were not common.
No dings or dents on the frame/fork but I do see some very minor scuff/scratches to the paint, rear derailleur and crank. It still has the original tires that hold air, one reason I have not tried to ride it yet.
07-21-18, 03:16 PM
#8
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Photo of the brass head badge. Hard to believe it hasn’t tarnished in 40 years. This should clean up well after a good detail.
07-21-18, 03:56 PM
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Beautiful bike in great condition! I'm an Appleton native and Janis Cycles is where my parents bought their bikes in the mid 90's (Trek 730 and Specialized Crossroads).
07-22-18, 06:42 AM
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I installed a set of f/r Jim Blackburn racks. I’ll need to swap to Center Pull brakes to make this front rack work. Then it wouldn’t be original to start removing parts. It’s so complete that I shouldn’t mess with it.
07-22-18, 07:13 AM
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The color and condition are fantastic! Despite the "lower" tubing, this is a great bike. Back in the day, there was no difference in construction quality and integrity between this lower-priced Ishiwata and the full 531db 700-class frames, for Trek at least! I know we could not say the same for contemporaneous Raleigh and Peugeot.
07-22-18, 07:18 AM
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Pretty bike. Great find!
07-22-18, 07:54 AM
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Despite the "lower" tubing, this is a great bike. Back in the day, there was no difference in construction quality and integrity between this lower-priced Ishiwata and the full 531db 700-class frames, for Trek at least! I know we could not say the same for contemporaneous Raleigh and Peugeot.
in 1977, all Trek frams were build in a Red Barn using the same silver brazing constructin,
TX304 was $265
TX704 was $335
same components, the difference was the tubing material and drop outs. They both got the same quality DuPont Imron paint job and a shiny brass Trek head badge.
The humble Trek beginning is an amazing story. Built in a Wisconsin barn by just 5 employees.
07-22-18, 08:17 AM
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07-22-18, 09:51 AM
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Very nice, congrats. 👍 I'm riding a Cannondale now, but still a big Trek fan.
07-22-18, 11:08 AM
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I guess "Born in a Pole Shed" doesn't quite have the same ring to it....
Awesome time machine, BTW. The JB racks do look just right on it; gotta wonder if there's a way to get that front rack to work with the side-pulls.
Awesome time machine, BTW. The JB racks do look just right on it; gotta wonder if there's a way to get that front rack to work with the side-pulls.
07-22-18, 12:10 PM
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Love this
08-11-18, 09:08 AM
#20
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Elina Super Pro saddle
I was able to find a replacement Elina Super-Pro saddle in decent shape. This TX304 is now complete...
08-20-18, 09:07 AM
#21
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1976-77 ridged rear Jim Blackburn rack
I found an era correct 1976-77 Jim Blackburn rear rack for the TX304. I had to purchase the complete bike to get this rare rear rack. It’s the first ridged rear rack I’ve seen listed on my local CL.
08-20-18, 09:35 AM
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A dealer could get any color they wanted in those days. In effect, even the 300's were custom bikes other than geometry.
I used to work in the barn. I don't know about 1977, but by early '78 there were about 20 people working in there. Only 5 employees would have been the days when only Mike Appel (and sometimes Dick Nolan) was building frames, which I don't think lasted long.
I used to work in the barn. I don't know about 1977, but by early '78 there were about 20 people working in there. Only 5 employees would have been the days when only Mike Appel (and sometimes Dick Nolan) was building frames, which I don't think lasted long.
08-20-18, 06:05 PM
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Very nice!!! I'm sure the pictures do not do justice to that beautiful green. If you decide not to use the front rack, give me a shout. I would like to add one to my 620.
Cool little history lesson as well. Thanks for sharing.
Cool little history lesson as well. Thanks for sharing.