1985 Trek 300 Road Bike - Black with Red letters
08-13-18, 01:06 PM
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1985 Trek 300 Road Bike - Black with Red letters
Hi Guys,
I randomly saw this bike on FB market and figured it was my size and a cool color scheme. I knew nothing about vintage bikes. Went to look at it and bought it. I didn't know that it was a bottom end Trek at the time, but I think that's pretty cool to have a bike that nobody really cared about. I'm sure it is rare to see and even more rare to see it in pristine condition.
After some research, I found out that the model isn't even in the catalog so there is zero info on it.
The bike came with the following:
Sachs Huret Front Derailer
Sachs Rear Derailer
Sachs downtube friction shifters
Sugino VT Crankset
Dia Compe 500 Brake Calipers
Dia Compe Brake levers
no name handle bar and stem
Selle San Marco seat
SR Paprade Seat post
I randomly saw this bike on FB market and figured it was my size and a cool color scheme. I knew nothing about vintage bikes. Went to look at it and bought it. I didn't know that it was a bottom end Trek at the time, but I think that's pretty cool to have a bike that nobody really cared about. I'm sure it is rare to see and even more rare to see it in pristine condition.
After some research, I found out that the model isn't even in the catalog so there is zero info on it.
The bike came with the following:
Sachs Huret Front Derailer
Sachs Rear Derailer
Sachs downtube friction shifters
Sugino VT Crankset
Dia Compe 500 Brake Calipers
Dia Compe Brake levers
no name handle bar and stem
Selle San Marco seat
SR Paprade Seat post
08-13-18, 01:12 PM
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I have since replaced the cables, housing, brake calipers and levers and put new tires on. I've also replaced the handlebar stem and handle bar and tape to make it fit better. I have also replaced the seat with an old fizik I had.
Picked up a bike stand finally. Made working on the bike a million times better
Went a little overkill with Lizard skins, but I love the look and feel.
old fizik saddle that was just the right color.
Picked up a bike stand finally. Made working on the bike a million times better
Went a little overkill with Lizard skins, but I love the look and feel.
old fizik saddle that was just the right color.
08-13-18, 01:43 PM
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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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That's slick!
There is no info on these bikes out there. I'd guess you're looking at a True Temper main frame with hi-ten fork and stays. Just guessing.
Good call with the 600 brakes and levers- I'd find something cool to replace the shifters- unless you dig them. That front derailleur is really cool as well. I have one on my 85 Trek 620- I've been tempted to replace it to make it all matchy-matchy with the rest of the components I've put on there, but the thing just works so good.
Congratulations!!!
There is no info on these bikes out there. I'd guess you're looking at a True Temper main frame with hi-ten fork and stays. Just guessing.
Good call with the 600 brakes and levers- I'd find something cool to replace the shifters- unless you dig them. That front derailleur is really cool as well. I have one on my 85 Trek 620- I've been tempted to replace it to make it all matchy-matchy with the rest of the components I've put on there, but the thing just works so good.
Congratulations!!!
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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.
08-13-18, 01:48 PM
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I’ve ridden around the neighborhood a bit, so nothing major yet. Rides well and I have to get used to the size of the hoods and shifting on the downtube. Its been fun to ride so far. I’m indifferent about the shift levers. Any suggestions? I could always go 600 as well.
Last edited by HmongAmish; 08-17-18 at 09:12 AM.
08-13-18, 04:44 PM
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I’ve ridden around the neighborhood a bit, so nothing major yet. Rides well and I have to fet used to the size of the hoods and shifting on the downtube. Its been fun to ride so far. I’m indifferent about the shift levers. Any suggestions? I could always go 600 as well.
It totally depends on what you dig. If you like downtube friction shifting- The Simplex Retrofrictions are about the nicest friction shifters ever. If ratcheting is your thing- the circa 1985 Suntour Sprint shifters are about the best ratcheting shifters ever. If you don't like reaching for the downtube (I don't either), there's different types of friction and indexed bar end shifters- among the least expensive and among the best are the famous Suntour Barcons.
If'n it were me... it would be easiest to get some Barcons and some downtube cable stops and dominate.
If you wanted to fancy it up some... you don't want to talk to me. I've thrown a whole year's bike budget (and probably then some) at my 1986 Trek 400 Elance...
A lot of my original pix are gone, but- https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...e-project.html
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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.
08-15-18, 11:43 AM
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Repacked the BB while waiting for sealed cartidge to come in.
also out put on a new crank and front de-railer.
anybody got some decent dust covers they willing to send my way?
also out put on a new crank and front de-railer.
anybody got some decent dust covers they willing to send my way?
08-15-18, 12:07 PM
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Nice! My size too. What's the frame size, 49cm? Looks like you put on a 600 EX FD-6207 as the front derailleur. I have the same on my Bridgestone RB3.
08-15-18, 04:37 PM
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Looks great! I wouldn't worry about it being a lower model as long as you enjoy riding it. I have an 82 613 and 87 400 elance, they both ride similar. You've got yourself a great bike there
08-15-18, 04:52 PM
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next on the list is newer 700c wheels. These old hubs spin terrible. I can feel the bike slowing down on a flat. I got a 8 sp cassette and chain so hopefully I can fit it to a 10sp wheel and get it working for now.
Last edited by HmongAmish; 08-16-18 at 06:52 AM.
08-15-18, 05:17 PM
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Looks more like a Sport/Touring geometry model with the longer chain stays and eyelets on the f/r drop outs. Wide range rear cogs Good looking Trek.
08-21-18, 08:48 AM
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I wanted better wheels and a few more gears, so I put an 8 speed cassette on an extra set of 10 speed wheels and it fit like a glove. Rear drop out was able to fit the width of the new wheel with very little stretching. Was able to use the 6 speed chain, but I have an 8 speed chain available to swap. Adjust rear derailer for the extra two cogs. Adjust the brakes for 700c wheels and I now have a smooth riding bike. The shifting is a lot smoother and crisp in the back also. What a difference!
