I have a problem, potential 1985 Trek 720 content
 

I picked this up and it wasn't cheap but how often am I gonna get a shot at a 720? Judging by the catalogs this has to be either a 720 or a 1985 620 but since it has been painted and very little of the original bike remains it's a bit hard to tell. I will say I rode it a few blocks with the drop bars it had on it, (Specialized rando bars) and it felt great with plenty of give to the frame like these are known for but I was just wondering if there it a surefire tell on the frame itself to know if it's a 620 or 720?
serial number 145927
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ce0f032309.jpg

The camera angle isn't doing it any favors. It's actually a 24" frame.

Not that I have a 720 but wouldn't one have double eyelets front and rear? And maybe mid fork eyelets?

1984 24" Trek 720

http://www.vintage-trek.com/SerialNos84.htm

Some had only single eyelets in front and this does have mid eyelets plus the crown on the fork is correct. Believe me I had the same thought.

Thankyou man! Right in the middle of a 104 unit run. I bet they knew what they were doing.

Yeah I traded a 25.5" one a few months back and had it been my size I would've kept it and turned it into a gravel bike. Those 47cm chainstays are legit.

Slightly off topic but is this funky paint job month? I didn’t get the memo…

It's Camouflage Your Tall Trek Month. I just found out about it on Saturday:

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7123e12e5.jpeg

Kind of a clever way to paint a beater, actually. When it gets a scrape, just grab whatever spray can is handy and have at it. Not that this bike doesn’t deserve far better.

How did they get the birds to poop on that so artistically?

Ha! Yeah, these bikes would make a great pair; keep the 720 in the city and the 1420 at the beach house.

My plan was to strip next winter and do a nice paint job but I kinda like that no one knows what it is. I did a quick twenty miles on it today and I think I like it better than my bob Jackson. I hate to even say that.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...67c8f2d4fc.jpg
Only thing left to sort out is the lights. My bags fit very nicely.

What kind of rack is that? I like it.

Custom stainless tubing that came with the bike.

All the 620's I've seen were light blue. Perhaps a peek at the steerer will reveal some remnants of original colour.

Glad you picked it up. I saw that on the Madison CL a week or so ago and was thinking about it, but I have too many touring bikes as is. That'll make a fine ride. Congrats!

:eek:

It's red where the paint is worn through.

I need it like a hole in the head but it is a really nice ride.

Trek has always known what they were doing with their bikes, especially 700-series and up bikes. My '82 720 is a fantastic feeling frame, and a friend and fellow BF member's '85 720 was also something very special. Don't ever feel bad that it rides better than another well-known bike, these full-531 Treks (I triple confirm it as an '84 24" 720) were/are that good. It is unfortunate that the paint job on this is wacky as it's original color would have been a demure maroon metallic, but all the better for you to ride it, figure out its character in relation to how you ride, and re-coat and re-decal it to suit. I'd love to find another '82 720, rough paint preferably. No fussing about with cantis, just normal side pull calipers. Enjoy, relish, indulge in the ride of these 531 frames--they can make you wonder why you bought anything else steel.

A feast for the senses.

Lots of potential there.

The cantis on this bike will adjust to 700c but just. Which is enough. It also takes 35s and fenders easily. I'm going to ride it a bunch.

I knew this looked familiar. I was actually gonna post it to the CL/eBay thread, but forgot about it. Glad to see a fellow member swooped it up. 52telecaster , did you swing up here to pick it up?

Ride under a flock of seagulls very fast.

And no, not A Flock of Seagulls.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6b09657cc1.png