Trek 330 - Rider or Money Hole Project?
10-27-17, 08:07 AM
#1
Trek 330 - Rider or Money Hole Project?
OK
I have a real possibility in my sights - Trek 330 - looks like 1998 Now $90 !
I am looking for a good rider - to go out and spin 30 -40 miles at a crack. This one seems plausible. I need to drive 30 min to go sit on her but the seller sent these pics.
Question - is the paint chipping going to be a major issue - or can I dad a little pain on it to preserve and look better?
I have a real possibility in my sights - Trek 330 - looks like 1998 Now $90 !
I am looking for a good rider - to go out and spin 30 -40 miles at a crack. This one seems plausible. I need to drive 30 min to go sit on her but the seller sent these pics.
Question - is the paint chipping going to be a major issue - or can I dad a little pain on it to preserve and look better?
10-27-17, 08:45 AM
#2
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It still looks too small. As someone mentioned in the other thread you need more like a 55cm frame.
Unless you live in a very moist area like the beach or intend to ride in the rain the rust is not likely to be much of a factor
Unless you live in a very moist area like the beach or intend to ride in the rain the rust is not likely to be much of a factor
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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10-27-17, 08:45 AM
#3
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If everything works good mechanically that is a great deal. The minor rust and paint chips don't look to be a big deal they can be dealt with by some cleaning and maybe a bit of touch up paint. The only minor issue on these late 80's Treks is the Suntour Accushift shifters DR's and freewheel aren't completely compatiable with modern SIS replacement parts.
10-27-17, 08:57 AM
#5
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You need to look at larger frames. This bike is probably around a 22" or 56cm frame and closer to what you should be looking for. see how there is more space on the head tube between where the top tube and down tube connect to it?
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10-27-17, 09:10 AM
#6
So a 54 - 55 cm is not what I need? I am having such a problem getting my head around this - thanks!
10-27-17, 09:14 AM
#7
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A 54-55 sounds right (21 inch frame). Post 4 has it right, size first, then shop. You can put a few likely looking bikes from your local CL on the C&V valuation forum. People will help you pick a bike up. Plus if we know where you live, they'll help you find some bikes you may have missed. But I'd start a new thread (something along the lines help me pick out a bike). We like to virtual shop for old bikes!
10-27-17, 09:19 AM
#8
"But I'd start a new thread (something along the lines help me pick out a bike). We like to virtual shop for old bikes!"
This is cool. I was into touring cycling back 25 years with some bike knowledgeable friends (best kind to have) and they assisted me along. But it has been awhile and this forum has been a great resource as I get back into the spin
Lets do this!
This is cool. I was into touring cycling back 25 years with some bike knowledgeable friends (best kind to have) and they assisted me along. But it has been awhile and this forum has been a great resource as I get back into the spin
Lets do this!
10-27-17, 09:50 AM
#9
incazzare.
I'm 5'-9" but I have short legs and also wear a 30" inseam. My ideal seat tube size is 54-55 cm, but I will ride 53-56 fairly comfortably. I think you want a 54 ideally, and keep an eye on the top tube length too.
All that said I'd probably buy the bike above for $90 anyway, ride it in the meantime and then sell it for at least what you paid when you find a better one. $90 is a steal.
All that said I'd probably buy the bike above for $90 anyway, ride it in the meantime and then sell it for at least what you paid when you find a better one. $90 is a steal.
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10-27-17, 10:11 AM
#10
Here is another in my area - but I was thinking it was too big
Trek 400 reported as a 22.5" frame.
Not as good of a deal, and I am a little concerned about the tires but $175 starting point
Ya I got a fever ... and the only cure is more cowbell!!
Trek 400 reported as a 22.5" frame.
Not as good of a deal, and I am a little concerned about the tires but $175 starting point
Ya I got a fever ... and the only cure is more cowbell!!
Last edited by TurnerIII; 10-27-17 at 10:16 AM.
10-27-17, 11:09 AM
#12
Yes that would be a walking away smoking deal - but they are currently asking $175 for it.
Still, not a bad price and I see it as a starting point - but again as I am coming to appreciate I might need to sit on it to verify the fit for me
Still, not a bad price and I see it as a starting point - but again as I am coming to appreciate I might need to sit on it to verify the fit for me
Last edited by TurnerIII; 10-27-17 at 11:25 AM.
10-27-17, 11:16 AM
#13
Still learning
Whoops, I meant to say the 400 is worth $75-$90 more than the TREK 330.
10-27-17, 11:17 AM
#14
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I think you need to go look at and ride this one and check the size. It might be a tad big but a tad big would be easier on your knees than too small.
You should be able to stand over a road bike like this, with a horizontal top tube with about 1-2" of clearance.
If we had know where your lived some of would have been looking at bikes on your local CL after your first post. We love to help others spend their money!!
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
10-27-17, 11:21 AM
#15
That looks like a good deal to me considering the condition and the much nicer components, Deore was top of the line mountain bike stuff used on lots of late '80s early '90s Touring and Sport Touring rigs. This looks like a great sport touring bike and that triple chain ring gives you a lot more gearing for hilly terrain.
I think you need to go look at and ride this one and check the size. It might be a tad big but a tad big would be easier on your knees than too small.
You should be able to stand over a road bike like this, with a horizontal top tube with about 1-2" of clearance.
If we had know where your lived some of would have been looking at bikes on your local CL after your first post. We love to help others spend their money!!
I think you need to go look at and ride this one and check the size. It might be a tad big but a tad big would be easier on your knees than too small.
You should be able to stand over a road bike like this, with a horizontal top tube with about 1-2" of clearance.
If we had know where your lived some of would have been looking at bikes on your local CL after your first post. We love to help others spend their money!!
What do you think of the condition of the tires? They might need to be replaced (?)
Seller noted that the standover measurement is 32" - so it would be a touch high - but again I may set up a meeting to try it out and the 400 is closer than the 330
.
Last edited by TurnerIII; 10-27-17 at 06:25 PM.
10-27-17, 03:45 PM
#16
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I think the Red 400 is a much better deal and bike than the others you have looked at. Slightly better grade tubing, nicer overall components and it's in better condition. It is worth at least $50-100 more than the asking price. As for the tires they look OK but understand nearly any used 80's road bike you find in your price range will likely need new or up graded tires if you want to use it as a regular rider, I wouldn't let this be a deal breaker you can find nice sets basic road tires for $30-40 on sale much easier than you can find a good deal on a vintage bike.
10-27-17, 09:38 PM
#18
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Does the 400 have 700c wheels? Earlier models have 27".
I've owned several 400s and the are pretty nice.
I've owned several 400s and the are pretty nice.
10-27-17, 10:37 PM
#19
incazzare.
That 400 is pretty nice, but I suspect it is going to be too big. Worth checking out, though.
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10-28-17, 07:14 AM
#20
I am going to stop by a local - pretty good - bike shop and try a few on for size first, and then perhaps check out the 400 -- But I am keeping the 330 insight as well - just kind of like that grey/ yellow combo
10-28-17, 07:15 AM
#21
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Looks like an 88 400t, much better ride then a 330. I have the same bike in light blue, which was the other color that year. I paid 250, and the tires were rotted off of it, worth every penny. Very comfortable ride, 700cc wheels, triple crank with a 28t freewheel, great on the hills. If it fits, you can't go wrong at that price. Tim
10-28-17, 06:39 PM
#22
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That said, I'm not a huge fan of how Treks ride, but that's all your call.
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10-28-17, 09:16 PM
#23
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Also keep in mind that your cycling inseam will be up to 2" longer than your pants inseam --- my cycling inseam is 32.5 , - I wear 30" pants and am 5'8
10-29-17, 09:12 AM
#24
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Did you see it? Ride it? How is it?
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
10-29-17, 02:00 PM
#25
Nope - I am out of town this weekend I hope to see it / try it later this week and as we now have had our first snow I may have more leverage in the price as the long, dark winter is upon us ...
