Mad Honk 

Ded.
Yeah you are right! Trek seemed to re-use the model numbers pretty willy-nilly, and it leads to confusion. I missed the multi track note, and thought it was one of the older 720 touring bikes. My bad! MH

JDandy

Chances are your bike is indeed 17" based on the info you were able to find so far. If that is the case then this would explain why the bike feels just a bit too big for you. Using the chart from this link: Bike Sizing ,you would be more comfortable with a 15-16" or 51-52 cm frame. Your current bike freshly tuned and restored could be a solid performer for years to come, however, you will never be completely comfortable if it is just a bit to big.

If you do find a bicycle co-op nearby, they may be able to suggest a reliable used bike that fits you and your needs at this time for a lot less than the cost of a new bike and no more than the estimate to fix your current non-functioning bike. I'm sure the co-op would love to have your current bike as a donation. With experience you can decide if a new bike is what you want or if you want to learn about doing your own maintenance as you ride worry-free without making a substantial initial investment.

Gresp15C

I'm puzzled. 17*2.54 = 43.2 cm, so this should be a 43 cm frame. What am I missing?

JDandy

The difference has to do with Hybrid/Mountain bike measurements (inches) and Road bike measurements (centimeters). I know they are measured differently but I don't know how to explain it. Maybe someone more knowledgeable will chime in and clarify.

dedhed

Earliest a 720 hybrid shows up in the catalogs is 1990.

https://www.vintage-trek.com/images/t...rek/90Trek.pdf

katsup

It sounds like the OP's Multitrack 720 has a horizontal top bar. When you stand flat footed in front of the saddle, do you have clearance from the top tube? I know this is not the best way to measure, but if you don't have comfortable standing over, I'd replace it. I'd also agree that the repair estimate is too expensive, but I do my own work.

The Trek FX model is closer to a direct replacement of a multitrack, it comes in smaller sizes and has a slopping top tube which helps with stand over.

rebel1916

Complete nonsense. It was a $400 dollar bike at the time.

Mad Honk 

Nonsense or not, It might be worth noting that the OP posted owning the bike since the late 1980's . The 1980 series of 720's was as I described. The later versions of the 720 model didn't come along until the 90's A quick check of the Trek Bike Models by year and color as that material is in print. Another source is Retrogrouch: Old vs New trek 720. Picture of the pre-90's bike is in that article. I have sent a PM to the OP asking for more clarification and an offer to help. I still stand by my advice to verify exactly what the bike is before making a decision.
As an aside the OP mentions not liking to lean forward which makes me think it has drop bars. Most of the multi -track models were equipped with straight or upright bars. So there is a bit of a discrepancy in that as well
Smiles, MH

Fendertele

We went thru the same scenario two years ago. My wife had a 720, all original equipment. It was a good bike. One day we pulled the bikes out of the garage and started riding again. After some rides and miles it was decision time.
I sold the 720 and bought her a Trek Verve with the step thru and she enjoys it.
I wasn’t going to personally do the refurb and wanted to move away from the old V brake technology.
first and foremost is understanding whether or not your 720 is the correct size for you. If it is not suggest taking a pass on the refurb option.
good luck with your decision and let us know which way you go.

katsup

This is the OP's bike

https://www.bikeforums.net/g/picture/17480587

Mad Honk 

OK folks,
I'll yell UNCLE! on this. I will say it only took 35 posts for a picture of the bike to show up. So I will amend my postings to say that it is likely not worth refurbishing for the OP at the bike shop. It can be a good learning experience for some one willing to do the work to refurbish it. But if it is too large for the OP as she ages, perhaps a step through model is more in line with her needs. As I have noted, if it were actually a bike from the 1980's it would be worth the effort to refurbish it. As always, Smiles.

Gresp15C

I'd yell uncle too. That thing is mint. Ride it as-is.

Also, if you don't keep it, hybrids with smaller sized frames can be hard to find, and are great bikes for adolescents of either gender who have outgrown their kids bike but not reached full adult stature yet. So it might not be hard to find a taker for the bike.

curbtender

And I'm not seeing $300 in repairs...

Dk20

OP here. That's my purple and green bike pictured. I wasn't authorized to post a photo before 10 posts, so n ot sure how it got posted after all. Anyway, the bike was upside down when pic was taken, so I turned the pic to make it appear right side up for easier viewing.

You can see it has straight handle bars. Unfortunately, it's still at the Trek shop since taking it there to get the repair estimate, so I can't stand and measure myself to the saddle as someone asked. The frame is in new condition. The Trek peeps said it needs tube and tire replacement, rust of cables and housing, shifting and brake adjustments, pedal bearing assembly, tune up, new kick stand (it doesn't hold bike up), and whatever else they "may" have mentioned.

I did ask them to bring in a small Verve 3 low-step to check out so I'm awaiting that as well as DH's bike to be fixed, hoping tomorrow. Still not certain what route I'll take yet. I keep going back and forth. Decisions, decisions.

Dk20

Mad Honk, I see you PM'ed me, but I can't reply in private until I have 10 posts.

Mad Honk 

Contact me by phone, Smiles, MH
Edit: Phone number removed, MH

katsup

Replace the tube and ride it, total should be about $10. The bike can use the other things, but doesn't need it to make it rideable. I fear your shop may be taking advantage. Your multitrack 720 is worth about $150 in today's market. Giving it a full tune up won't make it worth much more.

If you test ride the Verve, give a FX also a try.

Mad Honk 

I got to talk with the OP today. Her bike is going to be just fine if it fits her when she gets it back. There are a few mods she may need to make but not $300 worth. It will be a while before she gets it back from the LBS, but then she can start getting it into the shape she needs. I will try to walk her though the needed repairs via the phone and help her get it back to the ride she was used to. Smiles, MH

curbtender

You're a good person MH. I'm betting that kickstand, is just suffering from low tires.

MRT2

That bike looks almost mint. Maybe needs a little TLC, but not $300 worth. And no, I don;t think a new Verve is all that much better.

Lscico

I'm all for restoring vintage 80s and 90s bikes. I've done that myself, but its a hobby and these aren't my primary rides. Just something fun I (literally) sink my money into. But, IMHO, in this case, I'd sell the frame for 100$ to a hobbyist and put it towards a the Dual Sport you want. The Trek Dual Sports, Verves and FX bikes are all excellent.

The bike shop wants 350$ just for the work, then it'll need parts, etc. And at the end of the day, it'll cost the same money as that brand new Trek DS and you won't feel as excited about it as you would with a new bike.

Fixing up these old bikes is a hobby for folks like me, but I don't think that's what would be the best place for your money. Would be a shame to throw out the Trek, but either get 100$ or give it away. And get enjoy a new modern bike. Something that fits you and feels good when you ride.

MRT2

Did you see the pic of the bike. It is about as clean as a 25 year old bike can be. At most, the thing looks like it needs some new tubes and a light tuneup.

hb88banzai

Memory is a funny thing...

That beautiful green/purple fade paint scheme along with the graphics pretty well peg it as a 1994 model per the catalogs, so not available until late 1993 at the earliest.

It was only one level up from the base model that year, and should have Trek Cro-Moly main tubes with high tensile stays and fork. Was also the middle of the GripShift fad, love 'em or hate 'em.

Bikerdave38

I would go online and shop around for a bargain, there are so many out there..you will need a small frame 50-52 cm

Korina

Dk20 , I'm also 5'4", and I love my vintage bikes. My main ride is a 1992 mountain bike with 26" wheels, reworked into a sturdy steel street steed. '80s and '90s mountain bikes make excellent street bikes, especially for us shorter riders. I bought mine for $75 from a pawn shop, and put a lot of money into it (more than you would, as it was in rougher shape than yours), but it's a much nicer bike than I could buy new for the same amount.

With regards to leaning the bike to put your foot down, you haven't said whether you're sitting on the seat or standing over the top tube; this is vital information. When you're standing over the top tube, there should be at least an inch between the bike and your pubic bone (and I mean bone, not the fleshy bits hanging off it. ). If you're standing over the bike and have to lean, it's time for a new bike.

Edit: Yours is a very pretty bike that looks to be in excellent condition. I think your bike shop may be trying to rip you off. Find another bike shop and get a second opinion, or go with the other idea of fixing it up yourself; it wouldn't take much money, and you could still buy a new bike too. There's no rule that says you can only have one bike.