Strange (?) Trek 500 Series
10-29-22, 03:11 PM
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Strange (?) Trek 500 Series
So early this year I decided that the 500 Series would provide a cheap/common/durable/semi-cool enough frameset to serve as a platform for a guilt-free "custom" build. Been sorta looking for one since. Last week this one showed up on cl -- - crusty, scabby, rusty, wheel-less, no dents, and dirt cheap. PERFECT ! !
As I ripped it apart I noticed that tho the frame was everything a 500S should be, the rear dropouts had no eyelets, and never did. Not at all like every other 500 I'd seen. And then the fork. Way strange, and it had all the marks to make me think it had been with the frame forever - dirt/rust/grung/color/condition. So I went looking for other 1985 things and it appears to be a fork (and dropouts) similar to the 660/670 bike. And the fork is quite light as steel forks go.
So how common was this sort of parts mixing in the mid 80's? I mean, I don't mind at all since it's a cool fork and I don't have to chop off the eyelets.
I'd appreciate your thots
cheers
Charlie
As I ripped it apart I noticed that tho the frame was everything a 500S should be, the rear dropouts had no eyelets, and never did. Not at all like every other 500 I'd seen. And then the fork. Way strange, and it had all the marks to make me think it had been with the frame forever - dirt/rust/grung/color/condition. So I went looking for other 1985 things and it appears to be a fork (and dropouts) similar to the 660/670 bike. And the fork is quite light as steel forks go.
So how common was this sort of parts mixing in the mid 80's? I mean, I don't mind at all since it's a cool fork and I don't have to chop off the eyelets.
I'd appreciate your thots
cheers
Charlie
Last edited by Steel Charlie; 10-29-22 at 03:18 PM.
10-29-22, 06:02 PM
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That script is a little weird. Are you sure it doesn't say "666 Series"?
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10-29-22, 07:57 PM
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The frame is an '85 560. It had racing geometry. They didn't have eyelets. The color and decals are correct. The fork doesn't look right, though. They came with lugged forks.
10-29-22, 10:11 PM
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There's no trace of the 560 on the right chainstay, but I have no idea how durable that printing might have been. As for the fork, as I mentioned it looks identical to the catalog 660/670 forks of that year - 1985 - and the frame has an '85 serial # according to the Trek # data base. And the fork certainly looks to have lived it's life on that frame.
Many thanx for the info
Many thanx for the info
10-31-22, 07:27 AM
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The model number on the chain stay is printed on the chain stay protector. Not only does the printing fade, but the chain stay protector gets chewed up.
The "Series" just denotes the basic tubing- so a 500 series bike is going to be CrMo with CrMo fork and stays.
A 600 series bike is going to have 531 main frame with CrMo or some sort of Manganese Carbon stays and fork.
A 700 series bike is going to be 531 frame with 531 fork and stays
A 900 series bike is going to be full Columbus tubing.
800 series bikes are ATBs- irrespective of tubing.
The number after denote the model... whether it's a "racing," "touring" or "sport" geometry. Depending on the year, the third number can denote what component set would be on it.
The "Series" just denotes the basic tubing- so a 500 series bike is going to be CrMo with CrMo fork and stays.
A 600 series bike is going to have 531 main frame with CrMo or some sort of Manganese Carbon stays and fork.
A 700 series bike is going to be 531 frame with 531 fork and stays
A 900 series bike is going to be full Columbus tubing.
800 series bikes are ATBs- irrespective of tubing.
The number after denote the model... whether it's a "racing," "touring" or "sport" geometry. Depending on the year, the third number can denote what component set would be on it.
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10-31-22, 08:51 AM
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10-31-22, 09:32 AM
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I almost regret selling one of these with the Cyclone group, but I at least kept my earlier, same-sized 710 with it's seemingly longer chainstays.
The 710 with it's Duopar rear derailer was the first triple-ringed road bike that I got up to speed on, used it for group training rides exclusively.
I kind of found using the Symmetric-shifted triple entertaining, and the rear shifting across a 7s, 12-26 Dura-Ace freewheel was the best I had ever experienced.
The 27" wheels limited my tire choices though, still running Continental wire-bead tires on it.
The 710 with it's Duopar rear derailer was the first triple-ringed road bike that I got up to speed on, used it for group training rides exclusively.
I kind of found using the Symmetric-shifted triple entertaining, and the rear shifting across a 7s, 12-26 Dura-Ace freewheel was the best I had ever experienced.
The 27" wheels limited my tire choices though, still running Continental wire-bead tires on it.
10-31-22, 09:57 AM
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I had one of those back in the day. Set it up for fast, light touring.
I think it's hanging in the rafters of a buddy's garage.
I think it's hanging in the rafters of a buddy's garage.
10-31-22, 10:56 AM
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Serial number should narrow it down to the model # and size.
