93’ Trek 950 vs mid-90s Schwinn high plains?
09-30-20, 11:22 AM
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93’ Trek 950 vs mid-90s Schwinn high plains?
Hoping to do a gravel/touring conversion of either of these bikes, which would y’all pick? I can’t post links or photos as I’m too new.
The Trek 950 is for $250 but I can talk him down to $200. The Schwinn is for $200, might be able to talk him down. Not sure the year but it seems to be early/mid 90s.
They seem like relatively comparable bikes in terms of quality, but I’m very new to old steel MTBs. The Schwinn has a Shimano 200GS RD and the Trek has a Shimano Deore XT RD. The Schwinn looks to be better taken care of while the Trek is a bit more used. I’m planning on refurbing most parts anyway so I’m not too worried about that.
what do y’all know about these bikes and which would you choose?
Thanks!!
The Trek 950 is for $250 but I can talk him down to $200. The Schwinn is for $200, might be able to talk him down. Not sure the year but it seems to be early/mid 90s.
They seem like relatively comparable bikes in terms of quality, but I’m very new to old steel MTBs. The Schwinn has a Shimano 200GS RD and the Trek has a Shimano Deore XT RD. The Schwinn looks to be better taken care of while the Trek is a bit more used. I’m planning on refurbing most parts anyway so I’m not too worried about that.
what do y’all know about these bikes and which would you choose?
Thanks!!
09-30-20, 11:40 AM
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Based on the components you've indicated, I'd go with the Trek. If it's too used, then wait for a better one to come along. $200-$250 is a typical price, in the Great Lakes region at least, for a 950. The XT components, specifically if the front derailleur is XT, makes for a very simple drop bar conversion as it's completely compatible with (at least 3x7) Tourney brifters. I recently did a DB conversion of a '93 Trek 970 into a touring bike. Super easy conversion into a very comfortable, capable touring bike. I run Schwalbe Big Ben 26x2.1 tires..very nice, very easy-rolling, cushy ride. Also note the top tube length on the early 90's trek 900 (and possibly 800) series is shorter than the later 90's. Shorter is better when doing a DB conversion, in most cases, as the top tubes on vintage MTB's can get long..
If you find a good condition 950 with XT (or DX)..I'd wait before replacing the components. The OEM XT setup on mine works perfectly.
If you find a good condition 950 with XT (or DX)..I'd wait before replacing the components. The OEM XT setup on mine works perfectly.
09-30-20, 01:39 PM
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agreed based on components the Trek wins hands down the 200gs stuff is fine but very entry level, XT is like buttah
09-30-20, 02:20 PM
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The High Plains was around the middle of the Schwinn line. The 950 was near the top of the Trek line. Unless you can get the Schwinn for $100-ish, the Trek is more bang for the buck. Pretty sure the Trek is US-built.
