Ray2003

Hi, longterm lurker here. I want to get a light but strong Trek bike with a chromoly frame for use as a hybrid/commuter. Right now, I'm using this heavy but decent Diamondback hi-tensile mountain bike. I mostly browse on Craigslist.

Anyways, are there any particular models I should be looking for? I know a lot of people have talked about the Trek 750 as being a great bike. But what other model #'s? It doesn't even necessarily have to be a Trek--any strong, old chromoly bike would do.

Finally, I found this Trek 730 Multitrack bike currently on sale for $80 in LA (where I live). Is it worth it?

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...312299075.html

Thanks a bunch for your help!

trailmix

Well, I'm no Trek expert and I can't speak for the other models but my 370 has performed well for me as a commuter. Chromoly main triangle and fork, hi-tensile rear triangle. Nothing fancy but gets the job done and they can usually be found fairly cheap.

3speedslow

Any of the ones I'm not looking for.

BruceHankins

I had an old 820 that was great! Got it from a neighbor who was throwing it away, clean and repaired and rode for 2 more years. Would have kept it longer but it was way to big for me.

oddjob2

The first thing is figuring out the right size bike. MTBS, hybrids, and road bikes are fitted differently. Also, try to learn sizing by looking at photos of various frame sizes, because sellers almost never get it right.

For example, that Trek Multi-track 730 is attractively priced, but it is about a 13" frame, so if you are over 5'5", fuggedaboutit. Below is my 1992 Multitrack 700, in probably a 19" or 21" frame (600 miles away so I can't verify) and I am 5'9". It's a wee bit small, but manageable and I've modified it for comfort with saddle and handlebar changes.

Multi-track frames are pretty similar across models until you get to the upper echelon models. They also hold there value well if in good mechanical and cosmetic condition.

shoota 

Look for SingleTracks too. They were really decent bikes that would make great commuters.
Like so:

https://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/bik/4313623720.html

PeregrineA1 

Study the catalogs on VintageTrek and watch Craigslist. Be prepared to act quickly when your target bike and size comes up. Know your size and know that CL bikes are often listed as the wrong size.


I picked up 4 '80's Trek road bikes for a total of $420.00 in January (614, 660, 760, and 400). All but one in rideable condition. All easily cleaned up. None are leaving the family. All from the Orange County CL.

Edit: I also got an 800 of late 80's vintage out of the trash in the fall. It was rough, but complete, and will be college boy's bike shortly.

oddjob2

The land of opportunity and Reagan Republicans, although like everywhere else, it's changing.

Great scores! I am amazed at the high class bikes/components that the OC Goodwill puts up on auction and trade for very little green.

kaliayev

A Trek sport/tourer, hybrid(multitrack), and mountain bike(single track) would all make for a fine commuter. Be careful on fit as the geometry on each bike is different. For example I ride a 21" TX700, 19" 750, and 17" 950.

The Golden Boy 

When I started getting interested in bikes- and even old Treks- I could never find a bike that I liked.

One day I stumbled into my 84 Stumpjumper Sport. I kept my eye on CL and stumbled onto my Trek 420...

I think the big thing is you're going to stumble into whatever you find. The trick is to be ready and have the money. While it does suck to not find bikes- it kind of stings when you see a bike you REALLY want but you don't have the bank for it. And it also stings when you have the money, but someone beats you to it.


So- as far as what "vintage" bike to keep an eye out for... What do you want the bike to do? If it's commuting, depending on the distance, a "mountain" bike may not be the optimal choice. An old "sport" or "touring" or "sport touring" bike are really great all-around bikes as are the late 80s/early 90s hybrids.

Now be prepared to have your idea of what you think is "cool" change. As you get different bikes and different styles and different brands- you'll start refining what you like and what suits your riding.

I started out lusting after mountain bikes and have migrated over to touring bikes.

Ray2003

Thanks for all the answers! A lot of food for thought. Yes, I'm going to be especially careful of size (that $80 is waayyy too small for me; I prefer a 20-inch frame). Okay, off to Craigslist I go . . .

SueShanny

I jumped at a trek 750 and only after did I consider the frame size. Oops. 17” is way too small for me (6’). Guess I’ll be reselling it!

Korina

ZOMBIE THREAD AHOY!

It's only too small by 5 inches or so! Is this the one you posted about in the other thread?

stardognine

The correct answer is green. And it’ll even match your favorite zombie. 🤔😁

SueShanny

yes! It’s a beauty though, hopefully I’ll make some petite woman very happy! 😂😂

Korina

I feel ya! I have purchased a "few" bikes that were mistakes, but I figure they they helped teach me about what I want. Just wish it wasn't quite such an expensive lesson.

You probably want to look for a 22"ish frame. You're lucky, because you're squarely in the "average men" height, which is what the big companies build for. And don't restrict yourself to one model; there are a lot of good quality bikes out there.

Figuring out what kind of riding you want to do (long trips, go very fast, get to work/grocery shopping, trails, scary trails, tooling around town, all of the above, etc.) will help you pick the right bike. Even if it's Mr. Right Now, you'll learn a lot and hopefully have a lot of fun. Tell us what you want, and you will get a lot of good (and sometimes long-winded) advice and help finding you a good one.

Whit51 

Trek Multi Tracks are excellent hybrids. Specialized Crossroads is another good one. Here’s one I converted to a commuter/gravel bike.Originally had flat bars.,,, edit: ARRGH! I can’t believe I posted a non-drive side pic after 12 years on this forum.

Korina

Whit51 , very nice! I once saw a gorgeous, pristine, green one around town; it was just my size, too. Hubby had to drag me away, with a reminder that we don't own bolt cutters.

The Golden Boy 

Yes, this is a really old thread to bump for this- but keep in mid that MTBs have a little different sizing- The bottom bracket doesn't drop as low as it does on other 'road' style bikes.. So the height from the BB to the top tube is shorter, and if the bike has a sloping top tube, the seat tube length is even shorter- and bikes like that are generally designed to have more seat post exposed.

I'm 5'8" or so- I ride a 21" 'road' bike, and I think a 16.5" MTB. (if I remember the MTB size correctly).

Korina

SueShanny, I went poking around LI CL and found some interesting bikes. I noticed there are a couple of people who sell bikes, so you could contact them and let them know what you're looking for. They're likely men, so be aware and assertive as necessary, blah blah, you know the drill.

https://longisland.craigslist.org/bi...118215154.html

https://longisland.craigslist.org/bi...112313619.html


https://longisland.craigslist.org/bi...119356903.html

https://longisland.craigslist.org/bi...115228840.html