I have a problem, potential 1985 Trek 720 content
#1
ambulatory senior
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I have a problem, potential 1985 Trek 720 content
I picked this up and it wasn't cheap but how often am I gonna get a shot at a 720? Judging by the catalogs this has to be either a 720 or a 1985 620 but since it has been painted and very little of the original bike remains it's a bit hard to tell. I will say I rode it a few blocks with the drop bars it had on it, (Specialized rando bars) and it felt great with plenty of give to the frame like these are known for but I was just wondering if there it a surefire tell on the frame itself to know if it's a 620 or 720?
serial number 145927
serial number 145927
#2
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The camera angle isn't doing it any favors. It's actually a 24" frame.
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#5
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#6
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Yeah I traded a 25.5" one a few months back and had it been my size I would've kept it and turned it into a gravel bike. Those 47cm chainstays are legit.
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Last edited by shoota; 05-16-22 at 12:35 PM.
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#10
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Kind of a clever way to paint a beater, actually. When it gets a scrape, just grab whatever spray can is handy and have at it. Not that this bike doesn’t deserve far better.
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#13
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My plan was to strip next winter and do a nice paint job but I kinda like that no one knows what it is. I did a quick twenty miles on it today and I think I like it better than my bob Jackson. I hate to even say that.
Only thing left to sort out is the lights. My bags fit very nicely.
Only thing left to sort out is the lights. My bags fit very nicely.
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All the 620's I've seen were light blue. Perhaps a peek at the steerer will reveal some remnants of original colour.
#17
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I picked this up and it wasn't cheap but how often am I gonna get a shot at a 720? Judging by the catalogs this has to be either a 720 or a 1985 620 but since it has been painted and very little of the original bike remains it's a bit hard to tell. I will say I rode it a few blocks with the drop bars it had on it, (Specialized rando bars) and it felt great with plenty of give to the frame like these are known for but I was just wondering if there it a surefire tell on the frame itself to know if it's a 620 or 720?
serial number 145927
serial number 145927
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#19
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#21
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Trek has always known what they were doing with their bikes, especially 700-series and up bikes. My '82 720 is a fantastic feeling frame, and a friend and fellow BF member's '85 720 was also something very special. Don't ever feel bad that it rides better than another well-known bike, these full-531 Treks (I triple confirm it as an '84 24" 720) were/are that good. It is unfortunate that the paint job on this is wacky as it's original color would have been a demure maroon metallic, but all the better for you to ride it, figure out its character in relation to how you ride, and re-coat and re-decal it to suit. I'd love to find another '82 720, rough paint preferably. No fussing about with cantis, just normal side pull calipers. Enjoy, relish, indulge in the ride of these 531 frames--they can make you wonder why you bought anything else steel.
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A feast for the senses.
Lots of potential there.
Lots of potential there.
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Trek has always known what they were doing with their bikes, especially 700-series and up bikes. My '82 720 is a fantastic feeling frame, and a friend and fellow BF member's '85 720 was also something very special. Don't ever feel bad that it rides better than another well-known bike, these full-531 Treks (I triple confirm it as an '84 24" 720) were/are that good. It is unfortunate that the paint job on this is wacky as it's original color would have been a demure maroon metallic, but all the better for you to ride it, figure out its character in relation to how you ride, and re-coat and re-decal it to suit. I'd love to find another '82 720, rough paint preferably. No fussing about with cantis, just normal side pull calipers. Enjoy, relish, indulge in the ride of these 531 frames--they can make you wonder why you bought anything else steel.
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