AdventureManCO 

So I picked this up along with this bike to try to better average out the cost (wasn't cheap, at least by my standards). Got it as a wheel-less frame + components, and had the epiphany that I had this wheelset kicking around from a Centurion Ironman that I wasn't currently using (different wheels on IM) and that they would probably go perfect with this bike! Wheelset is a Dura Ace front and a Sansin (?) sealed bearing rear on Mavic MA-40s. With both bikes being from '87, it seems to be a perfect fit.

I originally got this bike to ride around for a bit, but then probably sell to recoup some of the cost of the initial outlay, but now I'm not so sure. The bike is a laser. Feels ultra connected and super stable. It just wants to go, like a rocket. I keep thinking that this must be the pinnacle of what 531 can do. The thing that has me teetering though is that it is a pretty aggressive stance/geometry. I'm still trying to get used to that. I'm more of a 'relaxed' position rider and this bike is anything but!

The bike came with 105 (exactly like the Ironman), which is honestly a travesty. This bike deserves Dura Ace, or at least its equivalent. I think with lighter components, this thing would just take off, even more than it already does.

In researching all things '1987 Trek', it seems like this was their top-of-the-line offering for that year (which maybe isn't saying much, given the limited offerings that year and the pedigree of bikes years earlier). The aqua paint is beautiful and definitely says 'look at me!' It is in great shape for being 35 years old.

No immediate plans with the bike other than to ride more, clean, and ponder the experience. I'll try to take more pictures.

poprad

My first "real" road bike was a black 560, I rode that thing for more than a decade. This is personally nostalgic, and I will enjoy seeing your build!

BradH

I'd definitely add a 560 and/or 660 to the stable. I've got an '85 460 and 760 there already, might as well have the whole series. I built up the 760 early this year and I was curious how I would like the steeper frame angles, turns out it might be my favorite ride yet. That 105 stuff is really good even if it is under dura ace and 600.

RiddleOfSteel

The 560 was Trek's best steel racing bike as they had moved to carbon and aluminum road/race frames which ended up with higher-end Shimano and Suntour componentry. 1986 was the last of the full line of steel racers (up to 770), but thankfully the 660 returned for 1988 to give the 560 a friend to hang out with.

I like 1050-era Shimano 105 (first year being 1987), and I think the key for me if I had a bike with it again would be to have it in nice shape and cranks in my preferred length. Since 105 wasn't on top level frames, it tended to get used up more as opposed to say, 600 or Dura-Ace.

Below is my mostly-the-same-color 1988 560 from several years ago, with Dura-Ace (a little bit of a preview for you, haha). More green in the paint, but the idea is the same. Great choice on your MA40 wheels. Get some tan wall tires and watch the composition really sing.