BRAZUCA

I can't and I don't really know why. I really really love vintage Treks and will continue to, the steel made Treks are fantastic bikes but since I got my 84 Peloton, I just can't take the Trek over the Peloton anymore. I'm relatively new into steel bikes, so I'm trying to figure out why and perhaps there is no answer, just personal preference or the frame size since I tend to like larger frames and the Schwinn 25" (63 cm) frame just fits like a glove leaving just one fist of saddle tube showing (this is how I like it). Any thoughts from the experts here? I know the 600 has more of a laidback frame but I like that and that's why I'm really curious now about owning a Voyageur. I got an offer on my Trek 600 and likely it will be gone by this evening...Perhaps is because the Peloton is red and the Trek is maroon

Bianchigirll 

You didn't say what size the Trek is. Did you ever try and set the two up so the measurements were the same? Saddle nose to bars, Saddle to pedal? Of course taking saddle setback into consideration. Are the geomentries really that different?

BRAZUCA

The Trek is a 24" frame, not a big difference, but it is there. Both are basically original as far as I can tell. Trek has Suntour BL vs. Superbe Pro on the Peloton. Anyway, no sweating over it (well, a bit), but really interesting how small differences make a big difference on bikes.

lostarchitect 

Could be a million reasons.

Wildwood 

I have an 85 Trek 600 in a big size (63cm). It's a nice bike, but the front-center (BB to front axle) is longest of any of my bikes. The handling is definately not quick. What is the head tube angle? 72deg? For a long, flat, leisurely ride the Trek is often my choice.

BRAZUCA

I decided to keep both for one full season and really get a better feeling. The Trek is great for around the neighborhood rides or light touring and very confortable. The Peloton is exciting and since it is my first racing geometry bike and a "new" to me bike, I'm more excited about it, like a new girlfriend sort of thing. I'll put a hold on any selling decision until the end of next riding season and perhaps I will keep both. The 24"- 25" frame range is my best range and this I have realized, so, all my new purchases will mandatory be on this range. Thanks for the comments folks.

Orrery

Sounds good! Two bikes is eminently reasonable.

SJX426 

I can understand your situation. I have a Trek 610 in 24" and a Colnago in 58cm. Geometry is signifcant different along with 27" clincher and 700C tubular. I will keep both for the same reason. When I want to ride hard and fast, I will take the Colnago. When I ride casual, I will take the Trek. Family rides lend themselves to the RockHopper!

Wildwood 

+1 - Who says there is an "ideal" size. Depends on the ride and the company.

calamarichris

"Who knows what mysteries lurk within the human heart?" -Smirking Bartender in The Crying Game



Are you positive your Peloton is an '84? My field of expertise begins in Jan '86 and ends in Dec '86, but I suspect your beauty may be an '85...

gorillagirl

I think most of my posts on BF involve '83 600 series Treks.
Anyhow, mine has a porteur rack, with generator lights, fenders and huge tires. It handles great with this set up. My sportier bikes couldn't be set up this way. I love them too, but the Trek gets the most use because it keeps my bag off my back and I can load it up. I think this is something to consider if you commute or like to take heavy or large things with you on rides.

gg

lostarchitect 

What size tires do you have on yours? Do you also have fenders?

BRAZUCA

Hi Calamarichris and your expertise on Pelotons may help me here. I bought it as an '85 from the seller, but the serial number on the headbadge is: 0674 (therefore, since it is ending in 4, I'm counting her as an '84, 67th day of the year). Let me know if I may be mistaken. Thank you.

BRAZUCA

By the way, I will need new tires on mine, any recommendation? Thanks.

Gravity Aided

I traded a Trek to get my 1987 Schwinn Passage , very happy with that decision . Went from Trek 930 MTB to , in my book.a more beat up Passage and have re-habbed a lot of it, but Columbus steel Schwinns are great

southpawboston

BRAZUCA, welcome to the world of bike geometry and sizing. It's a complicated, convoluted black art. The fact that you can notice a difference between your Trek and Schwinn is good, it means that you can discern differences in geometry and interpret them as positive or negative to your riding experience (some people can't articulate what they like and don't like about the fit of different bikes). That should help guide you as you "dial in" your preferred bike geometries for different types of riding. The fact that your Trek and Schwinn are 61 and 63 cm sizes, respectively, is relatively meaningless. That's just the convention that the bike industry has clung to in defining frame sizes, based on your ability to "stand over" the bike without crushing your privates but little else. But in fact, the top tube length, front-center, chainstay length, head tube angle, seat tube angle and fork rake all play major roles in defining the fit and "feel" of a bike. Even tube thickness plays a role. And there are trade-offs with different parameters that aren't necessarily good or bad, but contrast between "snappy" and "stable". Good luck in your journey to understanding your own personal bike fit!

calamarichris

Yep, looks like an 84, judging from the Schwinn brochure pictures. You were right.
1984 Peloton


1985 Peloton

ParaWK4

Pelotons are nice bikes. My 86 is at the top of my nice to ride list ahead of a mid 80s Fuso and Paramount.

gorillagirl

I have 40mm 650b tires on mine, with sks p45 fenders.

gg