TREK frames

two wheels · Nov 20, 2009

I have a 85 Trek Elance 400 and yesterday I saw an ad for a road bike in my small town paper for $25. I called the guy and asked about it. The old man told me he found the bike in the trash. I asked him if there was a name on the bike....he said "I think it says trek on it, you need some kind of different contraption to pump up the tires because the valve is too small for my pump". Well needless to say I came home yesterday with a 1980 Trek for $25. complete bike! The 531 frame is in almost perfect condition with one scratch 3mm long. Just the tires, tubes and brake hoods need replacing.
My question is: Many people hold these early Trek frames(Trek decal on the seat tube) in high regard, Is there a difference between the 80 531 frame and my 85 531 frame?

Mark

kdelong · Nov 20, 2009

two wheels said:
I have a 85 Trek Elance 400 and yesterday I saw an ad for a road bike in my small town paper for $25. I called the guy and asked about it. The old man told me he found the bike in the trash. I asked him if there was a name on the bike....he said "I think it says trek on it, you need some kind of different contraption to pump up the tires because the valve is too small for my pump". Well needless to say I came home yesterday with a 1980 Trek for $25. complete bike! The 531 frame is in almost perfect condition with one scratch 3mm long. Just the tires, tubes and brake hoods need replacing.
My question is: Many people hold these early Trek frames(Trek decal on the seat tube) in high regard, Is there a difference between the 80 531 frame and my 85 531 frame?

Mark

Not really. The reason that older Trek frames are held in high regard is because they were manufactured in the US. I may be wrong, but I believe that they were the last mass produced bicycle frame to be manufactured in the US, but like most other mass produced frames, they are now manufactured off shore.

two wheels · Nov 20, 2009

Thanks for the reply. I was under the impression that my '85 frame was the last year they were made in the US. I pulled out the measuring tape today to see if the '80 frame measured up the same and it was right on with my frame. The crazy part is that this bike feels lighter to me than my bike. Haven't weighed the '80 yet but will do tommorrow.

two wheels · Nov 20, 2009

Thaught I would post a pic of my $25 rescued from a trash heap Trek!

oldbobcat · Nov 21, 2009

two wheels said:
Thaught I would post a pic of my $25 rescued from a trash heap Trek!

Congratulations, smart shopper. That's a mighty sharp lugged steel framed sport tourer you have.

King Schlooge · Nov 22, 2009

two wheels said:
Thaught I would post a pic of my $25 rescued from a trash heap Trek!

Great looking bike! I think you should find that old man and give him another $100.

waldowales · Nov 23, 2009

I have a 1985 Trek 600, Campy equipped. Half a pound heavier than my 2006 aluminum Trek 1000, but ever so much smoother to ride. Those lugged 531 frames with the investment cast lugs are just beautiful, in my opinion.

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