1984 Trek 520 650B Conversion

[David Dillard]

HiBOBs and 650Bers--

 

I have a 1984 Trek 520 touring frame that I'm thinking about converting to 650B.  It's in semi-rough shape.  I sanded and painted it with the basic krylon type job and had it running as a 700C bike (see photos), but this one has room for 650B X 42 Grand Bois Hetres, which I really like on another Trek conversion I have.  I'm trading emails with Franklin Frames near Columbus, Ohio about doing the work.  At the very least, it needs to have the canti posts moved front and back, and I'd like the downtube shifters moved closer to the headtube so I can reach them better.  Franklin also does painting, so I could go that route as well, and get extra braze-ons, fresh paint and OEM Trek decals under the clear coat.  I guess the qusetion is whether this frame's age and condition merit spending around $400+. 

 

These are detailed photos of the frame so you can have an idea of what I'm dealing with.  There is some rust damage, as well as slightly crushed seatstays (kickstand) and dings here and there and a few drillings that seemed like a good idea at the time...  Also a few pics of the original bike, catalog photo, 700C version of the bike, and my Rivendell--I like the idea of a cream colored contrasting headtube. See the photos at:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/organize/?start_tab=one_set72157627463312531&mode=together

 

 I guess the question for me is this frame worth the work, or should I start saving for a custom, purpose built 650B?

 

David Dillard

Louisville

[Brad]

Why not do the conversion, enjoy the bike, and then start saving.
I can't access the pictures with the link you posted.
Is this one of the Treks made before they had their name cast in their
lugs?
Their angles and forks changed somewhere around 1985 and they got
steeper and
the forks ended up with less rake.

On Sep 4, 12:15 pm, David Dillard <dill7...@bellsouth.net> wrote:
> HiBOBs and 650Bers--
>
> I have a 1984 Trek 520 touring frame that I'm thinking about converting to
> 650B.  It's in semi-rough shape.  I sanded and painted it with the basic
> krylon type job and had it running as a 700C bike (see photos), but this one
> has room for 650B X 42 Grand Bois Hetres, which I really like on another
> Trek conversion I have.  I'm trading emails with Franklin Frames near
> Columbus, Ohio about doing the work.  At the very least, it needs to have
> the canti posts moved front and back, and I'd like the downtube shifters
> moved closer to the headtube so I can reach them better.  Franklin also does
> painting, so I could go that route as well, and get extra braze-ons, fresh
> paint and OEM Trek decals under the clear coat.  I guess the qusetion is
> whether this frame's age and condition merit spending around $400+.
>
> These are detailed photos of the frame so you can have an idea of what I'm
> dealing with.  There is some rust damage, as well as slightly crushed
> seatstays (kickstand) and dings here and there and a few drillings that
> seemed like a good idea at the time...  Also a few pics of the original
> bike, catalog photo, 700C version of the bike, and my Rivendell--I like the

> idea of a cream colored contrasting headtube. See the photos at:http://www.flickr.com/photos/organize/?start_tab=one_set7215762746331...

[Alex Wetmore]

From: David Dillard [dill...@bellsouth.net]

> I guess the question for me is this frame worth the work, or should I start saving for a custom, purpose built > 650B?

What kind of riding would you use it for? They are nicer than average mass production frames, but it is hard to say if it is worth fixing this up or saving for a custom without knowing your preferred kind of riding.

I'm surprised that it fits the Hetres with adequate clearance. I've run a few 1983 Trek 520s as conversions (a very similar 1983 Trek 620 is used frequently by Bicycle Quarterly in their tire/rolling resistance tests) and they fit Hetres, but they are tight and don't leave enough room for a broken spoke or out of true rim.

alex

[Phil B]

Hi David -

Personally I would not want to sink a lot of money in it without being
assured the rust and kickstand strangulation has had no ill effects on
the tubes. I've an old frame that has had a dent in the side of the
chainstay from wedging a loose rock against it with the pedal, and
after the paint (powdercoat) it looks bigger. Pure psycho logic, but
the rest of the frame is pristine and there's that dent sticking out
more than it should.

There are plenty of other perspective conversion frames out there in
good shape if you are willing to move the brake posts, add brazons,
and paint you'll have a real beauty. It'd be a shame to start off
life with damaged tubes.

My 2¢

Phil B

[islaysteve]

I'm reviving this thread to ask a few questions, I hope you all don't mind.  I've started looking for a touring bike for my daughter, and I'd like it to be 650b or able to convert thereto.  She rides a small frame as I do, 48-51 range.  I'm watching a Trek 620 on 'bay and would be tempted if the price is right.  What is necessary to convert to 650b?  I assume this bike has 27" wheels.  If this is too pricey, are there other frames that you would suggest in the used market, available in the smaller sizes (rackable, etc)?  My new-bike-real-world comparison is the new VO Polyvalent, which will go for about $1275 maxi-kit, which is almost complete. Thanks!  Steve

[Mark Evans]

Steve:
I converted two steel frames to 650B.
This is my advice (to make things a bit easier):
target mid-late 80's Steel frame bikes that originally had 700C wheels
Also recessed brake bolts on caliper brakes
Canti's will, of course, need to be rebrazed lower.
I've seen a Trek 620 somewhere on the net that was converted nicely... but they will be pricier
this is a nice link:
http://650b.webs.com/conversions.htm

Good luck!
Mark Evans



On 9/24/11 5:00 PM, islaysteve wrote:

I'm reviving this thread to ask a few questions, I hope you all don't mind.  I've started looking for a touring bike for my daughter, and I'd like it to be 650b or able to convert thereto.  She rides a small frame as I do, 48-51 range.  I'm watching a Trek 620 on 'bay and would be tempted if the price is right.  What is necessary to convert to 650b?  I assume this bike has 27" wheels.  If this is too pricey, are there other frames that you would suggest in the used market, available in the smaller sizes (rackable, etc)?  My new-bike-real-world comparison is the new VO Polyvalent, which will go for about $1275 maxi-kit, which is almost complete. Thanks!  Steve --
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[islaysteve]

Mark, Thanks for the info, it will be very helpful.  And thanks for the link, too.  Steve

[Mark Evans]

no problem glad to help
And do post a pic or progress on your build
here are some links to 620 Conversion (not mine)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16983194@N04/sets/72157603400293047/

pretty sweet
ME



On 9/25/11 11:49 AM, islaysteve wrote:

Mark, Thanks for the info, it will be very helpful.  And thanks for the link, too.  Steve --

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[David Dillard]

I've converted a Trek 500 Series and am in the process of doing a
520. I think the more touring oriented ones have better clearance for
wider tires. The Treks are well thought of and starting to get more
expensive, but you may get lucky in your smaller frame size.

David