New-Old-Stock TREK 370 Road Frame (54 cm)...Metallic Red Finish...Last One
Thank you for your interest in this item and please visit our store for other offerings. We have very reasonable shipping terms and combine orders to save money (for customers) on shipping costs. We also maintain customer friendly return/refund/exchange policies.
Description:
Listing Update...I only have one of these frames left in stock (in this model/color/size) and the pictures have been updated to reflect this last offering. It shows well overall with fairly minor paint scuffs/scratches (as discussed in more detail below and as viewed in the pictures to the left).
This offering is for a new-old-stock TREK 370 road frame that is painted in a metallic red enamel that will actually show an orange tint in bright light. Our research indicates the model 370 frame was primarily considered a sport/fitness offering from the mid to late 90\'s. There is labeling on the seat tube that indicates the tubing is made from proprietary (TREK branded) steel...and if we had to guess...the frames were probably made from straight gauge tubes (given the overall frame weight noted below). The frame tubes are TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welded and the down tube is oversized, while also retaining a somewhat aero shape (i.e., it has a thin oval shape).
We were not provided with very much information on these frames, but please still review the detailed notes that follow, as we have taken some measurements to help assess fit and function. Please also understand that while the measurements below are not factory specifications, we have tried to be as accurate as possible using the various measurement tools available to us (i.e., calipers, protractors, rulers, tape measures, scales, etc.). Some of these measured specifications include the following (and please note all length measurements are center-to-center):
Frame size (seat tube length): 54 cm (factory specification measured from the center of the bottom bracket shell to the top of the seat tube...an equivalent center-to-center measurement...meaning from the center of the bottom bracket shell to the center of the top tube would be about 51 cm)
Weight: 5 lbs 6 oz
Rear dropout spacing: 130 mm
Top tube length: 54 cm
Head tube angle: 73 degrees
Seat tube angle: 74 degrees
Chain stay length: 41.5 cm
Head tube length: 10 cm
Head tube inside diameter (for headset): 30.2 mm (so compatible with 1\" threadless or threaded fork...although latter should be ISO spec\'d)
Seat tube inside diameter (for seatpost): 26.8 mm (measured by inserting a seatpost sizing rod and noting the first visible marker above the seat tube)
Seat tube outside diameter (for clamp-on front derailleur): 28.6 mm
Bottom bracket shell: 1.37\" x 68 mm (English Shifter lever bosses on the down tube (may be fitted with cable housing stops when dual-control levers are used), brake cable housing stops on the top tube, shifter cable housing stop on the right chain stay, water bottle cage mounts on the down tube and the seat tube and seat post clamp/bracket (w/o binder bolt)
Other notes: Semi-vertical rear dropouts with built-in derailleur hanger, recessed brake caliper mounting hole and a stamped/pre-drilled hole on the underside of the bottom bracket shell for cable guide block (not included, but inexpensive part to obtain)
We understand there are other frame/fork measurements or characteristics that impact ride qualities and performance, but the above specifications should provide for a good starting point. We also ask that you scan our notes that follow, as we have attempted to provide some general commentary that supplements/supports the above information. Please understand we are only trying to make some very basic observations. We understand our comments may not hold true under all circumstances and that we barely touch on a couple of topics...but we still hope our notes provide some assistance when considering this offering.
Angles...
We believe most would agree that head tube and seat tube angles have a fairly significant impact on ride qualities...with the emphasis on the head tube angle. These angles may range anywhere from 68 degrees to 75 degrees. The shallower the angle, the more stable and comfortable the ride should be at lower speeds, while steeper angles promote a more responsive/rigid feel that generally handles better at higher speeds (but is usually less comfortable).
Please note this offering has fairly steep angle measurements, so while the ride may be responsive and handling may be fairly good at higher speeds, the frame may also be somewhat unforgiving...i.e., not as comfortable as a frame with shallower angle measurements.
Other measurements...
The chain stay measurement may also impact ride qualities and performance. A shorter chainstay measurement will shorten the wheelbase and generally translates into more responsive/performance oriented ride characteristics with better acceleration and climbing qualities. The primary drawback to a shorter chain stay is generally a less comfortable ride at lower speeds. A longer chain stay measurement, similar to a longer wheelbase measurement, will usually improve overall ride comfort, while conceding some of the high-speed responsiveness achieved with shorter dimensions. Chain stay measurements generally range from around 40 cm to 45 cm (or possibly longer) with ride qualities described above dependent on where a measurement is positioned on this continuum.
Please note the chain stay on this particular offering is fairly short, so consistent with the angle measurement discussion above, this frame should be fairly responsive and perform fairly well at higher speeds, but it probably will not be as comfortable (relative to a frame with a longer chain stay).
Materials...
We are not going to do this topic justice, but will still try to provide a few general/basic observations.
Most vintage frames were made with steel tubes and although there were different brands/types...this was the preferred material for many years. Steel is generally the heaviest of the material choices, but some still prefer the ride qualities of a steel frame. Generally speaking, steel frames may retain several desirable high-speed ride qualities...responsiveness, good acceleration, etc...while the inherent dampening qualities of steel help to alleviate some of the rigid/uncomfortable ride characteristics that usually accompany high-speed performance.
Maybe the most significant historical advancement made with respect to steel frames was the idea of butting the tubes. The motivation behind this concept was to maintain structural integrity of a frame by reinforcing the tubes with thicker material at stress points (i.e., the joints of a frame), while reducing overall frame weight by thinning the tubing walls at lower stress areas (i.e., the tubing sections away from the joints). Butted steel frames are still going to be heavier (in most cases) relative to frames made with other materials (aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, etc.), but weight differences are generally not as significant when butted tubes are used.
Like just about anything however, too much of something is not always a good idea. In the case of butted tubes, we\'ve noted some examples (especially in larger frames) where the tubes become so thin in lower stress areas that a frame will literally begin to \"wobble\" at higher speeds (and this can be especially unnerving on descents). I am sure there are several factors a work here, but this undesirable characteristic seems to be more prevalent with lighter (and larger) frames that have possibly taken the butted concept to extreme limits. Please understand, we still much prefer a well designed/manufactured butted frame over a straight gauge frame, because the ride qualities are not compromised and a lower overall frame weight is still attainable.
Aluminum frames were probably next to achieve some level of commercial appeal...and while it\'s a lighter material, aluminum frames are generally stiffer and provide a harsher ride (relative to a similarly constructed steel frame). Having said this, aluminum frames generally retain many of the high-speed ride qualities and superior climbing qualities (due to their light weight) desired by more competitive cyclists. Some would also note that aluminum frames are generally a good candidate for lighter riders, while heavier/stronger riders that generate a lot of torque may want to look at other material options.
Another design feature that gained popularity, while the aluminum frames were being introduced, concerned the idea of oversized tubes. The underlying motivation here was similar to that of butted tubing noted above...maintain structural integrity and desirable frame characteristics, while further decreasing the overall frame weight. This was accomplished by increasing the size (diameter) of the frame tubing while also thinning the tubing walls. As most will attest, this concept can be taken to the extreme (similar to the butted discussion above), which may also result in undesirable frame qualities. Although, well designed and oversized frame tubes in just about any material are still widely accepted and available on many current frame offerings, which lends support to the merits of this underlying concept.
More recent frame materials gaining popularity include carbon fiber, titanium, or some combination of various frame materials (and regarding the latter...an aluminum frame with carbon fiber seat stays and a carbon fiber fork has become a popular option that is still somewhat affordable by today\'s standards). While frames made with these materials are generally more expensive, there are many that believe their basic properties (in addition to their light weight) help to achieve the most desirable combination of ride qualities (i.e., high-speed performance/responsiveness, while still maintaining comfort and low-speed stability). We believe there is merit to this claim, especially when considering the resources frame manufacturers are dedicating to research and development.
Having said all of this, please note this particular offering is a steel frame with straight gauge tubes, so some of the inherent road dampening characteristics (of steel) noted above, may translate into a slightly more comfortable ride, even though this frame also has relatively steep angles and short dimensions. We should also note the relatively heavy frame weight is the result of straight gauge tubing...so uniform material thickness throughout the tubing walls. This tubing should help prevent the \"wobble\" effect from occurring, as discussed above, but the trade-off is the heavier overall frame weight.
Condition...
All of these TREK 370 frames are new and unused...and came to us bulk packed with some cardboard dividers and packaging to help preserve their cosmetic condition. Still, the condition of these metallic red frames is not perfect, so please expect some blemishes (scratches and scuffs) on each offering. We will do our best to point out significant cosmetic flaws, so there are no real surprises, but please keep in mind there are going to be some shopwear-type marks on each of these offerings. Having said this, as we inspect this particular frame and fork, we do not see numerous or heavy shopwear-type marks. We also see some noticeable blemishes (i.e. some scuff/rub marks) at the bottom of the seat stays, on the rear dropouts (mostly on the built-in derailleur hanger) and on the bottom side of the bottom bracket shell, but overall this TREK frame still shows fairly well.
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Note to domestic customers regarding oversized package shipping...
For domestic packages, United Parcel Service (UPS) generally offers the lowest ground shipping rates for oversized packages (frames, wheels, etc.) in the continental US. Our experience also indicates this service is generally more timely than the similarly priced USPS Parcel Post ground service. For these reasons, we will list UPS standard ground service as the first domestic shipping option. We will also include USPS Parcel Post ground service and USPS Priority Mail service as options, as these USPS services are usually less expensive domestic options outside the continental US (i.e., Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico). It\'s also worth noting if cost is not as much of an issue, then USPS Priority Mail service is generally the most timely of the domestic shipping options.
Note to international customers regarding oversized package shipping...
International shipping requirements vary for larger packages (including size limitations from country to country). As a result, international customers should contact us before purchasing larger items (frames, wheels, etc.). We are then able to research shipping options to determine if we are able to ship a particular oversized item to your country and then provide an accurate shipping quote. This way we will avoid any confusion or misunderstanding with respect to international shipping of oversized packages.
Note to international customers regarding customs...
We also apologize to those that feel their country import taxes, duties and brokerage fees are excessive. As a small US business, we are required by customs\' laws to declare each order as a retail sale. Additionally, the declared order value must be equal to total store purchases and/or winning sale offers (less any shipping costs, as these are not considered in the declared value). As a result, each customer will be responsible for paying his/her own country taxes, duties and brokerage fees, which will be collected upon delivery. Again, we apologize for these additional costs, but we cannot afford the penalties and fines that come with breaking customs\' laws...so we have to strictly aoffere by them.
