Hey just looking for a bit of advice for a possible purchase of this bike. It’s an early 90s Trek 8700 carbon frame in immaculate condition. Deore XT everywhere, and super clean. I sent the guy a message asking about the size and of course it’s my size. I’m 6’1″ or ~187cm. And we all know how tough it is to find bikes that Fit us tall folks. He’s asking €250 which I think is fair all things considered, but I can’t find any info about these old trek carbon frames and have some concern of a 30 year old carbon frame, even if it’s in good shape. Also financially, I can barely swing this but if it’s a once in a lifetime find, I could bend some rules there.
Ok_Relation_7506 on
I am not a carbon fibre expert but indeed I am a mechanical engineer with (a little bit of) knowledge about material stress, fatigue etc.
I personally could not think of why it would be dangerous to ride an old carbon frame in good condition. Main enemy of a composite would be UV radiation, but as this frame is not bare carbon, the paint will usually be UV protective. Additionally, carbon fibers, if laid out correctly, do not „age“ and opposite to aluminum there will normally be no decrease in strength after a few years. So no worries on my side to ride that beauty!
I saw it on Kleinanzeigen as well and I think if it’s your size you should go for a test ride immediately to make a quick decision. I am sure there are a lot of collectors having an eye on that listing. Good luck!
Ok_Relation_7506 on
PS: if you buy it and use it a lot, have an eye out for the joints where carbon is molded to aluminum lugs. These will be the most critical areas on the frame!
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$50
Hey just looking for a bit of advice for a possible purchase of this bike. It’s an early 90s Trek 8700 carbon frame in immaculate condition. Deore XT everywhere, and super clean. I sent the guy a message asking about the size and of course it’s my size. I’m 6’1″ or ~187cm. And we all know how tough it is to find bikes that Fit us tall folks. He’s asking €250 which I think is fair all things considered, but I can’t find any info about these old trek carbon frames and have some concern of a 30 year old carbon frame, even if it’s in good shape. Also financially, I can barely swing this but if it’s a once in a lifetime find, I could bend some rules there.
I am not a carbon fibre expert but indeed I am a mechanical engineer with (a little bit of) knowledge about material stress, fatigue etc.
I personally could not think of why it would be dangerous to ride an old carbon frame in good condition. Main enemy of a composite would be UV radiation, but as this frame is not bare carbon, the paint will usually be UV protective. Additionally, carbon fibers, if laid out correctly, do not „age“ and opposite to aluminum there will normally be no decrease in strength after a few years. So no worries on my side to ride that beauty!
I saw it on Kleinanzeigen as well and I think if it’s your size you should go for a test ride immediately to make a quick decision. I am sure there are a lot of collectors having an eye on that listing. Good luck!
PS: if you buy it and use it a lot, have an eye out for the joints where carbon is molded to aluminum lugs. These will be the most critical areas on the frame!