Trek 600 series, 65cm, 1985, dressed up with older Campagnolo componetry.

This newly (Oct 08) acquired 1985 Trek 600 has turned out to be a wonderful bike. Walking the fine edge between race and comfort, it fits perfectly in my small hierarchy together with the solid Surly LHT and the lively Cinelli Centurion Equipe.

In October, after only a couple of short test rides, my Trek and I completed a century together in good time, feeling comfortable and fast at the same time. In fact this old steel bike, with DT shifters and 28mm tires outpaced 18 carbon jobs at the event.

It has a full Campy NR gruppo, but currently sports an equally fine Sugino crank due to mechanical issues. Originally, back in the day it was sold with the respectable Shimano 600 components. The tubing decal says 531, but supposedly that is only the 3 main tubes. Trek called the build 531CS, a semi-proprietary tube set with heavier quality steel in fork and rear triangle. CS stands for Custom Sport or Club Sport. It probably doesn't hurt to have such relatively burly tubing with the frame being 65cm and supporting a 185lbs rider.

There's scratches, blemishes and stubborn dirt in the lugs on this old Trek. The components are well used, with aftermarket parts here and there. Nothing real original, valuable or of outstanding interest about my bike, but it fits like a glove with a smooth ride. It climbs the hills like it should and hold its own among fancier brethren.