1991 Trek 8500 Aluminium

[1978]

This weeks latest “isolation purchase” made due to spending too much time browsing internet auction sites! Top of the ‘Aluminium” range in 1991, below the fancy ‘Composite’ 8700 and 8900 models.

I’ve always loved this era of Trek bikes since drooling over the 8900 in my copy of ‘Richards Ultimate Bicycle Book’ as a kid. This one features two of my favourite attributes for a mountain bike, full Shimano Deore XT M730 and a splatter paint job!

It’s totally original, aside from a replacement rear tyre (Tioga Farmer John's Nephew), a set of bar ends and some flat pedals. I’ll tidy it up and ride it I think, nothing fancy

 

[1978]

Re:

A quick makeover and we’re done for now. I removed three (Yes 3!) cycle computer magnets, a saddle bag mounting bracket, a bottle cage and some bar ends. Next job was to raid the shelves for a set of tyres (I can’t stand non matching tyres and FJN are not my favourites anyway), fit a slightly used set of foam grips and she’s good to go.

 

[mk one]

Nice, have you had a chance to get out on it yet?

 

[1978]

Nice, have you had a chance to get out on it yet?

Not yet! Working on it...

 

[Dossa]

Re:

Fantastic bike, looks great

 

[prezza]

Re:

That looks fantastic. I also almost bid on this but stopped myself when I looked at what I still need to finish in my garage!

Be nice to see some pics of it in its natural habitat.

Nice work mate...

 

[1978]

Re:

Thanks guys!

 

[shedobits]

Re:

Nice bike, there all to be more love for Trek.

 

[1978]

Re: Re:

Nice bike, there all to be more love for Trek.

Agreed, when it comes to the early bikes. 1990 was their peak year I reckon, downhill fast from there!

 

[Once A Hero]

Re: Re:

Nice bike, there all to be more love for Trek.

Agreed, when it comes to the early bikes. 1990 was their peak year I reckon, downhill fast from there!

Looks great with a fresh set of tyres on it

I'd say Trek was still good in '91, and it wasn't until '92 when they started to go off track a bit - as despite many of the bikes staying the same, that was when they introduced the 'pogo' full suspension bikes to their range :shock: