Trek 790 Trekking (not Multitrack) identification

[Risbo_VG]

Hi all,

I bought recently Trek 790 Trekking in not too good condition, but would like to restore it, so I need as much info as possible about it.
There is lot of info online about 91-92 Trek 790 Multitrack, but I think this is not that bike. I got info from Trek that Trekking version was for EU (also 91-92), with fenders, lights, etc....which this bike doesn't have, but maybe it was removed...
It has full STX-RC groupset, which didn't exist in 92... as much as I know it appeared in 1995.
Generally it looks like it's in original state...
So let me know your thoughts and if anybody have more info

 

[grantoury]

Looks like a 96 to me. This is a helpful website:

https://www.vintage-trek.com/model_numbers1.htm

 

[Risbo_VG]

I know that web page, but 790 is mentioned only 91-92, and this would be 790E I suppose
And 91-92 had 500CX groupset, so either somebody fitted completely new group, or this is newer bike
And VIN number didn't help for now

 

[Titiritero]

A full bike picture would help, but my guess is 1995. A bit of background:
-1991 to 1994 Trek did the Multitracks, and also the Metrotracks. Difference was all the commuter accessories, internal light cable routing and often different colours. They were documented in the catalogues
-from 1995 to maybe 1998, the Metrotracks are renamed as Trekking and only sold in Europe. They disappeared from the catalogues, at least the ones currently available online (maybe there were some European specific ones?).
-1998 onwards, models get more urban and less sportive, with specific models in some countries (I had a '99 Trek 721 city bike when I lived in Ireland that I've only seen there and the UK)
-2001 the steel models disappear

So you'll need to search online forums for information. I know there was a 1996 790 in grey metallic colour, was not aware of a blue one like yours.

Reason I think yours is a 95 is that the components are similar to the 750 Multitrack of that year, the Trek lettering is still the typical of the early 90s (they changed in 1997) but the Trekking in the top tube is already the new one, introduced in 1995. Since the '96 was grey, yours must be a '95...

For more Trek Trekking models, I've posted a few in the "show your 700/28" bikes" thread...

 

[Titiritero]

The Trekking bikes were an attempt by Trek to lure the lucrative German market, as the customers there like "ready to go" models with all accessories included, and hybrids are called trekking bikes...

 

[Risbo_VG]

Thanks a lot. I was searching online a lot, but always getting Multitrack in search results.... I saw one like mine on some Indian guy youtube video , but that's it...
Unfortunately don't have full picture since bike in boxes now and advert is not online anymore.
Would be great if somebody have catalogue where I can find complete specs... but now I will try to find German catalogue from 1995... maybe I'll have some luck...

 

[dirttorpedo]

The Trekking bikes were an attempt by Trek to lure the lucrative German market, as the customers there like "ready to go" models with all accessories included, and hybrids are called trekking bikes...

This makes sense to me as I've never heard of a Trek 790 Trekking bike on this side of the Atlantic

 

[Titiritero]

This is my 1997 Trek 730 Trekking, fully original, in case it helps. Normally the commuter accessories were the same in all models (Esge mudguards, Soubitez -now AXA- bottle dynamo, Union lights, Esge kickstand, no name aluminium rack). Ignore the battery lights in the seat post and handlebar in the picture, I've just got the bike and the dynamo refused to work.

For the drivetrain, look at the 750 from that year and assume same or slightly above components, so looking at your pictures likely full STX (in the mid to late 90s they didn't mount top drivetrains to save on costs while keeping the nice frames, a good move in my opinion). So I think your bike is mostly original, just striped of the commuter accessories. They made a Multitrack out of a Trekking model...

 

[Risbo_VG]

Does anybody know what kind of tires, seat and grips were on it? Or what was used on similar models?