Help identifying this TREK road bike please---?

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ronjon9000

I bought this bike many many years ago off EBAY ( well, roughly 8 years ago anyway ). I paid around 600 for it and have really enjoyed owning it. I would like to sell it, but I really dont know much about it, other than the fact it its a TREK 2300 carbon fiber road bike, and Im assuming it was manufactured in the early to mid-90's

Can anyone tell me the year this bike was made? And roughly what it might have cost new? And if theres anyone out there that can give me a rough idea of what I should try to sell it for, I would be EXTREMELY grateful because I really dont have a clue. Thank you very much!!!


Please click here to see the bike:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41656036@N04/

Answer
Definitely 1993 model. I have one myself. Trek actually teamed up with a mountain bike company, which had success with bonding carbon to aluminum lugs. They used fiberglass to insulate the epoxy, so that it wouldn't galvanize. Other bikes like the Specialized Allez Epic had problems dis-bonding at the bottom bracket. There are mixed reviews of this bike, because heavier riders would characterize it as noodly/flexy. I notice it when I'm riding with my backpack on. However, coupled with a modern carbon fork, the bike is probably one of the smoothest rides you can find, even smoother than steel IMO. At ~20 lbs and with Shimano 600 components, it is a very good value bike. It was a mid to high end model, because it was when Trek came out with their high end OCLV carbon bikes.

The fair pricing for classic bikes in my craigslist market typically goes like this:
low end 80s bike with friction shifters - $100 and under
late 80s bike with indexed DT shifters - ~$200
90s bike with Shimano 600 -~$300
90s lugged carbon fiber with Shimano 600 -~$400

On ebay during the summer, it can still go for $500-600. In some communities, it might not sell for such a price. If it was kept in good condition, you may be able to sell it for close to the same price you bought it. Shimano 600 is my favorite group set. I wouldn't sell it for $100; at least in the NC community, $100 is even a good price for just the tricolor Shimano 600 group (Ultegra 6400).

has anyone gone on an AAVE trip over the summer?

soulshine

i'm thinking about going on boot saddle paddle and just wondering about the specifics.. how much do you actually 'rough it'? and it is really awesome like it sounds on the website? i'm not expecting many answers so if you have actually gone could you give lots of details? thanks a whole lot =)

Answer
Wow, you're so lucky! You should totally go and don't look back. You have plenty of time to do a some walking or hiking to get in shape for the backpacking portions.

I don't know if you saw the feedback on the AAVE site here: http://www.aave.com/blog/category/boot-saddle-paddle/

Here someone describes the the boot saddle paddle followed by the Ultimate Hawaii trip: http://www.wilderness-treks.com/horseback-riding-tour.html

Here's a review I found for another of their trips:
"American Adventures Ventures Everywhere
Simone Hill '08
During my summer vacation I traveled with a company called American Adventures Ventures Everywhere (AAVE) to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands and I would definitely consider it the most memorable experience of my life. AAVE has many different trips for teens aged 14-18 to many different countries and for many different personalities. Trips range from 3-4 weeks. They have everything from surfing in Mexico to scuba diving in Australia. They provide a safe environment with fun counselors and the people that you meet become friends for life. Ecuador was an exciting and very active experience. I would recommend the AAVE experience to anyone looking for an awesome summer experience. Their website is www.aave.com."

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Good 1 to 2 person tents for stargazing?

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Benny

One of my favorite parts about camping is stargazing on a clear night. Any recommendations for good 1-2 person tents with an all mesh dome for an unobstructed night sky panorama? Preferably up to the $150 range.

Answer
Coleman and many other firms do tents with a mesh inner. My Coleman Viper is my favourite stargazing tent because it's high enough in the middle to put a telescope mount inside, it's a side opener so it's easy to get stuff in and out, and as a full tent with the flysheet over it's very good in wet weather.
It's been on hundreds of trips and it's never been a problem even once, even in a blizzard in the Andes at 14 000 feet.
It's off the product list now but you might still find one in the shops for $60 or so.
It's £30 now in UK, half the price I paid and it would be a bargain at $150.
It's kept going when more expensive tents have ripped in the strong Atlantic winds sending salt-ridden wet air over our local hills (Aahhh, Paradise! Even the rabbits wear Goretex around here,haha) and has never leaked even in the horizontal rain we get.
There are similar models with a mesh inner from Coleman (and others) but that Viper was one of their really good ones.
Shame they stopped making it.
The bag it comes in is a thick strong PVC bag which I use as a dry bag for river crossings on backpacking trips.
The tent is pointed at both ends so it's stable in a high wind. It's a really great little tent.
http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/reviews/tents/bivvy--one-person/coleman-viper/2715.html . . .
http://www.camping-supplies-uk.com/tents/coleman/coleman-viper04.htm?PHPSESSID=174772c1f4f8c7b42894490333083007 . . . . .
http://www.discovercamping.co.uk/Coleman/tents/viper.htm . . . . .
I use it nearly every week for stargazing trips to the hills to get a dark sky away from the town lights and for weekend backpacking treks, sometimes combining backpacking walks with astronomy nights.

There are observatory dome tents as well designed to put a telescope in for wind shelter but they get expensive.
Scroll down for some details from a user about the Kendrick Observatory tent. It's big and heavy, not easy to carry but quick to put up and very good at doing the job it's made for and at least you'll know such things exist even if $400 and a mule to carry it aren't ideal territory for some simple stargazing.
If you've spend $2000 on a nice big scope however it's a relatively small expense to have a portable observatory for it.
http://www.astronomyforum.net/amateur-astronomy-forum/33858-kendrick-observatory-tents-opinions.html . . . .
http://www.kendrickastro.com/astro/observatory_testimonials.html . . . .
Dark skies.

Good Backpack preferably comfortable but sturdy?

a_nets1994

I am looking for a good comfortable backpack please links would be appreciated

Answer
Aren't we all, I have a North face and a Gregory one is about a 1000ci bigger then the other. The North face I use for short 1-3 day trips, the Gregory for multi week trips. Comfort and fit is going to be up to you you have to try them out. When you do, load them up as you would go trekking, that way you will get a better idea how well they fit and comfortable it is. Here is a link with good reviews of the products

http://www.rei.com/category/4500001_Backpacks

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What backpacking boot to buy?

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Max

I'm an avid backpacker and am trying to decide on a new boot. I have it narrowed down to 3. I carry heavy loads, but want the all around usability of a lighter, technical boots to jump from boulder to boulder. I don't need an alpine boot, but something a little bit warmer for winter use would be good as well. Which boot would you get and why (price is not an issue):

Kayland Contact Rev

The website has little info on them. They appear to be high quality and have lots of "tech features" but I haven't heard of the company much before. Are they good quality?



Merrell Outbound Leather Upper mid

I have owned a few pairs of Merrell's before and been very happy with them. I like how these pair are also crampon compatible as I plan to start getting into Ice climbing. I've seen a few reviews that say these aren't the best in the waterproofing department and that scares me a bit.



Mammut Granite GTX

I like how these are designed as technical hiking shoes. I'm just not sure about how they'll work with heavy loads and I don't know much about the company.

Answer
Your ultimate goal is to keep your feet happy and you should make your decision on which boots fits you best.

I personally love Merell for its fit but I can second the problems with their waterproofing. I had 2 pairs and both started to leak on me half way through the season. They make a great summer boot but I would not recommend them for the winter of if hiking in wetter climate.

I do not own Mammut boots but I have several pieces of their clothing and climbing gear and I am very happy with them. A friend of mine took some of their gear for a trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp and love it. They are a solid company and if the boot fits you and satisfies your other requirements, I would feel comfortable with purchasing it.

Unfortunatelly I do not have any experience with Kayland Company but the boot seems well built and strong enough for backpacking.

Generally if you're looking for something year around, GORE TEX is way to go as it guarantees the best waterproofing. I use my Montrail Gore Tex Backpacking boot for 4 years now (4 season hiking and backpacking) and they work great.

http://www.montrail.com/Product.aspx?prod=158&cat=220&top=2

If you're looking into ice climbing in the future, you will need to get more sturdy boots for that as the crampon compatibility is crucial for the sport. You don't have a space for error while hanging on frozen waterfall.

Help identifying this TREK road bike please---?

ronjon9000

I bought this bike many many years ago off EBAY ( well, roughly 8 years ago anyway ). I paid around 600 for it and have really enjoyed owning it. I would like to sell it, but I really dont know much about it, other than the fact it its a TREK 2300 carbon fiber road bike, and Im assuming it was manufactured in the early to mid-90's

Can anyone tell me the year this bike was made? And roughly what it might have cost new? And if theres anyone out there that can give me a rough idea of what I should try to sell it for, I would be EXTREMELY grateful because I really dont have a clue. Thank you very much!!!


Please click here to see the bike:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41656036@N04/

Answer
Definitely 1993 model. I have one myself. Trek actually teamed up with a mountain bike company, which had success with bonding carbon to aluminum lugs. They used fiberglass to insulate the epoxy, so that it wouldn't galvanize. Other bikes like the Specialized Allez Epic had problems dis-bonding at the bottom bracket. There are mixed reviews of this bike, because heavier riders would characterize it as noodly/flexy. I notice it when I'm riding with my backpack on. However, coupled with a modern carbon fork, the bike is probably one of the smoothest rides you can find, even smoother than steel IMO. At ~20 lbs and with Shimano 600 components, it is a very good value bike. It was a mid to high end model, because it was when Trek came out with their high end OCLV carbon bikes.

The fair pricing for classic bikes in my craigslist market typically goes like this:
low end 80s bike with friction shifters - $100 and under
late 80s bike with indexed DT shifters - ~$200
90s bike with Shimano 600 -~$300
90s lugged carbon fiber with Shimano 600 -~$400

On ebay during the summer, it can still go for $500-600. In some communities, it might not sell for such a price. If it was kept in good condition, you may be able to sell it for close to the same price you bought it. Shimano 600 is my favorite group set. I wouldn't sell it for $100; at least in the NC community, $100 is even a good price for just the tricolor Shimano 600 group (Ultegra 6400).

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