> Here, Burke reveals how he built the bicycle giant:
>
> ".....In 1984 we made some bad product...... "
Haunting statement, ouch.
Does anyone know what implications this statement entails for owners of, say, bikes like my 1984 Trek 720? I recall an alignment issue with mine that I corrected at home, but it's been great otherwise ever since. Paint and finishing work look excellent to me. I don't remenber any recall or anything, but mine was literally sold for 52% off as a leftover model, right after SIS became popular around 1996. I finally tossed the Helicomatic hub four years later after the freewheel bearing cone ring loosened a bit during a long ride. I tightened it en route with a rock and a big nail as a drift punch and was able to ride home. I would repeat this roadside procedure only last year when a Shimano freewheel pulled the same stunt, again with no bearings lost. Amazing how little time it takes to find a roadside nail! Finding a suitable rock takes longer!!!
David Snyder
Auburn, CA usa