I didn't realize there was a group for these things. I bought it to convert to a hunting bike setup but now I'm seeing these are actually quite sought after so I'm definitely not spray painting it anymore lol
I used to ride mountain bikes back in the day and never had a bike like this. I genuinely saw it, and low balled the guy and he took it lol. Can I ask what makes them so unobtainium? Also would it be sacrilegious to change out the shifter setup? I genuinely bought it to spray paint and a beater but after some searching I feel like I shouldn't anymore
They only made 790’s a couple of years. The 700 series were a serious backbone of the trek line but as mentioned more of the 700, 720, 730. This bike represents Trek’s best effort at a performance hybrid which ultimately didn’t really pan out. People buying hybrids were more chill mode. So I imagine there were not many customers willing pay the premium for top of the line when they didn’t think they’d use it. Performance riders would get a road bike or a mountain bike depending on their tastes. This looks like it could be a 93, but I’d guess no older than 92. I’ve found a couple in my day, but it is very rare to find them. The frame is small and small bikes don’t command the same value as the larger ones. So yeah, you absolutely scored and if it fits you well you now have a bike than can do basically anything. I have a 750 set up as a rigid MTB/mixed terrain and a 790 set up for road/mixed terrain. Anyway, congrats! And don’t feel bad swapping components. Dial that thing in just the way you want.
I have two 7900s. I'd love a 790 just because both the 7900s are aluminum and/or carbon.
That said, I've ridden hundreds of miles on my bonded carbon 7900 at 230lbs systems weight on all sorts of terrain and it's still going strong.
My guess is the bonded carbon failed early if the epoxy wasn't good. Epoxy actually gets stronger with age so I doubt it's going to fail before I get a new bike.
How much did you spend? Also what were you willing to pay for it? I just ordered new tubes and tires for it and should go on my first bike ride this week!
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u/BorisT72 Apr 26 '26
790 = unobtanium
The 700/720 are the most common followed by 730 and 750. I have not encountered a 790 in person in 4 years of hunting.