Velopedia Bicycle Archive
1997 Trek 470
Road/sport bicycle from the Velopedia specification archive.
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- Original MSRP
- $669.99
- Sizes
- 43 cm, 50 cm, 54 cm, 56 cm, 58 cm, 60 cm
- Colors
- Red
- Geometry
- Legacy reference · Ride analysis
- Archive ID
- 62750
Current market
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Velopedia analysis
What the specifications mean
The 218% cassette range describes the available gearing more clearly than the component-group name alone. On the steel frame, paint damage and moisture entry deserve attention because corrosion can begin at scratches, vent holes or internal surfaces. The 700C label identifies a 622 mm bead-seat diameter, but tire width and frame or fork clearance remain separate compatibility questions.
Gearing
218% cassette range
Calculated from the published 11–24-tooth sprocket span.
Frame material
Steel
Paint damage and moisture entry matter because corrosion can start externally or inside the frame.
Wheel standard
700C · 622 mm
The label fixes rim diameter, not tire width or available frame and fork clearance.
Original MSRP
$669.99
Historical launch-position context—not a current valuation or asking price.
Understand MSRP and market evidence →
Used-bike inspection
If you’re buying this bike used
Before any test ride: both brakes should stop the bike firmly and release cleanly; both wheels should run true and be securely attached; tires should have no casing damage; and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals should have no looseness or play.
Follow the full used-bike inspection order →- FrameCheck paint chips, vent holes and the inside of the seat tube for corrosion. Also look for dents, bent tubes and cracking around welded or brazed joints.Inspect the frame and fork →
- BrakesTest each brake separately and confirm it stops firmly and releases cleanly. Inspect the pads and braking surfaces for wear or contamination, and check the cables or hoses for damage.Inspect the brakes →
- DrivetrainShift through every gear under light load and measure chain wear. Confirm that the shifter, derailleur, chain and cassette belong to the same 7-speed system.Check drivetrain wear →
- Wheels & tiresSpin both wheels and watch the rims for side-to-side or vertical movement. Check for dents, cracks, loose or uneven spokes and hub play, then inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking or exposed threads.Check wheels and tires →
Bike-specific inspection checklist 19 checks based on 5 archived component groups Open checklistClose checklist
This checklist uses the archived equipment for this bike. It cannot confirm the condition, service history or later component changes of the example in front of you.
Identity and fit
Follow the full used-bike inspection order →Archived: 1997 Trek 470 · Road/sport · Published sizes: 43 cm, 50 cm, 54 cm, 56 cm, 58 cm, 60 cm
Frame and fork
Inspect the frame and fork →Archived: Frame: Welded · Fork: Trek · Chromoly, unicrown crown
Drivetrain
Check drivetrain wear →Archived: Group: Shimano RSX · Shifters: Shimano RSX STI Dual Control · Front derailleur: Shimano RSX top-swing, bottom-pull/clamp-on 28.6 mm · Rear derailleur: Shimano RSX SS · Crankset: Shimano RSX, 36/46 teeth · Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-LP26, 110 mm spindle · Rear cogs: 7-speed, 11 - 24 teeth · Chain: KMC HG-50, 1/2 x 3/32"
Brakes
Inspect the brakes →Archived: Brakes: Shimano RSX Dual Pivot brakes, Shimano RSX levers
Wheels and tires
Check wheels and tires →Archived: Wheel size: 700c wheels · Rims: Rigida SHP 60, 32-hole · Hubs: Shimano RSX · Front tire: 700 x 25c Trek Iso Tech III
Controls and contact points
Archived: Headset: 1" Tange-Seiki Passage · Handlebar: Hsin Lung aluminum · Stem: Chromoly · Seatpost: Hsin Lung SP-51, 26.6 mm diameter · Saddle: Selle San Marco Linea Pro · Pedals: Victor VP-516 w/clips & straps
Before and during the test ride
Follow the full used-bike inspection order →Interpretation based on the archived manufacturer specifications. Confirm exact fit and standards before ordering parts or performing service.
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Frameset
| Frame Construction | Welded |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | Chromoly, double-butted |
| Fork | Trek |
| Fork Material | Chromoly, unicrown crown |
| Rear Shock | N/A |
Drivetrain
| Component Group | Shimano RSX |
|---|---|
| Shifters | Shimano RSX STI Dual Control |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano RSX top-swing, bottom-pull/clamp-on 28.6 mm |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano RSX SS |
| Crankset | Shimano RSX, 36/46 teeth |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano BB-LP26, 110 mm spindle |
| BB Shell Width | 68mm English |
| Rear Cogs | 7-speed, 11 - 24 teeth |
| Chain | KMC HG-50, 1/2 x 3/32" |
| Pedals | Victor VP-516 w/clips & straps |
Brakes
| Brakes | Shimano RSX Dual Pivot brakes, Shimano RSX levers |
|---|
Cockpit & Contact Points
| Headset | 1" Tange-Seiki Passage |
|---|---|
| Handlebar | Hsin Lung aluminum |
| Handlebar Extensions | N/A |
| Stem | Chromoly |
| Saddle | Selle San Marco Linea Pro |
| Seatpost | Hsin Lung SP-51, 26.6 mm diameter |
Wheels & Tires
| Hubs | Shimano RSX |
|---|---|
| Rims | Rigida SHP 60, 32-hole |
| Spokes | Stainless steel, 2.0mm double butted |
| Spoke Nipples | Brass nipples |
| Front Tire | 700 x 25c Trek Iso Tech III |
| Wheel Size | 700c wheels |
Historical reference geometry
Geometry
Historical model-level geometry recovered from Velopedia’s original archive database. The source does not identify which listed frame size this reference describes, so fit interpretation is intentionally limited and no size-normalized Archive Context is generated.
| Measurement | Legacy reference |
|---|---|
| Top tube | 555 mm |
| Head-tube angle | 73° |
| Seat-tube angle | 73° |
| Chainstay / rear center | 415 mm |
| Wheelbase | 986 mm |
| Fork offset / rake | 43 mm |
Geometry source: Historical archive database — model-level reference geometry. The historical source provides one model-level geometry set and does not identify the corresponding frame size.
Geometry interpretation
What this geometry means
Legacy reference geometry
Fit reference
The historical source lists a 555 mm top-tube length, but it does not identify which frame size this model-level reference describes or whether the historical field was measured horizontally. Treat it as an archival frame reference rather than a size-specific fit recommendation. Its 73° seat-tube angle describes the reference frame’s seat-line orientation. Actual seated position still depends on frame size, saddle height and fore-aft adjustment.
Handling tendencies
The 73° head angle points to moderate steering geometry. Wheelbase is listed at 986 mm, but because the historical source does not identify frame size, it is retained as a model reference rather than used for a size-normalized handling conclusion. Fork offset is listed at 43 mm. Offset works with head angle and wheel size to determine trail, so it is useful steering evidence even though the archive does not provide enough information here to calculate trail reliably.
Period context
At 73°, the head angle sits somewhat slacker than typical among road geometries represented in Velopedia for this period. Its 73° seat angle is somewhat more relaxed than typical among the same-period road references.
This is historical model-level reference geometry, not a known frame-size geometry table or a ride test. Frame size, rider proportions, cockpit setup, tires, suspension and components can materially change fit and handling.
Specifications are presented as a reference. Components may vary by market, size, production run, or later manufacturer revisions.