Velopedia Bicycle Archive
1997 Trek Sub-Atomic (01)
BMX bicycle from the Velopedia specification archive.
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- Original MSRP
- $389.99
- Sizes
- Boys
- Colors
- Ball burnished
- Weight
- 24 lb
- Geometry
- Legacy reference · Ride analysis
- Archive ID
- 69605
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Velopedia analysis
What the specifications mean
On the alloy frame, dents and hairline cracks around welds matter more than cosmetic scratches. Pay closest attention near the head tube, bottom bracket shell, dropouts and other heavily loaded junctions. The archive lists a published weight of 24 lb. Treat it as a reference for the documented build because frame size, pedals, tire setup and production substitutions can change the actual scale reading. The archive lists an original MSRP of $389.99. That is launch-price context, not a statement about the bike’s present condition or current market value.
Frame material
Aluminum / alloy
Dents and cracking around welds at the head tube, bottom bracket shell and dropouts deserve attention.
Published weight
24 lb
Frame size, pedals, tire setup and production substitutions can change the measured result.
Original MSRP
$389.99
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 →- FrameLook closely for dents and hairline cracks around welds, the head tube and bottom-bracket area. Cosmetic scratches matter less than a change in shape or a crack line.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 the full range under light load, measure chain wear and inspect the cassette or freewheel teeth. Skipping or hesitation can indicate wear, poor adjustment or mismatched parts.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 Sub-Atomic (01) · BMX · Published sizes: Boys
Frame and fork
Inspect the frame and fork →Archived: Frame: TIG-welded · Fork: Trek · Chromoly/hi-tensile steel, unicrown crown
Drivetrain
Check drivetrain wear →Archived: Crankset: 1-piece steel, 44 teeth · Bottom bracket: One piece, sealed · Rear cogs: 1-speed, 16 teeth · Chain: KMC 410A, 1/2 x 1/8"
Brakes
Inspect the brakes →Archived: Brakes: Tektro 867A rear brakes, Tektro RBP-286A levers
Wheels and tires
Check wheels and tires →Archived: Wheel size: 20" wheels · Rims: Alex 7X, 36-hole · Hubs: Aluminum nutted · Front tire: Front: 20 x 2.125" Comp III style, Rear: 20 x 1.75" Comp III style
Controls and contact points
Archived: Headset: 1 1/8" threadless Dia-Compe Aheadset SE-1 · Handlebar: Steel · Stem: Aluminum · Seatpost: Steel micro-adjust, 26.8 mm diameter · Saddle: Trek · Pedals: Wellgo LU-313
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 | TIG-welded |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | 7005 aluminum, oversize |
| Fork | Trek |
| Fork Material | Chromoly/hi-tensile steel, unicrown crown |
| Rear Shock | N/A |
Drivetrain
| Component Group | N/A |
|---|---|
| Shifters | N/A |
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Rear Derailleur | N/A |
| Crankset | 1-piece steel, 44 teeth |
| Bottom Bracket | One piece, sealed |
| BB Shell Width | American 24tpi |
| Rear Cogs | 1-speed, 16 teeth |
| Chain | KMC 410A, 1/2 x 1/8" |
| Pedals | Wellgo LU-313 |
Brakes
| Brakes | Tektro 867A rear brakes, Tektro RBP-286A levers |
|---|
Cockpit & Contact Points
| Headset | 1 1/8" threadless Dia-Compe Aheadset SE-1 |
|---|---|
| Handlebar | Steel |
| Handlebar Extensions | N/A |
| Stem | Aluminum |
| Saddle | Trek |
| Seatpost | Steel micro-adjust, 26.8 mm diameter |
Wheels & Tires
| Hubs | Aluminum nutted |
|---|---|
| Rims | Alex 7X, 36-hole |
| Spokes | Steel, 2.0mm straight gauge |
| Spoke Nipples | Brass nipples |
| Front Tire | Front: 20 x 2.125" Comp III style, Rear: 20 x 1.75" Comp III style |
| Wheel Size | 20" 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 | 501 mm |
| Head-tube angle | 73.5° |
| Seat-tube angle | 71° |
| Chainstay / rear center | 382 mm |
| Wheelbase | 915 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 501 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 71° 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 73.5° head angle points to relatively quick-steering steering geometry. Wheelbase is listed at 915 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. The 382 mm chainstay records the rear-center dimension of the historical reference. Rear-center length influences weight distribution and how readily the rear of the bike changes direction.
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.