Velopedia Bicycle Archive
1997 Trek Sub-Atomic SS (01)
BMX bicycle from the Velopedia specification archive.
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- Original MSRP
- $419.99
- Sizes
- Boys
- Colors
- Matte blue
- Weight
- 24 lb
- Geometry
- Legacy reference · Ride analysis
- Archive ID
- 68484
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Current market
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Velopedia analysis
What the specifications mean
With rim brakes, the wheel’s braking surface is part of the system, so rim wear matters alongside pads and cables. 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.
Brake service
Rim braking
Pad compound, cable condition and wheel braking-surface wear belong in the inspection.
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
$419.99
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 →
- BrakesInspect pad condition, cable movement and the rim sidewalls or brake tracks for wear. A concave or heavily worn braking surface can mean the wheel also needs replacement.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 SS (01) · BMX · Published sizes: Boys
Frame and fork
Inspect the frame and fork →Archived: Frame: TIG-welded · Fork: Trek · Chromoly, unicrown crown
Drivetrain
Check drivetrain wear →Archived: Crankset: 1-piece chromoly, 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 875A V-brake rear brakes, Tektro RBP-291A 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: Chromoly · Stem: Aluminum · Seatpost: Chromoly micro-adjust, 26.8 mm diameter · Saddle: Trek · Pedals: Wellgo LU-953
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, 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 chromoly, 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-953 |
Brakes
| Brakes | Tektro 875A V-brake rear brakes, Tektro RBP-291A levers |
|---|
Cockpit & Contact Points
| Headset | 1 1/8" threadless Dia-Compe Aheadset SE-1 |
|---|---|
| Handlebar | Chromoly |
| Handlebar Extensions | N/A |
| Stem | Aluminum |
| Saddle | Trek |
| Seatpost | Chromoly 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 | 546 mm |
| Head-tube angle | 73.5° |
| Seat-tube angle | 71° |
| Chainstay / rear center | 420 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 546 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 420 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.