This is my daily driver, a 1992 Trek 820 in electric blue with black spatter. I got it for free from my brother about a year ago, and have since put ~4K miles on it. I have another 820, and I love these bikes. They make great city bikes. They're dirt cheap, geared well for the hills in my area, and they just work. It's nice to have something in your life that you don't ever have to even think about. I've made some upgrades for my use, including the racks, basket (I have a second I attach to the front rack for Costco runs), fenders, street tires, and high rise handlebars.
Yeah, they hover around $100 here as well so it's definitely a steal! I even told the lady it was; she's just happy it's going to a happy home.
No retro colorway but the decals exude charm! I plan to repaint it, get comfortable handlebars, and new tires with the rest of my budget.
I tossed my luggage rack and milk crate on from my old Schwinn already :)
The paint looks decent and I like the color. I'd keep it as-is for originality. If you want to make it pristine, you can get some automotive touch-up paint touch-up any scratches or nicks. As they say, it's only original once. Beyond the handlebars, two improvements that I've found nice are trigger shifters (someone upgraded mine before I got it) and pedals with a wider base. If the pedals are comfortable for you, I'd keep them though, as they look sturdy. I think you're definitely going get some miles and smiles out of it!
Thanks! I think I'll take your advice and keep the paint for now but touch it up. Although, I have been dreaming of a bike in the Crust Nor'easter orange color for a few months.
Trigger shifters are a big want! I'll probably get them with the handlebars. Haven't thought about comfy pedals but you're making them sound great!