2008 Trek 520

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G'day

The 2008 Trek 520 (US only?) specifications are now out and listed on the Trek website (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/road/520/520/).

It seems that the front dérailleur is now Tiagra and the crank ratios are changed. Are these still suitable for touring?

Regards
Andrew

G'day

The 2008 Trek 520 (US only?) specifications are now out and listed on the Trek website (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/road/520/520/).

It seems that the front dérailleur is now Tiagra and the crank ratios are changed. Are these still suitable for touring?

Regards
Andrew
Too high of gearing for most mortals riding fully loaded and cross country. If you are very fit, light, and light loads.... it would be fine. It seems like a good choice for commuting and/or weekend trips.... or credit card touring.
If it were mine it would have a MTB crank (like LX) and MTB front and rear derailers. Of course I would also put on sturdy fenders and a very sturdy rack.. I still think that Surly LHT (Long Haul Trucker) comes much closer to coming with "the right stuff" for fully loaded touring.

I've been looking at the 520 and the Surly LHT. I got a lot of great info from the net. MANY people came to the same conclusion: Great bike but get new seat, gearing, tires and rack. Most people did upgrade after they bought the stock bike and wished they would have upgraded a few parts right away.

My local Trek dealer was great. He said he would have no problem with upgrading as long as I didn't take it for 250 miles then want to upgrade. He did say he'd only give me $5 toward another saddle. Wow, stock seat MUST be bad!

However, I didn't ask what credit he'd give me on gearing, etc.

EVERYONE says gearing is brutally high on a climb. Many recommend 26 (30 is stock) and some go even lower.

Some big dudes (>225 lbs) suggested beefier wheels. Trek dealer was surprised by that one and said stock wheels are fine for my 210 lbs. This gave me confidence he was being straight with me.

Conclusion: Great bike but they are trying to keep price down and a few parts need upgrading presuming you are touring. Upgrade so you don't have to buy things twice.

Conclusion: Great bike but they are trying to keep price down and a few parts need upgrading presuming you are touring. Upgrade so you don't have to buy things twice.I wish that they'd try to keep the price down a little more here in Australia. See my post on another thread:

http://www.cyclingforums.com/showthread.php?t=429390&goto=newpost

The Surly LHT is more competitively priced here.

I would think with the US $ so weak, it would be a bargain. Just since last April your currency has gone up 15% to the US$! Thats a LOT more bike for no more $$ for you.

I'm not an expert on bike parts, but it's my understanding both Surly and Trek 520 are great frames. But 520 has better parts. There are not apples to apples.

A new 520 just sold on EBay today for $910 (+Shipping). Great deal for the buyer.