Touring - New Trek 520 is in.

Hello All:

Brought home my new Trek 520. Made a few changes... Here's the skinny..

a) 24-38-48 Specialites TA chainrings (ordered from Peter White).
b) 11-34 rear cassette.
c) Schwalbe Marathon XR tires. 700cX35.
d) Wheels: Mavic T520 rims, DT 14-16 spokes, Deore LX hubs.

Also purchased an Arkel Handlebar bag, ESGE/SKS P45 fenders, and Shimano sandals... I already have Tubus Cargo rear rack and a Duo front rack, so I think I am all set, except for front panniers...

Rides like a beauty. :) My wife is all jealous... :D This is my first bike with drop bars and so I will have to get used to the new riding style.

Hoping to go on a little tour during next months long weekend (Good Friday)...

Narayan.

Sounds nice! Enjoy your new bike.

I guess the next step will be one for your wife?

I'm jealous. My 17 YO schwinn does a great job but it sure would be nice to have that 520 :D
Doug

It's all good, but the sandals really ice the cake. Enjoy!

RichC

Congratulations. Enjoy. The 520's a good solid bike.

Which rear panniers do you have?

Originally posted by Merriwether
Congratulations. Enjoy. The 520's a good solid bike.

Which rear panniers do you have?

I have Ortlieb BikePacker Plus (QL2)... I got the 2001 version, which has the stupid document holder pocket. I hate it. My wife (another bikeforum member :D) has the 2002 version, which is just one compartment and much easier to manage. :)

I am looking at Ortlieb Front rollers for the front though -- I prefer waterproof panniers. some of the stores in Vancouver seem to be out of them, so I may have to get them ordered in. One store recommended that I use the SportPacker (?) for the front, but I am not too sure about that.

Narayan.

Originally posted by Dougmt
I'm jealous. My 17 YO schwinn does a great job but it sure would be nice to have that 520 :D
Doug

Doug,

Old bikes (apart from the general difficulty) of obtaining parts are sweetness themselves, and I have an affection for them. Check out http://www.vanillabicycles.com. (came up on the touring mailing list).

I wish my uncle hadn't sold my grandpa's old Hercules (Steel bike made in India, rides like a tank). :( Woulda loved to have that one.

Narayan.

congrats, all good choices, have fun

Nice pick, thv, a man of good taste. Oh, did I mention that I too bought a 520 2 years ago?

A couple of my touring friends say that in practical terms the waterproof panniers they bought were a bit of a waste, as they found themselves putting everything in plastic bags anyway, "just in case" there was a leak. My non-waterproof Arkels have stood up really well so far, no complaints except that I should have got the top-loading versions instead.

Enjoy the bike. The bar-end shifters are a bit of a change, I still bonk the levers with my knee sometimes during dismounts.

Sounds like a sweet ride! You've got yourself a long term investment. Hope it brings you many years of enjoyment.

Sammer, LET:

Thanks for the comments... The bike is so sweet that I don't want to take it out in the rain, tho its got SKS fenders on it. :)

I am still hitting the shifters occassionally... but, ain't it sweet... :)

Narayan.

What are drop bars? :confused:

Originally posted by Chi
What are drop bars? :confused:

http://www.ritcheylogic.com/images/newproducts2003/barroadproos.jpg

Chi, are you really from America?

What do they call drop bars in the Bay Area? I've never heard them called anything but by cyclists in the states.

Just curious.