Touring - 520 or range bike, compared.

Does anything truly compare to the Trek 520 for touring and all-around commuting? I have a Gary Fisher range bike, which is basically a hybrid with touring saddle, flat bar with extensions, touring tires, rack, fenders, lights, etc. This is a very comfortable bike. But I have not taken it on any tours yet. I have taken it on many 20 mile trips (2800 miles per year in commuting), but nothing touring-noteworthy. Now, looking at the many, many different set-ups on-line people use for touring, I'm wondering what is the best. I guess I'm looking for an excuse to "spend" or "save" $900 on a new bike. Advise. Thanks for the tips to come.

Cheers,

Urbanmonk

I guess you could say I turned my 520 into a range or trekking bike. It now has flat handlebars with extensions (bar ends), fenders, rack, touring tires. I've seen a number of bikes like this listed as touring/trekking bikes.

If your Gary Fisher is comfortable, has the right gearing, and can hold all the luggage you want to take on tour, I say save the money.

It is comfortable, and has the right gearing, it is the components and wheels that mainly concern me. With a Suntour set of cranks, which were bent in a crash this winter (straightened them out as much as possible), and Shimano "Altus" derailer (never heard of it), C101 front derailer, I'm a bit concerned. Also, the wheels are Matrix 550s: 36 spoke, 14 guage. I think this bike would work for CC tours, and long commuting. I guess I've always been one to worry about that "what if" factor; maybe that's why my house is storm-proof. Thanks.

Cheers,

Urbanmonk

Low-end Shimano gear mechs work well. I get about 2 years of commuting out of them. They are heavy but change gear as well as the expensive light ones.
Take the bike on a weekend shakedown tour and see how it behaves. You just need to get some confidence in your bike.

Altus is on the lower end of the Shimano line.

I'd be worried about a bent crank. Aluminum doesn't bend well. But you probably had your LBS check it out.

The Matrix 550 rims are probably OK - but I bet the hubs are pretty low end.

The bike does sound OK for CC tours and commutes. Probably not set up for real loaded touring.

I can identify with your search process. I've gone through a fair number of mid-priced bikes ($300-$600) before finding exactly what I wanted. If only I could have figured it out earlier!

Bradw, I completely agree with you. I only paid $259 for the hybrid, it's all the extras that bring the price up. I hate wasting money unnecessarily. But I will take all the goodies off the bike before I sell--if I decide to sell it. I'm about 1cm away from the Trek 520; but, that's another post.