Touring - Buying a Trek 520

I am planning my first cross-country bike trip this summer and have settled on the Trek520 as my bike. However, much to my dismay, I am learning very quickly that touring bikes do not rank very high on the priority lists in NYC bike stores, and very few stores even have one built on the floor, much less a selection that I can test ride. After much hunting I happened to find one lonely 2002 520, on sale for $800, hanging from the rafters of a store downtown. After brushing off the dust, the young bike store assistant with spikey hair, proffessed his ignorance of touring bikes, but said that he thought the 21" frame would fit my 5'10 175 lbs frame. And yes, after test riding the bike, it did ride beautifully, and I smiled to myself, thinking I had found the last of the Mohicans. However, upon closer examination of the bike, I noticed a small dent ,3mm, on the underside of frame that extends between the shifter and the crank (I profess my ignorance of bike anatomy). After questioning "Bud" he assured me that the small dent did not jeopardize the integrity of the frame and that it was insignificant. I was a little upset that they were not more up front about the defect.

And finally my question: Is $800 a fair price for 2002 with a dent? Can anybody recommend a dealer in NYC that can fit me properly and give me professional assistance?

I know one thing, I wouldnt want to be on a tour and have a frame break. Now that you know a 21" fits you why don't you try calling around other areas to see what they have. I think $800 for a 2002 might be an ok price, but not with a dent.

Can anybody recommend a dealer in NYC that can fit me properly and give me professional assistance?

Canal Bikes has got a dented one hanging in their store... I think it's also at $800, but I decided it was too dented for me, though the fellow who helped me was an enthousiastic tourer. There's also a place - I forget what it's called, but it's got a BIG "Bicycles" sign and it's the only LBS near there - on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn near the corner of Borough / Hoyt / right there someplace that stocks the 520; I was quoted a price of $925 on a 2004 in the middle of the winter, but pricing may have changed since then (or there may have been a mid-snowstorm discount program in place ;) )

I'm 5'7" and rode a 21" that I thought fit me perfectly, so if I were you I might try the 23" for comparison before making a final purchase... though I do have a somewhat long torso.

Good luck!

-chris

And finally my question: Is $800 a fair price for 2002 with a dent? Can anybody recommend a dealer in NYC that can fit me properly and give me professional assistance?

Even though the 520 is the longest surviving model in Trek's lineup it gets treated like poor relations. A couple weeks ago Bicycle Habitat on Lafayette St had two 520s in stock. One was a 25" and the other a 19 or 21". I wasn't impressed by them as they saw no reason to swap out some of the components I wanted swapped. I mention them here only because they have two bikes in stock.
$800 is way too much for a damaged leftover. I was quoted as low as $825 for an 04. I eventually settled on an 04 for $900. I'm very comfortable with the shop so I don't mind paying a little more for it. If you don't mind traveling the shop is Bike Line of Wayne located in Wayne PA. Wayne is a suburb of Philly. I spoke with Rick, who is the manager. Their number is 610-687-1110.
Lastly, be sure the 21" is the right size. The top tube on these bikes is shorter than road bikes of the same size.

I wasn't impressed by them as they saw no reason to swap out some of the components I wanted swapped. I mention them here only because they have two bikes in stock.



I've only been in Bicycle Habitat a couple of times, but they impressed me as being "equipment snobs" - I had a hell of a time getting them interested in helping me with the old Schwinn I commute on, and wound up taking the subway home to my own tools rather than deal with their attitude, even through they're the closest LBS to my office.

Which is, of course, completely off-subject - my apologies ;)
-chris

are you sure it is a dent and not the indention where near where the bottom brack and chainstay are ? I know a lot of bikes have this indention to provide for clearance... could this be the same ? if it is.. it is normal, and no problem

jeff

I'm also looking for a 520, Shrewsbury Bicycles in Shrewsbury NJ, (45 train ride from Penn Station) said they would order a 520 for 899 (that would be a 2004)...

Might want to give them a call. Forget the guys name I talked to but very tall and skinny ( I know sounds like everyone in a bike shop b ut this guy stood out, the other guy is pretty plump)

Ray

thanks for all the advice and tips folks! first off, Canal Bikes is the store with the dented 520. Yes, it is clearly a dent--they said it happened when somebody test rode it a year ago. As far as going outside of New York (Brooklyn or PA) to buy the bike, I really wanted to buy it at a store nearby so I could get it serviced and adjusted for free in the months leading up to my ride. I actually went to Bicycle Habitat this afternoon and test rode a 23" 2004 and felt way more comfortable then on the 2002 21". I did not notice too much snobbery at Habitat but I did not like the fact they only have one location. Now that I have identified the bike and the size, I have to choose the store. Metro Bikes on 47th and 9th is the closest to me but they would have to special order one and I don't think they will go below $1000. How important is it to have the store close to where you live? I appreciate all the help!

Totally unrelated question: Does anybody know a nice route from Maryland's Chesapeake Bay to New York. I'd like to ride over three days and stay in cheap motels along the way.

As far as going outside of New York (Brooklyn or PA) to buy the bike, I really wanted to buy it at a store nearby so I could get it serviced and adjusted for free in the months leading up to my ride [....]

Totally unrelated question: Does anybody know a nice route from Maryland's Chesapeake Bay to New York. I'd like to ride over three days and stay in cheap motels along the way.

Jeez, Brooklyn's out of town now? ;) I live in Carroll Gardens, and the ride up to your neighborhood is only about half an hour - to me, that's not TOO far to go for the occasional service... in fact, it's just slightly longer than my commute, and if you took the path down the Hudson, you could probably do it even quicker. But if you really want to go someplace with multiple locations, I think the only chain store in the city is in fact Metro Bicycles.

adventurecycling.org has a nice set of maps, which include notes on hotels/motels/hostels - I don't really know the chesapeake bay area, but you can see a reasonable amount of details on their route maps before you buy, so you may be able to tell whether they've mapped a route that will suit you... I think I'm going to follow their route from NYC to Florida along the coast in the fall.

Good luck!

-chris

I'm glad you test rode the 23" frame-- I thought that a 21" frame for a 5' 10" rider sounded small (unless the model had a truly compact frame or sloping top tube, or you had a short inseam for your height).

Sometimes I think cyclists get so attached to the idea of a particular model that they don't test ride enough comparison models. In the end, you'll only be happier with what you chose if you test ride more than a few as part of the process.

How important is it to have the store close to where you live? I appreciate all the help!

Totally unrelated question: Does anybody know a nice route from Maryland's Chesapeake Bay to New York. I'd like to ride over three days and stay in cheap motels along the way.

For relationship building and convenience closer is better. But the reality is you'll probalbly spend very little time at the shop. You can perform much of the low end maintainance yourself and will learn more and more as time goes on.

There are several ways to get from Maryland's Eastern shore to NY. The suggestion to use Adventure Cycling's information is a good one. Of course you could always buy some maps and blaze your own trail. Kinda what bicycle touring is all about.
Even though I'm not looking to go for a loaded tour, sometime this season I plan to load up the mule and ride to the Eastern Shore via the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Leaving from my home just east of Philly I'm planning on a four day or five day trip. I'm not using any outside sources for planning, just a map and a loose idea of where I want to go.

[QUOTE=sommers] I have to choose the store. Metro Bikes on 47th and 9th is the closest to me but they would have to special order one and I don't think they will go below $1000. How important is it to have the store close to where you live? I appreciate all the help!

I really like the folks at this particular Metro store. Like ALL LBS in the city, they can have a "bike-snob" attitude, but if you catch them on a good day or start talking about Lance, you can easily break the ice and they behave like normal human beings again.

R&A cycle in Brooklyn is also a great store. It is not that far (plus you get to bike the Brooklyn Bridge) and the service is fast. The staff there is also excellent and very knowledgeable. I bought my bike there and I go back every once in a while to get it adjusted. They ordered the bike for me, spent the time to fit me properly to it, and if I have any question, I know they will answer it. Only negative point is that accessories there are a bit pricey.

In the end, transportation in the city is such that any store will do. Location is very important, but not the most important thing. You want the LBS to be easily accessible (bike or subway), close enough to a coffee shop ;), but mostly you need to feel comfortable with the staff there (knowledge and accessibility).

Let us know where you get the bike from, why and what your experience has been.

R&A cycle in Brooklyn is also a great store. It is not that far (plus you get to bike the Brooklyn Bridge) and the service is fast. The staff there is also excellent and very knowledgeable. I bought my bike there and I go back every once in a while to get it adjusted. They ordered the bike for me, spent the time to fit me properly to it, and if I have any question, I know they will answer it. Only negative point is that accessories there are a bit pricey.


I'll have to check out R&A - it's pretty close to me, and I've never been in! Thanks for the tip!

-chris

I ended up going with Metro Bikes on 47th. I put a 30% deposit on the bike this morning and it is being shipped from Wisconsin this week. They gave me 10% so the grand total was $977--not bad. In the end, they were very helpful and I feel good about the purchase.

Regarding the D.C to NY ride, I wish I could just blaze my own trail, but I am organizing a ride for about 8 other folks, so I have to know exactly where I am going and the motels we will be staying at along the way. In terms of realistic distances for a beginner group, how does this look:

Friday-D.C. to York, PA
Saturday- York, Pa to French Town N,J
Sunday-French Town, NJ to Manhattan

We are renting a Uhaul van for support. The trip will happen in August. I will certainly look at the Adventure Cycling maps.

Regarding the D.C to NY ride, I wish I could just blaze my own trail, but I am organizing a ride for about 8 other folks, so I have to know exactly where I am going and the motels we will be staying at along the way. In terms of realistic distances for a beginner group, how does this look:

Friday-D.C. to York, PA
Saturday- York, Pa to French Town N,J
Sunday-French Town, NJ to Manhattan

We are renting a Uhaul van for support. The trip will happen in August. I will certainly look at the Adventure Cycling maps.

It looks ambitious! In fact too much so. DC to York is about 100 miles and York to Frenchtown is more than 120 miles. Maybe OK if you're all in top shape and experienced cyclist. Less than that and your plan isn't going to work. The terrain along your route is not flat, especially the stretch to York. Realistically, I'd cut the distances in half. The good news is, it sounds like a great ride!

It looks ambitious! In fact too much so. DC to York is about 100 miles and York to Frenchtown is more than 120 miles. Maybe OK if you're all in top shape and experienced cyclist. Less than that and your plan isn't going to work. The terrain along your route is not flat, especially the stretch to York. Realistically, I'd cut the distances in half. The good news is, it sounds like a great ride!

After talking with the organizers of the 9/11 ride (NY-D.C) I think we are going to follow their route and go easterly instead of through PA.
Friday Day 1. Cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and ride to Denton, Maryland. (this might be too ambitious)

Saturday. Ride from Denton to Lewes and catch the Lewis Ferry to Cape May, New Jersey in the afternoon. I heard this is a nice thing to do. Ideally, I would like to keep riding if possible that afternoon up the Jersey Coast.

Sunday. Ride into Manhattan.

We could turn this trip into four days and ride into Manhattan monday morning--but I would rather avoid the extra night hotel stay.

I need to explore the Jersey route a bit more and decide if taking the coast route is the best way. I also need to pick a town in Jersey to spend the night before the ride into Manhattan. Any thoughts?

After talking with the organizers of the 9/11 ride (NY-D.C) I think we are going to follow their route and go easterly instead of through PA.
Friday Day 1. Cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and ride to Denton, Maryland. (this might be too ambitious)

Saturday. Ride from Denton to Lewes and catch the Lewis Ferry to Cape May, New Jersey in the afternoon. I heard this is a nice thing to do. Ideally, I would like to keep riding if possible that afternoon up the Jersey Coast.

Sunday. Ride into Manhattan.

We could turn this trip into four days and ride into Manhattan monday morning--but I would rather avoid the extra night hotel stay.

I need to explore the Jersey route a bit more and decide if taking the coast route is the best way. I also need to pick a town in Jersey to spend the night before the ride into Manhattan. Any thoughts?

If you're following another group's route that should make the planning a little easier.
Thoughts:
-The main drag out of DC going in this direction is US 50. This is a 4 to 6 lane limited access highway. Definately no biking allowed. So first you're going to have to find a route to the bay bridge. Once across the Severn River there is an access road that takes you right to the base of the bridge, were your support van can pick you up and take you across. There are several routes available once you cross the bay bridge. Kent Narrows has some great restaurants.
-There's nothing in Denton. It's a farm town. Motels are either in Easton MD or Harrington Delaware.
-If you bring some camping gear(stowed in the truck) the guys who run the hang gliding school at the airport in Ridgely will probably let you camp out at the airport. The hang glider pilots do it all the time. Very cool bunch! If you want to consider this let me know and I'll give you contact info. Better yet, take a hang glider ride and see the eastern shore like few have.
- The ferry is nice. But it's also on a schedule that could eat into valuable daytime riding time. plan accordingly.
-New Jersey's a tough state. The shore is beautiful and you could ride up the coast as far as Ocean City without much of a problem. Once north of OC you've got to go inland. Route 9 is the most direct route. It's got a decent shoulder and will take you to north jersey, but it's not a scenic or pleasant road. Once north of Toms River you could again ride through the coastal towns. A better way to go may be to head inland at Ocean City towards Mays Landing and then ride north thru the pine barrens. Once out of the metroplex the traffic really lightens up as you go thru the scrub pine and cedar forrest. This area isn't Rocky Mountains scenic but it is pretty and has it's own charm. There is also very cheap camping available in the state forrest. The forrest features some of the cleanest water anywhere in the form of small tanin colored rivers,ponds and lakes. The roads will feed you back to Rt 9 at Tuckerton or you could work your way west and north toward Monmouth or Freehold. The Monmouth area is Horsey country with rolling hills and some nice roads. Very nice! If you go to Tuckerton it's route 9 for 30 miles to Toms River before you can turn towards the coast.
-Eventually you'll want to work your way west as you approach NYC. As exciting as Sandy Hook can be, nude beach and all, riding anywhere in that area is unpleasant as most of the roads are not bicycle friendly.

Lastly, the biggest issue I see with your plan are the distances you are trying to cover in the time you've aloted. The total distance is more than 250 miles. That's alot of miles in three days. If all you want to do is ride it's doable but for a more enjoyable trip I'd consider either shortening the distance or adding more time. Also consider camping to cut costs and add to the adventure. Personally, I think you're done riding for the day once you get to Annapolis. Pretty town with lots of nice restaurants and places to stay. If you do camp in the pine barrens watch out for the Jersey Devil!
Have fun with your planning!

If you're following another group's route that should make the planning a little easier.
Thoughts:
-The main drag out of DC going in this direction is US 50. This is a 4 to 6 lane limited access highway. Definately no biking allowed. So first you're going to have to find a route to the bay bridge. Once across the Severn River there is an access road that takes you right to the base of the bridge, were your support van can pick you up and take you across. There are several routes available once you cross the bay bridge. Kent Narrows has some great restaurants.
-There's nothing in Denton. It's a farm town. Motels are either in Easton MD or Harrington Delaware.
-If you bring some camping gear(stowed in the truck) the guys who run the hang gliding school at the airport in Ridgely will probably let you camp out at the airport. The hang glider pilots do it all the time. Very cool bunch! If you want to consider this let me know and I'll give you contact info. Better yet, take a hang glider ride and see the eastern shore like few have.
- The ferry is nice. But it's also on a schedule that could eat into valuable daytime riding time. plan accordingly.
-New Jersey's a tough state. The shore is beautiful and you could ride up the coast as far as Ocean City without much of a problem. Once north of OC you've got to go inland. Route 9 is the most direct route. It's got a decent shoulder and will take you to north jersey, but it's not a scenic or pleasant road. Once north of Toms River you could again ride through the coastal towns. A better way to go may be to head inland at Ocean City towards Mays Landing and then ride north thru the pine barrens. Once out of the metroplex the traffic really lightens up as you go thru the scrub pine and cedar forrest. This area isn't Rocky Mountains scenic but it is pretty and has it's own charm. There is also very cheap camping available in the state forrest. The forrest features some of the cleanest water anywhere in the form of small tanin colored rivers,ponds and lakes. The roads will feed you back to Rt 9 at Tuckerton or you could work your way west and north toward Monmouth or Freehold. The Monmouth area is Horsey country with rolling hills and some nice roads. Very nice! If you go to Tuckerton it's route 9 for 30 miles to Toms River before you can turn towards the coast.
-Eventually you'll want to work your way west as you approach NYC. As exciting as Sandy Hook can be, nude beach and all, riding anywhere in that area is unpleasant as most of the roads are not bicycle friendly.

Lastly, the biggest issue I see with your plan are the distances you are trying to cover in the time you've aloted. The total distance is more than 250 miles. That's alot of miles in three days. If all you want to do is ride it's doable but for a more enjoyable trip I'd consider either shortening the distance or adding more time. Also consider camping to cut costs and add to the adventure. Personally, I think you're done riding for the day once you get to Annapolis. Pretty town with lots of nice restaurants and places to stay. If you do camp in the pine barrens watch out for the Jersey Devil!
Have fun with your planning!



Wow, this is really helpful information! As you can probably gather, I am not too familiar with these areas--I certainly have my work cut out for me. I did not even know you could not ride across the Bay Bridge--oops.

Fortunately, we have a corporate sponsor and can afford to put everybody up in a relatively inexpensive hotel. However, I do like the idea of ruffing it one night to mix it up. The only problem with this is that I don't think the majority of the riders have any camping gear. Also, since each of them is raising $2,000 I'd like to make it as comfortable as possible for them.

Ok, it sounds like you know these areas pretty well. Provided that we can add an extra day, could you suggest a route that would take us to Manhattan from D.C in 4 days? Here are some more details to consider

-12 riders of mixed experience
-travel days; Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
-Can stay in motels along the way
-would like to take the Lewes Ferry to break up a morning and afternoon ride
-1 support van plus 2 sag cars
-we can leave from anywhere in/around D.C

i think that's about it.

Wow, this is really helpful information! As you can probably gather, I am not too familiar with these areas--I certainly have my work cut out for me. I did not even know you could not ride across the Bay Bridge--oops.

Fortunately, we have a corporate sponsor and can afford to put everybody up in a relatively inexpensive hotel. However, I do like the idea of ruffing it one night to mix it up. The only problem with this is that I don't think the majority of the riders have any camping gear. Also, since each of them is raising $2,000 I'd like to make it as comfortable as possible for them.

Ok, it sounds like you know these areas pretty well. Provided that we can add an extra day, could you suggest a route that would take us to Manhattan from D.C in 4 days? Here are some more details to consider

-12 riders of mixed experience
-travel days; Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
-Can stay in motels along the way
-would like to take the Lewes Ferry to break up a morning and afternoon ride
-1 support van plus 2 sag cars
-we can leave from anywhere in/around D.C

i think that's about it.

I don't know some of these areas well enough to plan a tour. I have an excellent knowledge of South Jersey, the Jersey Shore, and Maryland's eastern shore west of RT 301. My knowledge of bicycling friendly roads fades quickly beyond those areas even though I am familiar with them.
I think extending your time by a day is a good decision. To plan the tour I would suggest you do three things:
1) Map out two tentative routes. An eastern route that uses the ferry and a western route that goes west of Philadelphia, but not as far west as your original plan.
2) Contact bicycle clubs along the proposed routes and ask for best routing thru their areas. Most clubs plan at least one century ride per season and know which roads are bicycle friendly. They can also suggest lodging alternatives. They may also have members who have cycled the exact route you are looking to take. I know this is true of the Potomac Pedalers Touring Club.
3) Take a few days and drive the route suggestions given to you by the clubs. If you were alone or an informal group of friends I'd say just go for it. But from what your'e saying this is an organized tour. To me that says that the organizers have to have a plan. Route selection is the most important part of the planning.

Be aware that there aren't many cheap motels on the eastern shore. There aren't many motels and for that reason room rates are high. Something else to plug into your thinking.

Jersey Shore towns will be crowded if it's in season.

In Jersey, the pine barrens are pretty and so is the horse country of Monmouth and Burlington Counties. But the inland area of jersey coming up from Cape May to the Philly area ain't nothin to write home to mom about. Salem county and parts of Cumberland County are very pretty. While riding thru shore towns most of the beach and bay vista's are blocked by houses and developement. Not that it's not a nice area. Two of the nicest beach areas would require a detour. They are Long Beach Island and Island Beach State Park. Island Beach qualifies as one of the prettiest beaches on the east coast. No developement and CLEAN!!!

South and Central Jersey shore towns are located on barrier islands. Bridges link these islands as far north as Brigantine. Once north of Brigantine you'd need to swim the inlets seperating the islands. I'd save that for your Triathlon tour and turn inland at Ocean City.

An eastern route ride will give you FLAT riding, great scenery in MD and DE, the option of some nice jersey shore towns at the expense of less than scenic riding thru parts of NJ. A western choice will give your legs a workout in return for great scenery all the way to NY. One possible route to consider would be DC to the eastern shore then west of Philly to NY.

Here are some bicycle club links:

Potomac Pedalers Touring Club
www.bikepptc.org

White Clay Bicycle Club
www.whiteclaybicycleclub.org

Baltimore Bike Club
www.baltobikeclub.org/

The shore Cycling Club
www.shorecycleclub.org

Jersey Shore Touring Society
http://users.erols.com/jsts/

South Jersey Wheelmen
www.sjwheelmen.org/

Bicycle Club of Philadelphia
www.phillybikeclub.org/

Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey
www.btcnj.com

I think I got'em all right. Good luck with your planning and have a great ride.

I don't know some of these areas well enough to plan a tour. I have an excellent knowledge of South Jersey, the Jersey Shore, and Maryland's eastern shore west of RT 301. My knowledge of bicycling friendly roads fades quickly beyond those areas even though I am familiar with them.
I think extending your time by a day is a good decision. To plan the tour I would suggest you do three things:
1) Map out two tentative routes. An eastern route that uses the ferry and a western route that goes west of Philadelphia, but not as far west as your original plan.
2) Contact bicycle clubs along the proposed routes and ask for best routing thru their areas. Most clubs plan at least one century ride per season and know which roads are bicycle friendly. They can also suggest lodging alternatives. They may also have members who have cycled the exact route you are looking to take. I know this is true of the Potomac Pedalers Touring Club.
3) Take a few days and drive the route suggestions given to you by the clubs. If you were alone or an informal group of friends I'd say just go for it. But from what your'e saying this is an organized tour. To me that says that the organizers have to have a plan. Route selection is the most important part of the planning.

Be aware that there aren't many cheap motels on the eastern shore. There aren't many motels and for that reason room rates are high. Something else to plug into your thinking.

Jersey Shore towns will be crowded if it's in season.

In Jersey, the pine barrens are pretty and so is the horse country of Monmouth and Burlington Counties. But the inland area of jersey coming up from Cape May to the Philly area ain't nothin to write home to mom about. Salem county and parts of Cumberland County are very pretty. While riding thru shore towns most of the beach and bay vista's are blocked by houses and developement. Not that it's not a nice area. Two of the nicest beach areas would require a detour. They are Long Beach Island and Island Beach State Park. Island Beach qualifies as one of the prettiest beaches on the east coast. No developement and CLEAN!!!

South and Central Jersey shore towns are located on barrier islands. Bridges link these islands as far north as Brigantine. Once north of Brigantine you'd need to swim the inlets seperating the islands. I'd save that for your Triathlon tour and turn inland at Ocean City.

An eastern route ride will give you FLAT riding, great scenery in MD and DE, the option of some nice jersey shore towns at the expense of less than scenic riding thru parts of NJ. A western choice will give your legs a workout in return for great scenery all the way to NY. One possible route to consider would be DC to the eastern shore then west of Philly to NY.

Here are some bicycle club links:

Potomac Pedalers Touring Club
www.bikepptc.org

White Clay Bicycle Club
www.whiteclaybicycleclub.org

Baltimore Bike Club
www.baltobikeclub.org/

The shore Cycling Club
www.shorecycleclub.org

Jersey Shore Touring Society
http://users.erols.com/jsts/

South Jersey Wheelmen
www.sjwheelmen.org/

Bicycle Club of Philadelphia
www.phillybikeclub.org/

Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey
www.btcnj.com

I think I got'em all right. Good luck with your planning and have a great ride.

thanks! this is tremendously helpful. I started calling the clubs yesterday but had trouble actually reaching a live person--i think my best bet will be to get on their list serve and start putting questions out.

I will keep you posted.

thanks again!
micah