Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.Galoot
10-19-08, 05:28 PM
I've wanted one of these bikes since I was in college. I always loved the Treks of the early 80's, and there were tons of them around UC Davis, where I went from 1980 to 1985. When they switched to the clunky seat stay lugs, they just weren't the same.
And, I've wanted a good touring bike for years. But I'm a cheap *******. So I picked up this 520 off craigslist earlier this week. It fits me very nicely, and seemed to be in good condition. What I didn't realize, was that the 1983 Treks had some abomination of a rear cluster called a Helicomatic. So the fact that the chain is fairly worn out on this bike, means that I either have to spend $135 at Yellow Jersey here in Madison for new rear cogs, or make some movement towards the 21st century.
This bike doesn't seem to warrant upgrading to STI and a 9 speed rear cluster. It's going to be a commuter bike for most of the year, and when I get time, a bike for riding across the country. Or riding down the Oregon/California coast, for starters.
First thing will be the damned shifters. I hate downtube shifters, so I'm going to try to scare up a pair of Suntour Barcons, which are my favorite shifters bar none (yes, pun is fully intended). People laughed at me at UC Davis when I put them on my nice Campy equipped road bike, but it looks like I had the last laugh, since bar end shifters are quite popular nowadays.
The wheels...I also see zero reason to upgrade to 9 or 10 speed index shifting, and spread the rear frame for 135 mm wide wheels. I've been riding a bike with a 42-52 front and a six speed cluster in back for over 20 years, and I'm happy with that. Since the 520 has a triple up front, I'm ok with having 7 cogs in the back. And Harris Cycles sells a nice wheelset that takes 7 speed freewheels on the back. For less than $150 I can have a nice pair of wheels plus gearing.
I wish the Trek still had good decals. I'd post pictures when I'm done, but it isn't going to be much of a looker. Suggestions about my upgrade ideas are most welcome.
And, I've wanted a good touring bike for years. But I'm a cheap *******. So I picked up this 520 off craigslist earlier this week. It fits me very nicely, and seemed to be in good condition. What I didn't realize, was that the 1983 Treks had some abomination of a rear cluster called a Helicomatic. So the fact that the chain is fairly worn out on this bike, means that I either have to spend $135 at Yellow Jersey here in Madison for new rear cogs, or make some movement towards the 21st century.
This bike doesn't seem to warrant upgrading to STI and a 9 speed rear cluster. It's going to be a commuter bike for most of the year, and when I get time, a bike for riding across the country. Or riding down the Oregon/California coast, for starters.
First thing will be the damned shifters. I hate downtube shifters, so I'm going to try to scare up a pair of Suntour Barcons, which are my favorite shifters bar none (yes, pun is fully intended). People laughed at me at UC Davis when I put them on my nice Campy equipped road bike, but it looks like I had the last laugh, since bar end shifters are quite popular nowadays.
The wheels...I also see zero reason to upgrade to 9 or 10 speed index shifting, and spread the rear frame for 135 mm wide wheels. I've been riding a bike with a 42-52 front and a six speed cluster in back for over 20 years, and I'm happy with that. Since the 520 has a triple up front, I'm ok with having 7 cogs in the back. And Harris Cycles sells a nice wheelset that takes 7 speed freewheels on the back. For less than $150 I can have a nice pair of wheels plus gearing.
I wish the Trek still had good decals. I'd post pictures when I'm done, but it isn't going to be much of a looker. Suggestions about my upgrade ideas are most welcome.