Touring - Stock rack on Trek 520

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dan kehlenbach
08-21-04, 06:24 AM
Hello all,

I just picked up my new Trek 520. I have read other posts stating that the supplied rear rack is useless and shouldn't be used. I am new to the whole touring scene, and honestly it feels and looks sturdy enough.

Any thoughts/opinions??

Thanks!

Dan Kehlenbach

bradw
08-21-04, 02:40 PM
I had one on my 2003 520. It didn't look sturdy, so I put it on my commuter bike where I rarely used the rack for anything more than holding a jacket.. It broke after a couple months.

I have a Jannd Expedition rack on my 520 now. It has held up well for a two-day tour, weekend 50mile+ rides, and regular commuting while holding one or two Arkel t-42 panniers. In a couple weeks I'll start a 500+ mile tour with it holding two panniers, a trunk rack, and a couple other items strapped to it.
sakarias
08-22-04, 02:17 AM
The rack that came with my 2002 Trek 520 was pretty flimsy. It was easy to push it sideways, so not solid/stable enough for loaded touring. It might work for bike commuting or running errands with a light load. I gave it away to the Salvation Army Thrift Store. It's possible Trek has put better racks on for 2004. That, I don't know.

Rogerinchrist
08-22-04, 08:08 PM
Wow, have they gone "downhill" with thier racks at Trek! I'm still haulin' with my '94 stock rack without problem one yet.
abbub
08-26-04, 01:39 PM
Yeah, my '03 stock rack sucked. It was actually bent when I bought it, but I had an expedition to put on it, so I wasn't too concerned.
photojtn
08-26-04, 03:41 PM
I know this has come up several times, however I'm still using my stock rack (Trek 03 model) until my beckman arrives and haven't had one problem with it. I load up the old cannondales with 50+ pounds and we've logged 900 plus miles and not one sign of faliure. I was in my LBS yesterday getting fitted for the new dura-ace peddles and they just got in a new trek 520, 2005 model, All I can say is awfull colour (dark red), the rack on the 2005 was 8mm and very cheap looking. One nice thing though was the bontrager flat bar. i mean it had the drops but by the break lever in front of the hoods the area was a nice flat area for your palm to rest, wider, instead of building up that area.