67tony 

Most parts are original, those that aren't have been upgraded.
The frame is a 7 out of 10...slight blemishes touched up with nail polish.

Any thoughts on estimated worth are appreciated!

oddjob2

Spring 2014, sold a 60cm fully refurbed for $360 in Ann Arbor, very clean paint.

ramzilla

I don't see cantilever brakes on that 520. That's going to make it less valuable.

oddjob2

Less valuable than what? The one I sold is same year, caliper brake.

nesteel 

Ditch the rack, shorten the rear brake cable housing, and level out the saddle. Nice looking redo. I'd ride it.
No idea on value. I live in a bike desert.

Pemetic2006

I'd ask $400 and take $350.

bikemig 

This is not the same at the 520 touring series. It's good quality as are all the vintage Treks of this era but at the end of the day, it's a middling frame with middling parts. It's worth $250 +/- $50. The frame is 501 main tubes/manganese alloy fork and stays.

Pemetic2006

As some sort of (admittedly perhaps not very useful) comparison:
In 2011 I paid $300 plus $60 shipping for a 1979 910. I consider that a very good deal, perhaps a great deal.
Last June I paid $150 for a 1982 614, which I consider a good deal.

plonz 

That is good advice often overlooked by many.

zukahn1 

+1 leveling out the the top line be turning the seat and bars down slightly and setting the seat about the same hieght as stem will give the bike a better look. As for price this on is a 82/83 sports version of the 520 so it will be a little less value than the 84-88 or so touring version with the longer wheelbase and canti's I would say $300 or so at this time of year in most markets.

67tony 

The brake cables were even, the angle of the first pic made the rear look too high.
I did shorten it a bit, though, to reduce the loop at the seat post. (After this pic was taken...)

Saddle is now leveled, that was good advice.
The rack stays, I feel it attracts a student or commuter who may want to use panniers.

Thanks for the comments on the look, and value, of this bike!

eastbay71

You're getting there! I would agree on keeping the rack as this bike came with a rack originally, at least my '84 520 came with a rack when I bought it new. I would still take out several inches of the brake cabling. It only needs to be long enough to not interfere with the steering. That much cable makes it look like a WalMart bike. If you drop the stem and raise the saddle a bit it would look faster too. I would agree with the valuation of $300, perhaps a bit more if you take really good pictures. I sold a 520 a few years ago for $350. Its really about finding the right buyer so be patient.

ramzilla

I've got an early 80's Trek 520. Same head badge and color. But, mine came equipped with Shimano cantilever brakes and, Reynolds 531 frame. Makes me wonder just how many flavors of 520 Trek made. It's my main ride. Has triple bio pace rings & Deore derailleurs. Wouldn't take less than $425 for mine.

oddjob2

By 1984, Trek 520's had canti brakes.

Chombi

+1 on keeping the rack. I think it gives the bike a flavor of versatility that many buying Treks of this model type/level could appreciate.
You might add in your sales blurb reminding prospective buyers that the rack can easily be removed if the rider would want to go on sport rides. At least you'll be catching a larger, interested audience......
Excellent work on the restoration, by the way!

realsorryman

i mean yea its pretty nice