Mid 90s Trek 520...$500...is it worth it?
 

I've been commuting on my mtb hardtail for a while and I'm thinking of getting something more comfortable for my 12 mile rt commute. I spotted this mid 90s Trek 520 on craigslist in NYC:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/763737499.html


The seller claims it's a 17" or 19" frame. I contacted the seller and it's a good ole' steel frame. I'm 5' 7" with 29.5" inseam, so I think this bike would be ok. I think it's overpriced, but let me know what you guys and gals think.


-jay

....

It will be interesting to hear what the other forum members have to say, but I wouldn't pay $500 for a used Trek 520. $300 maybe?

What were these bikes new? I think around $750 back in the day.

I am looking at a dark green Trek 520 for $500. It's in good shape with a touch of rust where the brake cable attaches to the top tube. In addition it's got: Tiagra brifters (instead of the bar-end shifters), the rack, a pump, an underseat bag, toeclips, front and rear fenders, the Trek rear rack, 700x28 Bontrager tires with plenty of tread, and a cycle computer. It's being sold from a LBS and has been completely checked out and tuned up. All it needs are the interrupter brakes on the tops of the bars, my Speedplay Frogs installed, a new saddle to fit my sit bones, a bit of touchup paint, and the DIY 12V lighting system I'm going to build. In fact, I think I will buy it tomorrow...

From the picture you posted and considering it's a sale from an individual, I'd say $500 is too much.

I am carefully eyeballing the 55cm Lemond Poprad Disc for sale on Ebay right now, but I don't think the wheels will survive my weight and Massachusetts roads, and I'd need to buy the pump, fenders, and rack to catch up with the Trek. The Lemond is way sexier but the 520 is too good value in my eyes.

I'll check out the bike anyway, if it doesn't get sold after a few days I'll make the seller an offer of $300 and see what happens.

I paid about $500 shipped for my '89 520 a few years back. I was in the market for a touring bike and was not having much luck finding used touring bikes in good condition and in my size. I'm very happy with the bike and have put a couple thousand miles on it since with no issues (most of it in the last 6 months to a year of car-freeness). I probably paid a bit more than I should have, but in the long run its really no big deal. If you are only looking for a touring bike, I would seriously consider it, given that its in good condition. If you are not in a hurry, or you dont need a touring specific bike, you should be able to find a better deal.

I bought a 94 520 off ebay a couple years ago for $320. The one you are looking at appears to be in better shape. It's worth $500 if you really want it. I sold mine for $450 last year and then it was promptly stolen. I'd give $500 to have it back now.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/766112020.html

Saved ya $150!

What are your thoughts on the Surly Cross Check with the EA70's? I have been thinking of giving that one a go. It would definitely be fast with the components he has on it. The Poprad has a nice frame.

I really liked the cross check, except for the bar-end shifters. I was having some budgetary conflicts with my wife (she thinks I am spending too much as it is) so I needed to look at a lower-priced bike.

My plan is to buy the Trek 520 (today, hopefully picking it up this weekend), get into biking shape, start bike commuting, and then maybe next spring look into an upgrade and keep the Trek for neighborhood trail-a-bike duty.