kshapero

Thinking of a commuter bike: Trek 520?
Anybody got one? Your experiences with this rig?

Alfster 

I've looked at the Trek 520 for a touring bike. Would make a great commuter as well.

Hydrated

I bought my 1984 model 520 fresh off the showroom floor in late 1983. It's still my primary commuter, so I guess you could put me in the "happy owners" group!



As a side note:

A couple of years ago I got itchy to buy a new bike, so I called up the folks at Trek to ask about the new 520's. When the guy found out that I already owned an '84 model, he said "Why do you want to replace it? We still use the same frame for that bike today." Apparently the only thing that's changed is the wheel size and the components... but all of the geometry remains unchanged. I guess the Trek guys know when not to change a good design.

CCrew

Kinda, they did for 2009.....

mesasone

From what I understand, Trek is has already run out of 520 stock in some sizes and is close to running out in others. They have told dealers that there will be no more for 2009 after this run is sold out. Hopefully you can find one already in stock locally that will be your size. Otherwise, you can always get a Surly Long Haul Trucker.

kshapero

Like to hear about any other steel frame commuters to buy new.

Hydrated

Try this Masi Speciale... It's a bit less expensive than the 520... and has nearly identical geometry. Seriously... I looked into buying the Randonneur model until I realized that it's measurements are only different by 5mm here and 2mm there. The head tube and seat tube angles are the same as the 520.

Nighteyez

Does n't make sense that Trek would not want to produce more bikes if they are selling out so fast. I would think they would in order to make more money.

Miles2go

The ultimate bargain in steel framed commute worthy bikes is the Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30. Rocky Mountain Bikes Sherpa page.

Hand built with incredible Reynolds 853
Hand built wheels that I can tell you (with first hand experience) will take a true beating (as will the bike).

Capability out the wazoo and you won't see them on every corner. In fact, you may very well have a hard time finding one. Do try and test ride to get the proper size though. I'm riding a 54 (if I remember right) and 57 or 58 is my normal size.

Take a look at the thread I linked to for a very close look at my RMB Sherpa and what I put it through.

kshapero

That Masi is sweet

CCrew

Best touring bang for the buck IMHO is the Novara Randonee.

https://www.rei.com/product/776887?pr...:referralID=NA

Miles2go

I paid about $100 more and got a much better frameset. $999 with the manufacturer's lifetime warranty. Not the regular price on the Sherpa but that's how I found it advertised.

mesasone

No it doesn't, but neither does driving half a block around the corner to pick up a gallon of milk yet it happens all the time!

Doconabike

Great bike. I've had one for several years and love it. Great bike for touring or commuting.

There are a few reviews here:
https://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/la...8_5675crx.aspx

Abacus

One big advantage of the 520 over other contenders (LHT, Masi, Jamis Aurora) etc is the relatively low standover height for any given top tube length. This is really handy for a commuter where you can expect to have to stop for lights, etc.

EG, for a 53cm ETT:

- 50cm LHT SO = 75.7cm

- 51cm Masi SO = 76.7cm

- 51cm 520 SO = 73.6cm

The 2009 520 has lower geared crankset than most of the others. This can be good or bad, depending on your style of riding. Most commuters would probably find it a good thing, especially where stop/start riding is involved.

I have 4 bikes atm, a couple of old school mtbs, a modern alloy frame flat bar road bike with a Nexus 8 hub, and a 2003 520. The 520 is easily the most versatile and comfortable of the bunch and is by far the best commuter.

kshapero

Is Masi an American company or elsewhere?

canonsue

I have a new Surly Long Haul Trucker and I am very happy with it. It is a great commuter as well as a touring bike.

-Sue

MMACH 5

I picked up a Fuji Touring, last summer for less than $600 at my local Performancebike shop. It's the most comfortable bike I've ridden. While I usually commute on it, I've made the occasional grocery run and really loaded it down. It comes with the rack.

The 520, LHT, Masi and Sherpa are all fine bikes. If these are within your budget, you won't be sorry. However, if you'd like to get a touring bike and have some money left for accessories, take a serious look at the Fuji.

subclavius

I live in Madison, WI, which is like Trek city. I haven't spoken to an unhappy Trek owner yet.

exile

The Trek 520 is a nice touring/commuting bike. I rode the 520, the Jamis Aurora, Cannondale t2, and Surly LHT. The 520 I was looking at was a year old and just a little to big for me. From what I read about it the gearing was all wrong for touring (though I have no personal experience). The new 520's have supposedly better gearing but still not great (touring wise).

The new 520 comes with fenders and a rear rack if I remeber correctly and in a coffee brown color. I also believe they have a slightly sloping top tube. As a commuter it should be fine out the store. Though I do think its a little overpriced.

Steel frame touring/commuting bikes that I can think of off the top of my head are the Surly LHT, Jamis Aurora, Trek 520, and the Rocky Mountain Sherpa. I'm also pretty sure Waterford and Bruce Gordon had Steel Tourers but were on the high side $$$ wise.

Abacus

Crankset is now 48/36/26. Some tourers carrying heavy loads might want it a bit lower, with maybe a 24 granny, but for commuting it's pretty good.

The colour is called metallic root bear. It doesn't look coffee brown at all, to me at least.



I was going to mention the Fuji. You got a great buy at $600. MRSP is $1,100.

I looked at the Fuji last year and was tempted. The only things that turned me off were the 1" threaded headset that would make changing parts later a pain, and lower spec parts than some of the others. But if the bike is correctly fitted at time of purchase they are a good deal.

If the Fuji appeals the Windsor Tourist from Bikes Direct is also worth a look. It's basically a Fuji Touring knock-off for $600.

Windsor Tourist

Abacus

The Masi name was bougt by Haro bikes, of California, a few years back.

I don't know if they are made in Taiwan or China. They are certainly not made in America or Italy.

They are still cool looking bikes.

EasyEd

+ 1 for the Novara Randonee. I have one and I love it. I see on the rei website it's on special right now too.

RayB

My 520 is primarily a commuter bike these days.

Here is the spec

https://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdales-athenas-200-lb-91-kg/532873-almost-finished-my-clyde-commuter.html

Since that post I have also stuck a single vs the triple.

tim24k

I love my Trek 520. Best all around bike in my stable.

Ciao,
-o-^o