timbentdude

I scored a deal on a 99 Trek 520. The LX hub looks like it has about 3 mm of space on the inner side of the cassette carrier. I have a complete 9 speed system lying around will the 9 speed XT cassette work.

Thanks
Tim

juicemouse

Only one way to find out...

sydney

The '99 520 was listed as being 8 speed, so the 9 speed casset will fit the hub body.

timbentdude

Thanks Sydney, I better count the cogs I was taking the sellers word on the that. Will the RX100 crankset 110mm BCD handle 9 speed pc89r chain, or do I have to change out the rings.

Thanks
Tim

sydney

I never heard of a rx100 110BCD crank. But even if there was one there would be no problem with that chain.

timbentdude

I better check things alittle closer.
Thanks again

HillRider

I never heard of a 110 BCD RX-100 either. I wonder if it's an RSX.

sydney

a '99 520 had a 105 triple on it, but who knows.?

Michel Gagnon

As far as I know, the 1999 is similar to the 2000 Trek 520 I have. It came with 8-speed 11-30 cassette with a LX derailleur, as well as a "105" crankset with 52-42-30 (or 52-40-30?). The company designs it with bar-end shifters, but many dealers put them on the floor with STI, so beware.

It's quite easy to replace the 8-speed cassette with a 9-speed cassette. The main difference is that cogs are a little closer to eachother (see https://sheldonbrown.com/k7.html), so the overall width is 0,5 or 1 mm more. And it fits... with a small cog of 11, 12 or 13. And the derailleur is indeed able to work with a wider-range cassette such as 11-34.

However, if you go from 8 to 9, you'll either have to use the bar-end shifters in friction mode or replace the shifters with 9-speed shifters. And if the bike was equipped with 8-speed STI, you'll have to replace the shifters because there is no friction option.
And of course, you'll need a 9-speed chain. However, front derailleur and chainrings are OK, whether you have 7, 8 or 9 gears in the back.

timbentdude

I checked the crank again and its an RSX with a 110 BCD not an RX100. The brake levers are RX100. My rear hub is is an LX FH-M563 with a 7 speed cassette, does that part number correspond to an 8 speed hub. Also did the 520 have different component levels, since I'm hearing most 520's had a 105 LX mix. I'm trying to tell if my 520 is original equipment or not.

Thanks
Tim

sydney

A m563 is an 8 speed hub,and will accept a 9 speed cassette. The RSX crank is not original.People typically change out the lame 105 triple crank to lower gering for 'real' touring.A '99 520 also had V brakes and Diacompe brake levers.

timbentdude

The brakes are center pull type LX v-brakes. The thing I like about this bike is the brakes, rear der., and hubs are the same green color as the frame. One last question will the LX rear der. handle the 11-32 XT 9 speed cassette, or do I need to replace with my 9sp der.

Thanks you have been most helpful.

Tim

sydney

If the LX is the late 90s vitage it handles a 32,and 9speeds. Easy way is just stick it all together and see.

HillRider

Do the V-brakes work ok with RX-100 levers? Sydney said the bike originally came with Dia Compe levers, I assume the road levers specifically set up to work with V-brakes. Most regular road levers don't have the correct cable pull to work properly with V-brakes.

Like Sydney, I assume the original owner changed the 105 crank (52/42/30) for the RSX (46/36/26) to get lower gearing.

timbentdude

The V-brakes are real crisp, they seem to actuate like normal V-brakes as for as the cable pull is concerned. I've only been around the block a few times, tonight it gets a real shake down. Its been maintained real well, serviced every year and rode about 500 miles a year on average. I couldn't pass it up for $250.

[QUOTE=HillRider Do the V-brakes work ok with RX-100 levers? Sydney said the bike originally came with Dia Compe levers, I assume the road levers specifically set up to work with V-brakes. Most regular road levers don't have the correct cable pull to work properly with V-brakes. ]

I should be able to walk faster than the lowest gear combo after I add the 32 9 speed rear.

[Like Sydney, I assume the original owner changed the 105 crank (52/42/30) for the RSX (46/36/26) to get lower gearing. /QUOTE]

cydewaze

Although the OP said "V-brakes" he probably meant cantilevers. This explains the "center pull" description.

sydney

The '99 520 did come with V brakes. I tend to discount alot of others terminology.

timbentdude

Thank you sydney for all your help, we will meet again in person and ride together! RIP

Tim