Help with Trek 520 size
#1
Slow and Steady
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 346
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Help with Trek 520 size
I'm looking to purchase a used 1991 Trek 520. According the the vintage trek site, it was manufactured with the following sizes: 17, 19, 21 and 23 inches. According to the seller, it's a 53 cm TT.
I currently ride a 54 cm road bike. Is this a proper fit? I've never toured before and looking to start with weekend tours (but I need a bike first).
I currently ride a 54 cm road bike. Is this a proper fit? I've never toured before and looking to start with weekend tours (but I need a bike first).
#2
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,525
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 964 Times
in
628 Posts
I suggest you post a pic of your current ride showing the amount of seat post and bar height. That will give people a better idea.
#3
Slow and Steady
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 346
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#4
Senior Member
might be too small
Looking at your pic my guess is the 53, or 21" frame size is going to be a bit on the small size. On a touring bike like the 520 it is better to err on the large size if you are between two sizes. The reason is that effectively raises the bar to seat relationship, putting you more upright.
I happen to have a 1995 21" 520 and it is slightly small for me because for 5'9" I have longer legs/shorter torso. As a result, the bars are at or below seat height which is a bummer on tour. Yes there are things I can do about it but I have another touring bike and I now keep it at my parents for general use and day rides which presents no problems.
The net of all this rambling is: consider the larger size or a different bike.
I happen to have a 1995 21" 520 and it is slightly small for me because for 5'9" I have longer legs/shorter torso. As a result, the bars are at or below seat height which is a bummer on tour. Yes there are things I can do about it but I have another touring bike and I now keep it at my parents for general use and day rides which presents no problems.
The net of all this rambling is: consider the larger size or a different bike.
#5
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,525
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 964 Times
in
628 Posts
If your 53 cm measurement is accurate for the top tube, this bike is too small for you. According to the Trek Vintage site, the 19 inch seat tube bike has a 54cm top tube. The 21 inch has a 55 cm top tube.
You can find the geometry info under the 1989 brochure: "dealer info". I am assuming geometry did not change in 1991.
You can find the geometry info under the 1989 brochure: "dealer info". I am assuming geometry did not change in 1991.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Plymouth,WI
Posts: 724
Bikes: TREK-520 & 830
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Is it close enough to you to test drive? This way you can check stand over & how this size bike "feels" under you.
I'm 5'11" & have a 21 inch* 1993 520, although the frame is way small by the numbers, I got it comfortable for me.
*do note that Trek measured their frames differently than most others back then, I still have the sticker from the bike in my owners manual that says "Trek Specs 21"/53.5cm Frame"
~Roger
PS. I bought this one new, & in those days we were buying smaller frames for touring & pulling trailers.
I'm 5'11" & have a 21 inch* 1993 520, although the frame is way small by the numbers, I got it comfortable for me.
*do note that Trek measured their frames differently than most others back then, I still have the sticker from the bike in my owners manual that says "Trek Specs 21"/53.5cm Frame"
~Roger
PS. I bought this one new, & in those days we were buying smaller frames for touring & pulling trailers.
Last edited by Rogerinchrist; 06-26-08 at 10:51 PM.
#7
Slow and Steady
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 346
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Is it close enough to you to test drive? This way you can check stand over & how this size bike "feels" under you.
I'm 5'11" & have a 21 inch* 1993 520, although the frame is way small by the numbers, I got it comfortable for me.
*do note that Trek measured their frames differently then most others back then, I still have the sticker from the bike in my owners manual that says "Trek Specs 21"/53.5cm Frame"
~Roger
PS. I bought this one new, & in those days we were buying smaller frames for touring & pulling trailers.
I'm 5'11" & have a 21 inch* 1993 520, although the frame is way small by the numbers, I got it comfortable for me.
*do note that Trek measured their frames differently then most others back then, I still have the sticker from the bike in my owners manual that says "Trek Specs 21"/53.5cm Frame"
~Roger
PS. I bought this one new, & in those days we were buying smaller frames for touring & pulling trailers.
Sorry for all the questions, I'm just starting to look into touring and have been spending most of my time reading tour diaries.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Plymouth,WI
Posts: 724
Bikes: TREK-520 & 830
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I guess I'm confused... so for touring bikes, you don't purchase as you would for a road bike? When I heard that the bike was 53 cm, I thought that it would fit. One thing about me is that I have the shorter legs/longer torso. From your picture, I see that you raised the handle bars quite high, is that normal for touring?
Sorry for all the questions, I'm just starting to look into touring and have been spending most of my time reading tour diaries.
Sorry for all the questions, I'm just starting to look into touring and have been spending most of my time reading tour diaries.
Handle bars for many touring folk end up even with the seat or a little higher.
Again, THE best thing to do would be to take that bike for a test ride.
#9
Crossfit
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Kenosha, Wi
Posts: 57
Bikes: '05 Trek 520, Specialized Rockhopper, Litespeed Arenberg, Hurricane Force 4 Tri-bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just for reference I'm also 5'9 and ride the 23" 520. Given the short head tube on this bike, I still needed a high rise stem to put the stem even with the seat. My road ride is a 55cm Litespeed.
#10
Slow and Steady
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 346
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Plymouth,WI
Posts: 724
Bikes: TREK-520 & 830
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts