520 or range bike, compared.
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520 or range bike, compared.
Does anything truly compare to the Trek 520 for touring and all-around commuting? I have a Gary Fisher range bike, which is basically a hybrid with touring saddle, flat bar with extensions, touring tires, rack, fenders, lights, etc. This is a very comfortable bike. But I have not taken it on any tours yet. I have taken it on many 20 mile trips (2800 miles per year in commuting), but nothing touring-noteworthy. Now, looking at the many, many different set-ups on-line people use for touring, I'm wondering what is the best. I guess I'm looking for an excuse to "spend" or "save" $900 on a new bike. Advise. Thanks for the tips to come.
Cheers,
Urbanmonk
Cheers,
Urbanmonk
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I guess you could say I turned my 520 into a range or trekking bike. It now has flat handlebars with extensions (bar ends), fenders, rack, touring tires. I've seen a number of bikes like this listed as touring/trekking bikes.
If your Gary Fisher is comfortable, has the right gearing, and can hold all the luggage you want to take on tour, I say save the money.
If your Gary Fisher is comfortable, has the right gearing, and can hold all the luggage you want to take on tour, I say save the money.
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It is comfortable, and has the right gearing, it is the components and wheels that mainly concern me. With a Suntour set of cranks, which were bent in a crash this winter (straightened them out as much as possible), and Shimano "Altus" derailer (never heard of it), C101 front derailer, I'm a bit concerned. Also, the wheels are Matrix 550s: 36 spoke, 14 guage. I think this bike would work for CC tours, and long commuting. I guess I've always been one to worry about that "what if" factor; maybe that's why my house is storm-proof. Thanks.
Cheers,
Urbanmonk
Cheers,
Urbanmonk
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Low-end Shimano gear mechs work well. I get about 2 years of commuting out of them. They are heavy but change gear as well as the expensive light ones.
Take the bike on a weekend shakedown tour and see how it behaves. You just need to get some confidence in your bike.
Take the bike on a weekend shakedown tour and see how it behaves. You just need to get some confidence in your bike.
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Altus is on the lower end of the Shimano line.
I'd be worried about a bent crank. Aluminum doesn't bend well. But you probably had your LBS check it out.
The Matrix 550 rims are probably OK - but I bet the hubs are pretty low end.
The bike does sound OK for CC tours and commutes. Probably not set up for real loaded touring.
I can identify with your search process. I've gone through a fair number of mid-priced bikes ($300-$600) before finding exactly what I wanted. If only I could have figured it out earlier!
I'd be worried about a bent crank. Aluminum doesn't bend well. But you probably had your LBS check it out.
The Matrix 550 rims are probably OK - but I bet the hubs are pretty low end.
The bike does sound OK for CC tours and commutes. Probably not set up for real loaded touring.
I can identify with your search process. I've gone through a fair number of mid-priced bikes ($300-$600) before finding exactly what I wanted. If only I could have figured it out earlier!
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Bradw, I completely agree with you. I only paid $259 for the hybrid, it's all the extras that bring the price up. I hate wasting money unnecessarily. But I will take all the goodies off the bike before I sell--if I decide to sell it. I'm about 1cm away from the Trek 520; but, that's another post.