As far as the B17 being wet I can't give too much of a review. I've put approx 1200 miles on it and that includes light rain to torrential rain with no issues. it really has made the bike more comftorable.

Top service by Trek
 

Well last night I was going to be asking about whether I need a wheel re build . Fortunately the servers were due maintenance and I phoned Trek them selves who put me onto their local seller.

I explained how I purchased the bike last year (April 2015) and have had no issues until recently where I have had a spoke pop every other few weeks on the rear wheel. The guy asked for photos of wheel, frame number and proof of purchase. Done and sent him those and within a few hours the store had spoke to Trek and they are now sending out a pair of replacement wheels that they will fit for free.

I was not expecting this at all I thought it was wear and tear and just expected to be in for some costly repairs.

This service speaks volumes.

Wow! That's amazing customer service!

Has anyone installed a BV two legged kickstand on their 520 disc? I have one, but I don't like how the included bracket has to fit to clear the cables and cable guides on the frame. It will probably work, but it'll look off, and mar up the frame a bit.

https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7394/2...397f30af_c.jpg

Finally got the 920 rack in, and I think it looks great on the 520! The mounts don't line up, so you either need to run P-clamps, or find a little bracket extension like I did. Seems to be very solid, and surprisingly light for it's size.

https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7288/2...67206a08_c.jpg

touring bags
 

I want to get rear touring bags. I want the largest I can fit on the stock rack that comes with the bike. What kind do you have that I can get?

Ortlieb panniers have adjustable mount points and will fit the stock Trek rear rack.

I also have the Ortlieb Back Rollers, and have been using them for my commute. 40L of storage I believe between the two bags. What's neat is you can find a backpack attachment for them online, and I've found it an extremely convenient accessory.

11sp Wheelset
 

So I'm building my bike on the 520 Disc frame set. I found a good deal on a 105 5800 groupset, and everything was going peachy until it was time to buy some affordable wheels. The wheels I like and can afford are either not disc compatible or not 11sp compatible. I was looking to spend no more than 200 bucks, and so far the only one close to that price range are the Mavic Aksium Disc. Can some one share some ideas or suggest something similar but 100 bucks cheaper?

Whenever I've had wheels built, I've gone with Sunlite Ryno Lite or similar CR-18 from them. I know non disc rims are only $20 each average. Then it's spokes and a set of Deore hubs (all you need). Building is about $70 a wheel on top. Turns out solid.

Look at Sunlite options?

I'll look into them. However I'm leaning towards the Aksium Disc more and more. Rode a friends bike w Ksyrium wheels and didn't seem all that bad. I know the Aksium are a cheaper version, but in not competing or racing.

You could build it up as its intended- a 9speed.
Or you could get the Aksiums for $300. <---boy thats a lot for what is called, by the retailer, an entry level wheelset.
Or you could do this with a 10sp wheelset which may be in your price range----> How to convert a 10-speed 29er wheel to a ?cross disc hoop and align rotors - VeloNews.com
Or you could build up some wheels on your own with these hubs since they are disc, 11sp, and 135mm rear ----> Shimano CX75 11 Speed Centerlock Hubs > Components > Wheel Parts > Rear Hubs | Jenson USA

I second djkenny's recommendation on the Ryno Lites. I have them on my 520, along with with Deore LX Hubs & 35mm Schwalbe Marathons. They stay true forever! 'Best wheel setup I've had on the bike since I bought it in '94.

I have no equipment to build a wheelset. I'd have to find somebody other than my local bike shop. I know it's probably easier than it looks, but I'll need to buy proper tools. I will however do more research, it seems it's the way to go especially for mid to high end sets. I just needed something dirt cheap to get me going with this bike build, that has drained my malnourished piggy bank.

Here's a picture of my '91 when I just put the Soma Portola bars on. I really like the wide stance, it makes it feel like it's ready for some real adventuring. I'll be testing a touring setup this weekend for an overnighter, I'll try to snag a picture of it loaded up.
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-...46746619_o.jpg

nice bike but seriously u need to dropkick that front rack over the nearest hedge.i like your bike tho im no big fan of front racks or the dreaded disc brakes shouldn't be allowed on bikes no need for them.

To each their own, I suppose. Me, I love a big front platform rack. I can strap anything I want to it, and can easily carry (and maneuver) 40 pounds of groceries in one giant bag. I admit that this rack, the Soma Porteur, is a poor fit on a fork without rack bosses. I'm planning on swapping that out to a dedicated commuter and getting a new Specialized Pizza rack for the 520.

Tiredhands,
I kind of thought that looked like a porteur rack on there but without a front or angled view it was hard to tell. To me it looks like it is ready for anything that you want to put it to use for.

Here is a pic of mine again just because I want to show it again.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...psfdywyqhd.jpg

Question for any who have purchased the recent 520 non-disc models—is your crank silver or black? In the two pictures on Trek's website one 520 has a silver crank and one has a black crank.

520 | Trek Bikes

Here's the '90 520 mildly loaded for my first overnighter with it. It handled the front load superbly, it was almost like it was designed for it :p

Question for any who have purchased a recent (2015 or newer) 520 non-disc—did your bike come with a silver crank or a black crank? The Trek web page for the 520 shows both, and I'm curious what is actually shipping.

Thanks!

Before buying the frame set alone, I was almost going to buy the 2016 Disc and came with silver cranks, even though the web showed black.

On another note, I purchased the Aksium Disc wheelset, so far no complaints. Wheels arrived true and ready to ride. That was the last component needed to complete my build.

http://http://s1358.photobucket.com/...feivo.jpg.html

http://<a href="http://s1358.photobu...ivo.jpg"/></a>

I believe its a 1993 Trek 520. Took me over a month checking the kijiji and CL to find a Trek 520 in my size. Touring bikes are hard to come by in the classified

Other than the brand sticker being a little worn out, the bike is in amazing condition. Couldn't be happier picking up the bike for $300 cnd.

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psusgfyyfa.jpg

You right about the craigslisting on 520's. In my area I have only seen one and it was the wrong size. But when I do find one, it will be worth it. :)