kevink159

i am buying a new bike this year, and I think (thought) I had it pretty much figured out, then I saw the Trek X 500. It looks loke a perfect touring bike, it is all set to go without buying $100 more worth of crap on top of the price of the bike. I have never heard anyone talk of it before so I am wondering why. Is there a major flaw that I am missing? The only thing I so not understand is the sales lit says the crank is a "Shimano M460 9 speed with chainring gaurd". I am assuming this is a misprint, why would anyone want a 9 speed crank? Any info would be apprieciated, I'm going to my LBS tomorrow to bug them again, but I do like more than 1 opinion. Thanks,


Kevin

ScituateJohn

I think that the crank has only three chainrings, but they are designed for nine-speed chains.

Camel

Those X series Treks look like nice ready to go tourers! The TREK site notes that: AVAILABILITY BENELUX AND DENMARK ONLY! (for the X500). I've no idea why?

Please let us know if this turns out not to be the case!

[EDIT]--OOPS--I must have been on the "International site" or some nonsense-They are available here!

Tom808

I liked the look of the X500 also. My LBS does not stock this model, but offered to order it for me. When looking at the rear rack I could not see how my panniers would attach at the bottom. When looking further, it seems like the rear rack and fenders have non standard attachment to accommodate the disk brakes. I have seen many posts regarding difficulties with fitting accessories on bikes with disk brakes, so I will be sticking to model with more traditional brake- a 520 or maybe REI randonee.

Also, do you know what type of light is included? Does this bike have a generator hub, or is the light battery powered?