Originally Posted by
cyccommute
Going from to a compact geometry is only a minor tweak to the frame. It will essentially ride the same way as the original 520. And going from inches to metric doesn't change anything. It's still the same distance. Only the digits have changed.
As for "tour ready" bike, the LHT, the 520, the Randonee, etc. are all tour ready. You could start a loaded tour from the showroom floor without any additions. You might want to add stuff but you wouldn't need to add anything.
First, there is nothing wrong with a parts bin bike, not if the parts all work together. I've owned very few bikes that were made from a single groupset. If I build a bike, I especially don't use one groupset. I agree that Trek is paying attention now but they were letting their attention wander for a few years there. I'd still suggest avoiding those years if you are looking to buying a complete bike.
I think we are pretty close in our thinking. Still, the 520s, as well as the built up LHTs I've seen weren't quite ready for prime time. IMO, The 520's rear rack, while usable, is not exactly the build quality most of us would accept. And, no front rack at all. The tires are also a no go. Unless you are Ok with Bontrager Race Lites. My 04 520 came with Bontrager kevlar belt tires. 5, count'em 5 flats in three weeks before I threw in the towel and rebooted with Conti Top Touring 2000s. I now run Schwalbes.
The LHTs at my local LBS, Trophy Bikes in Philly, were built up using road gearing and without racks. I don't recall what tires were shoed on the rims only thinking that, that's something else I would need to change.
So, I guess you could tour right off the showroom floor with these bikes but IMO for these reasons, I wouldn't.
I own two 520s, an 89 and an 04. I use one and my son the other. I also had a 96 520, but I sold it about 7 or 8 years ago. So to say i'm a true believer or brand loyal, yeah, that fits!!!
BTW, what rain suit do you use?