Originally Posted by
Mrbikybike
I was leaning towards the troll myself but it would indeed be more costly. The price for the Trek is for the complete bike. I don't have any extra parts laying around so I was leaning towards a full shimano xt t8000 group which would come to 550 something and 26" 42s wheels because of my weight. This would already come to a 1000-1200 euros not counting for racks or bags haha.
Would you recommend a lower groupset? I just want it to last a long time that's why I would go for the xt. I don't have a lot of money as I am a student but I'm saving every penny for a bike. Used to ride a full carbon fixie but it got stolen so now it's time for something different. Exploring the world with a bike and a tent seems to me like the best holiday I could imagine
My opinion is that XT is overkill for touring. In building up my Troll I went expensive with bottom bracket (Phil Wood) and handlebars (Jones Loop). My drivetrain is 9 spd Deore. It's completely competent for touring/commuting, and I've even ridden MTB parks. I have a sister-in-law in the industry, so was able to get a HED Belgium+ wheelset for cheap. Much of the rest I purchased through FB and Craigs (Cambium Saddle, Ritchey Comp Seatpost, BB7 Brakes).
As stated above, the Troll is just a great, great frame. I just switched from Big Apple 2.35" to 2", but I've also used 32mm. With something like the latter you could ride a 29er wheelset without any issues. It would raise the bottom bracket a bit, but no more than do the 3" tires many people are putting on their Trolls. If I were you, however, I would stick with the 26" wheelset for a stronger build, and doubt seriously that you would need to go with 42s. Put on a pair of the 2.35" Big Apples at 40 psi (you'll be surprised how well they roll) and you take a lot of strain off the spokes.
One more thing that needs mentioning. The 520, with longer chainstays, is built for rack and panniers. The Troll is better with bikepacking gear, as the shorter chainstays would mean heal strike on panniers unless you extend the rack farther back, and if you do that then you're taking away some of the nimbleness of the frame. So if you want to go the racks and panniers route then go with the 520. If you want to do framebag, bar harness and saddle/seatpost bag (and I believe you can put Salsa Anything cages on the newer Troll fork) then I would recommend the Troll.