Originally Posted by
PhoenixBiker
I have two nice road bikes, but would like to get a gravel grinder for use on some of the rail trails we have here in West Virginia. I have an 18-year-old frameset for a Trek 520 touring bike with linear-pull brakes, and was thinking about using that as a base to build up a 'grinder. The 520 frameset has a relaxed geometry, bosses for racks and clearance for larger tires. Is there any reason why it wouldn't work as a 'grinder? Thanks in advance for your advice.
my first gravel bike was based on an early 90s Univega hybrid frame. Plenty of room for wider tires and the geometry worked great.
my brother in law's gravel bike is based on a 25yo trek hybrid that has the same true temper tubing and geometry as the 520 from that year.
A 520 frame is an excellent starting point to build something fun for dirt and gravel riding.