520


Cyclone

A while back I lucked into a Miyata 1000LT, a ‘91. THE touring bike! It’s a beautiful machine and a SOLID touring bike. But I wanted the classic floaty ride of a long legged old school tourer.

So I began keeping my eyes open to see what I could find. A Nishiki Cresta GT I wasn’t able to get to fast enough followed by a Trek 520! An ‘84 too! So 45.5cm chain stays, half plus granny triple, Canti brakes, a NICE find! AND states away in Pennsylvania a 620!
The 620 was advertised as a “vintage trek” with lousy pictures from inside a storage unit. I sent an email pleading for him to ship it and not expecting an answer, meanwhile making arrangements to see the 520.
The 520 was straight and true, a bit of superficial rust but easily cleanable. And the long cage Cyclone derailleur just shifts like a dream.

I handed over two Benjamin’s and loaded it into the van. I pulled out the driveway and got about 150 feet down the road and my PHONE RINGS. It’s the 620 seller and he’d be happy to ship it!

So...
Now I’ve got one of each!

I was worried about the 620, not being able to look it over, but my gamble paid off. It’s in even better shape than the 520. Even pulling the kickstand off revealed some paint scuffing but no tube deformation.