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Old 11-21-18 | 02:08 PM
  #19  
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seeker333
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Joined: Feb 2004
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Bikes: yes!

Here is a review with more than Trek's promotional photos. Observations gleaned from this review:

1. Under downtube mount provided for a third water bottle.

2. Two more bottle mounts on fork legs, unusable when included front rack (and panniers) are fitted, but 5 water bottles total if bikepacking with no front rack.

3. Dropout/chainstay kickstand mount provided.

4. 51mm IS brake mounts front and rear.

5. Chainstays appear nearly flattened at widest point to permit max tire width of 2"/51mm. Does this affect lateral deflection from pedaling, rear triangle rigidity, metal fatigue, longevity?

6. Mounts and clearance for front and rear fenders provided. Max tire size with fenders is ~41-46mm depending on fenders and gap preference. Nice low mounting points on front and rear dropouts to keep load low.

7. Included racks are Al rod, expedition-style front rack likely 3-4X the weight of Tubus Tara, offset somewhat by lighter Al fork (vs steel). Those who prefer to choose their own racks may be disappointed to buy racks, saddle and pedals twice.

8. 28mm wide, 36h rims laced to Alivio/M475 hubs seem cheap for a $1680+tax bike. The upside is you can buy replacement M475 hubs from Amazon for $19 and rebuild as needed.

9. 520 appears to have 25-30mm of steerer tube / handlebar rise as sold, which may be inadequate for some bicyclists. Surly LHT/DT offers 50-110mm steerer depending on frame/wheel size, far more accommodating for upright position.

10. Claimed weight of 57cm 520 is 31 lbs minus pedals (520 includes Wellgo pedals).

11. 520 is rated for 275 lbs total - If bike weighs 32 lbs and fenders, Brooks saddle, Marathon tires, lights, lock, bags, gear and provisions weigh 43 lbs, bicyclist should weigh <200 lbs.














Last edited by seeker333; 11-21-18 at 05:18 PM.
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