Originally Posted by
shelbyfv
I think it's interesting that Trek is giving OP such a generous credit, likely close to what he paid several years ago. He'll get a much nicer bike, modern spec and components several levels better. Cost to him will be as if he had traded in his old bike w/o any depreciation. Plus he got quite a bit of use out of it, including at least one accident. With a little thought he could use any gearing he wants, including a triple. I wonder if he can keep the old components?
He's getting a $1300 credit to spend on a $2500 bike that isn't a viable replacement for an on-road touring bike. He still has to spend about $1300, so he might well be better off with a good steel frame and fork purchased elsewhere. (Unfortunately my Soma Saga disc isn't manufactured any more, but for $700 he would have come out way ahead of Trek's "generous" offer. There are likely similar options from other manufacturers. For $1300, he could get a boutique custom steel frame from some makers.)