As posted in the same thread over in General...
- Buy whatever Trek will get you close to your $1300 credit.
- Sell that bike without riding it.
- Buy an REI ADV1.1 for $1000. https://www.rei.com/product/220761/c...es-adv-11-bike
- Be happy with your new touring bike that has good stock gear range.
Originally Posted by HendersonD
I was told by the dealer the wheels from the $520 will not fit the Checkpoint. Not sure about the drivetrain
I do get to keep the 520, I thought about trying to sell some of the parts, not sure there is a market for them
Wait, you keep the 520 frame and components?
Just buy a replacement frame and move the components to the new frame. Surly, New Albion, Black Mountain, AllCity, etc all have steel frame and fork options for $1000 or less. Buy the frameset that has the geometry you like most and swap the components.
Then buy a new reek that costs $1200, sell it for whatever you can, and call it good.
Again- an REI touring bike is just over $1000 right now and is a legit solid ready to ride touring bike with tested geometry.
There is nothing inherently special about Trek. Spend the money and sell a bike to offset the cost for what you actually want.