Originally Posted by eofelis

We have had Trek 520 bikes (2002 and 2003 models, identical specs those years). Pretty nice set ups with very nice wheels: Bontrager Fairlane double wall rims, eyeletted, 36 spokes, LX hubs.

We were recently looking over the specs of the '06 520s as a friend of ours is thinking about buying a touring bike. The kit is still the same, but the wheels have been changed (downgraded). They are now Bontrager Mavericks, not eyeletted, 32 spokes. A quick call to a buddy who works at a local Trek dealer confirmed this. A bit disappointing, as the previous wheels set was very nice. Of course the price went up too.

But it's still one of the nicest out-of-the-box tourers out there for 10 or so c-notes.