I have not yet toured. But, I am constantly training by piling up lots of miles per week and hauling anywhere from 25 to 40 pounds of dummy weight on board. I've finally, after eight months, worked up to a loaded century. That was last week-end on my Trek 520. Nice bike, nice ride.

Today, I just got in from my 2nd century - on my 1988 Trek 830 MTB, morphed for more comfort ( skinnier tires, different bars and a good saddle).

This bike is an old 18 ringer with Ovaltech chainrings by Sakae. Back then, the better Trek MTB's came with Shimano BioPace and better shifters, but I didn't have the scratch. It is a Taiwan Trek which generally is considered to have 'no pedigree.' Still, it has a very good triple-butted Chro-Moly frame and chainstays that are 18" long. Lots of 'old school' attachment points and double eyelets both front and rear. Bombproof. I love this bike.

Truth be told, I have some trouble seeing the quality difference between the frames (520 vs 830). In fact, there appear to be more similarities. The 520 is a 1998 and is hand assembled and welded here in the USA. Both are flawless as far as I can see. The 520 is about 4 lbs lighter stripped. It definitely has better grade components, for sure. But, no way would I pay $1,100 for a new 520 after knowing what I know now because of this comparison. I payed $550 and was glad to do it. The 830 was also $550 back in the day!

Bottom line, I'd tour with either one and I will. Thumbs up for Mountain Bikes. They're like Jeeps - at home on or off road.