The 520 is a time tested touring bike and is great value at $1000 USD. If you do a search on BF, I’m sure a few hundred threads will come up! The most common remarks are that the gearing should be changed to accommodate the big hills and that the rear rack is not strong enough for loaded touring. The frame is 4130 double butted cro-moly steel, not sure what brand of steel and apparently Trek has changed the frame for 2004. I am sure you will get a few replies from happy owners.