Trek 520's are NOT a 'foray' into the touring market, banzai. Trek's been making touring bikes longer than most builders around today, and the Trek Touring was one of, if not their first bicycle they produced. In 1976, i think. So, 31 years of heritage and fine tuning, NOT a 'foray", banzai.
They've kind of perpetuated the touring bike, this is not a feint into the market for Trek.
And built in Wisconsin too. I just wish mine came with cheese curds....