Looking at the 520 geometry, I was impressed right up to the part where I saw the headtube length. Way too short for this application. Everybody is having to stuff 3 or more headset spacers under the stem, and then run 6 degree or more rise stems. For a loaded application, why not support the fork steer better with a proper headtube. Spacers are a much flexier way to go to achieve the equivalent stem height.

IMO, when I see someone with a bike that's got more than 1.5" of spacers under the stem, it just screams "bad fit".

Also, it would be nice if the fork had forward and rearward eyelets for racks and fenders. This would be inexpensive fix for Trek and would make it easier to set up with various front racks.

Components are easily changed and eventually wear out but changing the headtube is anything but easy.

Lastly, it's still steel (no Alu like Cannondale) and still has a nice bar con and sturdy wheel spec, and the price is reasonable. They'll continue to sell and all we can hope is they continue to improve.