1987 Trek 520 geometry
 

Thinking of buying a 1987 Trek 520 frame. It's a 19 inch frame, and as near as I can tell, that's only a 47.5mm seat tube. I'm 5'9 and a half, but I have very short legs. I usually ride a 53cm frame with very little seatpost showing so I can have enough length. The top tube of the Trek is over 54cm, so it's plenty long, but it seems like it might be really small. Any thoughts on whether an extra 2 inches or so of seapost and bar height will make things uncomfortable?

I don't know if this helps, but I bought one of these in 1989, and am also 5'9 with proportionally shorter legs. A 19" would have been too small for me. It was a good fit for me because of the long top tube, but I was most comfortable on a frame that was technically very slightly too large in terms of standover. In other words, I was more comfortable sizing up rather than down, unlike most other bikes I have owned.

I am 5'9" and when I have a 19" to refurbish, I don't even want to road test them.

I have the exact same year and model. There's considerable differences and changes through the years of the 520, so do keep that in mind. 5' 11" on a 21" with a 115mm stem. I'm now planning to change it to a 80 or 90mm length. Also have plenty of seat post showing.

From your description, I think you'd be fine. You might consider having a few stems on hand to swap out. Trial and find whats ideal.

About the '87 (Cirrus). Stock they came with 27" rubber. I built my bike and right from the start went to a taller profile tire but in 700c. Yet I do think it still lowered the overall height. That may make a difference for you as well.

If I recall the chainstays length were all the same across the board. No worry of heel kicking panniers.

Thanks!

I was on the fence about wheels, since I'd be going ground-up. Depending on clearance, it might be great to go with a smaller wheel and pretty fat tires, though I'll definitely need fenders, as I'm moving to Seattle. Or I could just go with 27s and keep the whole thing period-correct and have the newest, cheapest bike in Eroica. :)

If acquiring just as a frameset, I wouldn't waste the effort going with 27". Mine is sort of a mash-up of stuff on hand to scrounge for build. Most of it older than 1987 components but also some later. On 700 x 35c with very tight fitting Axiom Paceline DLX mudguards. The reflective center is superb. Took lots of fitting to make it work but I love this rig. Have yet to final the bar wrap, change bars and stem.

[IMG]https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5207/2...18931f8f_c.jpgDSC_1037 by carrera247, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8377/2...fa2de6d3_c.jpgDSC_1044 by carrera247, on Flickr[/IMG]

I on the other hand am 5'8" and have the 22-1/2" frame. Go figure. Not much post showing but very comfortable with an 80mm stem.