coupleing a 520
 

Well maybe it is not a classic, but to me it is old.

I have a Trek 520 and have it all set up with racks for bags front and back. Flex stem,fenders and flex seat post. All set for real touring except, I don't really tour that way.

So what I have been thinking about is having it cut to add SIS couplers, remove the racks and perm fenders to opt for just a tail rack and removable fenders in case needed. However, a question back in my mind keeps saying that even with the reduction of stuff the bike is going to be way heaver than if I got a Waterford and had it coupled????

Is the Trek 520 frame really heavier than the average road bike???, which is what I have to keep up with on my 'credit card' trips.

Bilenky - does a retro fit coupler on steel bikes- not all 520's were created equal -
what year - if you are doing couplers for travel with a touring it's good as any. It's not light - but it's built to handle a load. by the way I have a Waterford Adventure cycle - non coupled - around $2000 frame alone - I just take it apart ship it when I travel - sometimes ship it ahead via rail, or bus, - I have a travel case. Big jump from a 520 to a coupled bike and or a Waterford, what are myou trying to accomplish.

I would like to know more about contacting this "Bilenky".

I am trying to get a coupled bike for 'credit card' tours but do not want to have a hard time always fighting stay up with the others who are on Pocket Rockets and light road bikes. They have money and ship full bikes, I need to cut expenses over time and need a coupled bike.

I have a 520 i never use because i don't travel with bags abnd it is set up with racks. Was figuring that i could convert it maybe or it would just be to much of a bike and not needed, thus i save for another.

http://www.bilenky.com/Retrofits.html

thats the link to Bilenky's retrofit (of S&S couplers) page.

marty

Great.
I went there and spec'ed a bike with polished lugs (well as long as I am looking new might as well get nice lugs). Then I went to Waterford and spec'ed a bike. Difference -$800.00

Jeff,

Are you talking about ordering a custom Bilenky now? First of all 520 is a nice 531 bike, it was never wow bike. The Waterford is a a combination of 853 and a custom 531 fork. Coupling either of these bikes will make them ride even more differently. Both of these are loaded touring bikes - neither are go fast credit card touring bikes - if that is your purpose.

Mike