Couldn't resist adding this one to the stable even though it's way too big for me:


















Serial # 113022 puts it right at the end of the production run for 1983 24" 520s. Color might be the 1984 taupe?

Condition is a bit rough, but it seems to be pretty much original.

Might make a nice suprise for my taller "little" brother.




Steve

Awesome bike!!

I'd have to guess it sold as an '84, as far as I know '83's didn't have Canti's.

Hey, that's just my size! I think your brother would prefer something a bit more sporty, like this.

Nice catch!

Nice bike Steve! That 520 has a longer chainstay than my 85. Hope your brother can ride it.

JunkYardBike, My 520 is a 60cm but it's only partially put together. Needs cables, and such if your interested. It's a little small for me.

This is what it looked like before I robbed all the newer parts off for my Miyata 1000.

Bad News/Good News...

Bad:

Well, my brother stopped by today and felt the bike was a bit big for him. At least I got bro points for the offer. (I'll probably build him up a "slick" tire mtn bike that he'll feel comfortable on)

Good:

I found a bike I've been looking for for 20 years (vintage, but definitely not "classic"). I can't beleive I have a chance to get back the bike, unfortunately the price is STEEP. I'll have to sell off a few of my favorites and this new sweetie will probably go too since it is to big for me and I hate to think it would be hanging on a wall when it should be out crossing the USA.

Thanks for the input guys, and I'll still be around as I plan on hanging on to my 720 and Bianchi until I'm too old to ride them.


Steve

Want to trade for a beat 22.5" 728?

-Kurt

I am hijacking this thread to make the following announcements:

1) I am happy to report that this beautiful Trek 520 now resides with me, where it shall be refurbished to the best of my ability; and,

2) My new friend [EastCoast]Steve is an honorable man of his word--and the world needs more people like him. Thank you Steve.

Here it sits as yet untouched, after my first shakedown cruise:


I had anticipated perhaps making some updates along the lines of aero levers with crosstop interrupters, but have changed my mind. I now plan to proceed with an "...If it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentalilty--and lucky for me, nothing's broke! I think a thorough cleaning, along with new cables, rubber and bar tape will be the extent of my efforts for now. After that first ride, I have realized that this bike lacks nothing I really need.

I promised Steve regular updates of my progress, so here we go, step one:


And this photo may be a bit cliche...but really, does it get much better than this? A beautiful day, a cold beer, and all the parts coming off cleanly...Thanks again, Steve.

Matt,

Thanks for the props. I can't tell you how happy I am that the bike ended up in the right hands.


Progress shots look great and that ale looks mighty tasty.




Cheers,

Steve

I'm just about finished parts cleaning. I'm impressed with the Cyclone M-II derailleur--it's really smooth and extremely light:


And I've never had a bike with one of these Stronglight needle-bearing headsets. I like it.


And I think this triple crank is really pretty:


I'm waiting for this heatwave to break so I can work outside--I want to treat the frame with Framesaver before I start reassembly. Hope to have it together soon.

Some more progress pics. Everything is coming together nicely--I'm basically just waiting for some new tires to arrive and will replace the old bartape. I'd like to solicit some opinions about bartape color. I was planning on going with a natural leather color, but now am also considering black. The tires will be fat Continental blackwalls, and along with the black Matrix rims, I'm thinking black bartape might look nice--sort of a "no-nonsense" feel. I hope to have it finished soon...

Well, my 520 is all finished. I took it for a spin downtown and back this morning--about twenty five miles or so. I'm really loving this bike. I wanted something I could take for long-distance rides that cover asphalt, dirt, and gravel roads--and this fits the bill perfectly. I will be installing some Kool-Stop pads for the old Dia-Compes, as the braking efficiency was shockingly poor--even after freshening-up the rubber with sandpaper, etc.

I'm also considering keeping my Trek "RocketBoys" Concor saddle on it. I kind of like the way it looks there.

Nice job neighbor! She looks great! We should take our Treks out for a ride sometime.

Thanks Machin Shin! West River Drive/Art Museum...any given Saturday morning. Your Trek is beautiful, it looks like new.

Nice job Matt. The 520 looks fabulous. I'm really digging the black accents...gives it a don't mess with the old guy stance.

I know I said it before, but I'm so glad that bike ended up with you...looking forward to putting a few miles on next to you this summer when work slows down a bit.


Congrats.

Steve

Very nice job on your bike. Hope you enjoy it.

Spiffy bike! The posts unfolded like a short story.

My trek has the same headset as well! I gave it a thorough cleaning when I overhauled my bike.
I wish I could join you on your ride! USAzorro as well, he has one of these nice treks as well
Mines of the same vintage as yours (84).

You have done a great job of modernizing that bike, but I strongly suggest you consider removing the stickers from the rims. They really take your eyes away from the beauty of the bike itself.