I'm considering buying a Trek 520 that is 15 years old and in good overall condition. Asking price is $1000. I figured closer to $350? Or, is there a better place to post a question like this? Thank you for the guidance.

more like $250 or less according to the bicycle blue book

Geez! What does a brand new one cost?

That person is asking the moon unless the bike is immaculate has top end components that weren't ridden much and treated with the utmost care and respect and maybe it was a rarer bike. The 520 is certainly not a bad bike but for a 15 year old bike it is not worth it. If you can talk the seller down to $250 maybe go for it. Still though I wouldn't unless these things were changed: Cranks (to a MTB triple like a Sugino XD600), nicer brakes, pads and cross levers and probably a good rack. I would probably also change the rear cassette to an 11-32 or 11-34, change out the saddle for something I like and find an older XTR RD just for fun.

You just have to accept that there are a lot of delusional people out there selling stuff. If you have decided you are going to by a used bike just be patient and wait till a good price comes along. There are good deals out there.

I'm not sure why people selling bicycles think they never depreciate. Would they ask $25,000 for a 15 year old pickup and expect to get it, or $1,500 for a 10 year old laptop computer? I don't think most bikes of that age are worth more than $100. The 520 might be worth a little more because it was built stoutly, and for the purpose you might want it for.

If the bike fits, if it doesn't show anything that need to be replaced immediately (except maybe tires), you might offer $250 and settle for $300. Be prepared to walk away as quickly as you can, politely of course, if the seller resists.

More importantly, what did a brand new one cost 15 years ago? I rode across the country 16 years ago (in 1999). One person had a new 520. Wish I could ask her what she paid for it. I rode a Cannondale T700. I bought a '98 model because they were switching to brifters for '99 and I wanted bar ends. I got a deal because it was the end of the year, but I still think the retail price was less than $1K.

New Trek 520 MSRP was about $1,089

2000 Trek 520 - BikePedia

And a brand new one costs $1,259.99

Disclaimer: Price is determined by how much people are willing to pay for something. Not by engineering or quality or suitability. It really is that simple.

If the 520 is in excellent condition with no discernible wear, then I would say that it is definitely worth $350 -$400, that is, if it's a real good fit for you. I think a better question is, what is a new bike worth? The 520 was considered a very good touring bike 15 years ago, and I would argue that not a lot has changed on the 520 to make a new one that much better. Are 9 speed cassettes really better than 8? While many people would argue that you would have to swap out all sorts of parts on a new or old bike to make it suitable for touring, there is no consensus on what those new parts would necessarily be (especially true since no one knows what sort of riding you intend to do).

So, with decent used Trek, Surly, Fuji, and other bikes available for a few hundred dollars, why spend over $1,000 for a new bike?

All things being equal--low miles, good components, etc.--I would pay more for a lugged pre 1994 520 to a tig welded 2000. That said, however, while a 620 would be worth even $350, I don't think a 520 would.

I find bicycle blue book to be completely baseless since it can't take into account location and alternate options.
Sure, it's a good place to start, but you must take the pricing with more than a grain of salt...think a salt lick.

That pricing, to me, is nuts unless it comes fully reconditioned with new drive train components and bags and racks.

A new 520 is $1200 and spec'd really nice.
A Novara Randonee is $100p or so with coupon and is spec'd really nice.

Given my 6 bikes are between 23 and 35 years old, I am all for keeping an older bike going. But $100p is nuts.


If it fits you perfect, I would think somewhere between $250 and $500 is reasonable, depending on condition of components and frame.
Chainrings which need to be replaced are $60 total for non ramped. New tires will be $100.
Etc etc etc.

Costs add up quickly for updating.

Thanks for all of your input. The nail was hit on the head in regards to the bike book, as it does not allow for upgrades. I own a 2013, 520-with Ultegra, and XTR components, oh, and S&S couplers, amongst other substantial upgrades. So I understand the pricing a little, just wanted some back up. Upsetting though, I couldn't find my Centurian (I thought by Diamondback) circa 1990! Thanks all. Have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! I am off to Florida, and won't be online for a couple weeks. Cheers!

BBB goes back to 92 at most, I believe.

Enjoy the weather change for the next couple weeks.

I agree. On EBay I see a large variation in prices for sold used bikes--I guess some sellers luck out with a motivated buyer so other sellers want to get that price. & some sellers might be guys who do a little cottage industry buying cheap stuff & reselling.