labestiahumana

BigAura

very pretty^

*but is there anyway to level out that rack? Although I'm sure it's function is fine, leveling would perfect the form!

labestiahumana

Yes, I need to move the axle mount closer to the axle, to do that I need to make a new bracket. I'm thinking about mounting it directly onto the rack eyelets, just need to make the adapter. But that's as good as it gets with the provided mounting hardware. I also had to mount the front fender on the caliper mount, since the caliper is in the way. Rear caliper is also making it difficult to find a good kickstand.

djkenny

I bought the Green 2016 520. They are Black Deore Cranks.

Cyclist0108

I got one to replace a Miyata 1000 when it got stolen in 1989. I finally gave mine away to the bike co-op about 8 years ago. Occasionally I see it around and know someone else is really enjoying it, but I also really miss mine and second-guess that decision.





The easy way to raise that rack, above, is to attach it to one of those seat collar clamp things. I have the same rack, and wound up doing that after the bolt that held it on to the rear fender mount sheared off under the awesome weight of the attached bike light. The unintended benefit is I finally got it level.

How is looks now:

(sorry for the cluttered image)

How it looked before the bolt sheer:

DocsDad

I never should have looked at the forums this morning... now I need to go for a ride. LOL. Sun is almost up... lights on.

AnonLawyer

Thanks!

labestiahumana

Very nice, I will try that adapter and see if I can level it out.

GPH

Loaded test for tour in three weeks:

Hawksley19

I just purchased a 2016 Trek 520. Comes with the rear rack already mounted, but I'm looking for a decent front rack. I'm also in Canada, so that somewhat changes the availability of certain racks. Suggestions and photos of anyone's similar setup on the same bike would be great. Thanks ahead of time. Can't wait to begin touring once I get the bike setup done and complete. I really have done nothing to it yet, other than I added 2 water bottle holders, front and rear fenders, and a sweet Brooks B17 Standard Aged Saddle thus far. No lights, no panniers...nothing.

Bassmanbob

I added a Tubus Tara front rack to mine and use Orieb panniers. I couldn't be happier. I got my stuff from thetouringstore.com as a result of many recommendations from this website.

TDJ1776

[attach]bridge520.jpg[/attach]

I commiserated for a long time before buying my 2014 520, and I haven't regretted the decision since. Turns out, it's a great commuter and grocery-getter in addition to being an awesome touring bike. The only part that, in many opinions, HAD to be replaced immediately was the headset...the one it came with was gritty. Replaced it with Chris King. Everything else I replaced on the bike was purely out of personal preference. Left the drive train alone, because 9 speed Deore is a workhorse, and I have no issues with it.

I've done three tours on it now, ranging from crossing the state of Michigan to touring the tip of the mitten, to a short three-day hop in the thumb. The bike is just super comfy. And oddly enough, it rides better loaded (which I guess is a good thing for a touring bike.)

mstateglfr 

Extreme Front Rack

If you want a front rack with a platform, this one has been great. Ive had it for 2 months and used it about 7 times so far. Not a long term review by any means, but based on other racks and product of theirs, I have no hesitation to think itll last years and thousands of miles.

You can mount panniers low or high and the rack is helpful for lashing something down to dry(like wet shoes or a towel) or to carry something bulky but light.

Squeezebox

The racks for the 920 are probably available and should fit the 520. Certainly worth a phone call.

TDJ1776

The 920 rack will not work on a 520 frame...I've already tried that route. The problem is that the 920's rack is designed for a straight fork with disc brake, so since the 520's fork has forward rake, the bolt bosses on the 920 rack don't line up properly with it, or much else, for that matter.

What I've used with success is Axiom's low rider mount front racks...the big drawback is no top platform. Blackburn also makes a top platform only rack that bolts on behind your brake calipers, but if you have a handlebar bag, that rack becomes superfluous.

There's a company called Nitto that makes a few front racks that accommodate both panniers and top cargo, called the "Campee"...and they're not cheap. Also, not sure about Canadian availability.

Squeezebox

Too bad, certainly a mistake on Trek's part. The top platform is a nice option. Good luck in your search.

HDavidH

One page back in the thread shows that the 920 rack can work on a 520:
https://www.bikeforums.net/18863925-post280.html

HDavidH

I was watching this 99 model for 9 months at one of my local shops. Always wanted one. Finally sold a single-speed and saved up some mileage reimbursement money and called about it. The shop owner volunteered right up front to drop the price another $100.00! Great deal. Great people to work with. First pic is when I brought it home and second one is a touring bike in progress... The lighting makes the "Pearl Navy" blue look almost green in these pics. Experimenting with rack ideas from parts I have in stock. The previous owner had it set up as his daily roadie with full Ultegra group and too small a cluster on the cassette but also with expensive Mavic wheels I am going to sell. I just got my new rear wheel (for touring) and a front dyno hub wheel and light. A well broke-in Brooks will be put on as well. A lot still to do before spring as the budget allows. Great thread with some beautiful 520's!

TDJ1776

Yeah, it fits(ish)...but it's gerry rigged. Anybody can make something fit, but that rack isn't built for that bike, and due to the rake of the fork and it's flexibility, it's not something I would feel comfortable doing.

HDavidH

Good for you.

Squeezebox

Maybe it depends on what year 520?
I'm just guessing.

roaming_art

I've now put 1,000 miles on my bike with the 920 front rack. The rack has been absolutely problem free and indispensable in my daily use and commute. It clears everything, including the disc, with plenty of room to spare. Saying "it fits(ish)" without having first hand experience with the rack really helps nobody. I posted how I mounted mine as an example, but people "rig" front racks to forks with C-clamps and the like all the time. I love how it looks, the platform was a big seller and it easily supports my Ortlieb panniers when needed.

TDJ1776

At the risk of allowing myself to be drawn into this quagmire, I loathe being misquoted, so if you had read my initial post, I HAVE had personal experience with trying to mount this rack onto my 520. I couldn't find a way (without "rigging" it) that it would fit. I stand by my previous statement; the rack isn't designed for the bike, and due to the rake on the fork, I wouldn't trust it on my bike.

fietsbob

because the Tubus Tara rack is A 3 piece combination of 2 rails to mount the bags upon and a strong hoop over the wheel,

and lower hook bag supports..

are connected by Bolts, It can be made to fit many bikes , securely..


Had several Box and return to them at their eastern address crossing the country bikes and Tubus Tara and Duo was the predominant choice

among the dozen + Bikes that were ridden across the country to my west coast town..

I cannot judge your mechanical skills from this remote location . If You are UnSure, yourself..

may I suggest an installation tutorial session with the older mechanics at your LBS.




...

Bassmanbob

Commuting to work yesterday on my 520, my front tire got stuck in the grass, adjacent to the cement sidewalk. In a split second, I over corrected and rode directly into a stockade fence. Fortunately, I just bruised my chest and left shoulder and have parallel diagonal burn marks across my chest from almost flipping over the top horizontal 2X6. Fortunately, I didn't hit one of the posts.

Unfortunately, I may have bent my front fork. It looks like it's not as far forward as it had been and the fender is hitting my mounted bike pump on the front tube. Hopefully it's just the fender and not the fork. I'm bringing it in to the LBS today for a good look.