Hello all,

I just picked up my new Trek 520. I have read other posts stating that the supplied rear rack is useless and shouldn't be used. I am new to the whole touring scene, and honestly it feels and looks sturdy enough.

Any thoughts/opinions??

Thanks!

Dan Kehlenbach

I had one on my 2003 520. It didn't look sturdy, so I put it on my commuter bike where I rarely used the rack for anything more than holding a jacket.. It broke after a couple months.

I have a Jannd Expedition rack on my 520 now. It has held up well for a two-day tour, weekend 50mile+ rides, and regular commuting while holding one or two Arkel t-42 panniers. In a couple weeks I'll start a 500+ mile tour with it holding two panniers, a trunk rack, and a couple other items strapped to it.

The rack that came with my 2002 Trek 520 was pretty flimsy. It was easy to push it sideways, so not solid/stable enough for loaded touring. It might work for bike commuting or running errands with a light load. I gave it away to the Salvation Army Thrift Store. It's possible Trek has put better racks on for 2004. That, I don't know.

Wow, have they gone "downhill" with thier racks at Trek! I'm still haulin' with my '94 stock rack without problem one yet.

Yeah, my '03 stock rack sucked. It was actually bent when I bought it, but I had an expedition to put on it, so I wasn't too concerned.

I know this has come up several times, however I'm still using my stock rack (Trek 03 model) until my beckman arrives and haven't had one problem with it. I load up the old cannondales with 50+ pounds and we've logged 900 plus miles and not one sign of faliure. I was in my LBS yesterday getting fitted for the new dura-ace peddles and they just got in a new trek 520, 2005 model, All I can say is awfull colour (dark red), the rack on the 2005 was 8mm and very cheap looking. One nice thing though was the bontrager flat bar. i mean it had the drops but by the break lever in front of the hoods the area was a nice flat area for your palm to rest, wider, instead of building up that area.