2007 Trek 520?
 

I found a 2007 Trek 520 that someone is selling. The bike seems in good shape for it's age and is the right size for me. The owner wants $700 for it though. Is that too much, considering that the bike is 4 years old?

I plan to go on a loaded tour later this summer and I want a good, reliable touring bike. Is the Trek 520 a good touring bike? Or should I keep looking for something else?

Trek 520 is a great touring bike. I think they are about $1300 new. Your call on the price, but if it fits you it's the right tool for the (fully loaded, paved, not third-world) job.

The 520 is a great touring bike. If it is completely stock and is in good shape as you say $700 is not a bad price. Check out the components to see if they have been upgraded. If it has some serious upgrades you could be getting a real good deal.

If in good condition. That's a good price. If you don't want it let me know the size.

(P.S., I have probably 20,000+ miles on my 520. The only original parts are the headset, brakes, and derailleurs.)

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/m..._1637-Copy.jpg

I have a 2007 model Trek 520 with 15000+ miles on it, many of those in 2007:

Here it is in Amsterdam in March of 2007: http://www.bikerussia.com/wp-content...3/IMG_0140.jpg
Here it is in Vladivostok six months later: http://bikerussia.com/wp-content/upl...9/img_0777.JPG

It has worked well and reliably for me.

Ask casually about the vendor's touring experience. What you really want is an estimate of the miles on the bike.
It might be a gem... purchased in 2007 and just lightly used. Or it could be a stone boat. If the owner has done 10,000 to 20,000 miles of touring on it, check the components. Replaced parts should be same quality as original, or better. I saw a Miyata 1000 years ago for a reasonable price. From what I could see, it appeared that a husband and wife had bought matching bikes. The husband wore his out and moved all her nearly new components onto his bike. He replaced the wife's components with crap and then tried to sell her bike. The bike was not good value. But don't be too suspicious. Not all vendors are liars .

I hope it works out for you. Make sure it is a good fit... the best bike that is too big or too small is not a deal at all.

It's a great bike! I have the 2007 Trek 520 and love it. I've modified it (like many do) with a lower front chain ring, a different seat, and slightly wider tires. Good luck and let us know what you do!

following Skilsaws comments the price could be fair or high depending on condition and accessories. My view is that if you're getting a used bike that's presently in production you should be getting it close to wholesale price if it's near brand new condition. Once it's got a few years worth of normal regular use the price should be getting to half retail. If that bike has normal wear and tear, scratches and the wheels are the slightest bit out of round/wobble take it down by the cost of a new wheel and tires. Take the wheels off and feel the bearings, if they're tight or loose then they were ridden all that time that way and will have a shorter life for it. They're good bikes.

As others have posted, the 520 is an awesome touring bike.

My usual rule for buying used is to pay no more than 1/2 new. I can buy a new 520 from my local LBS for about $1100. That puts the buy price on a used edition at about $550. At $700 asking you probably aren't far off. make an offer and find out what the seller's bottom line is.