Anyone have any first handle experience with the Trek 520? I'm looking at purchasing a 2006 model but have never even seen one of these in person to be honest. I'm wondering how people like theirs and what I should expect to spend on one

If I remember correctly, the 2006 is a light green, (like the LHT). Not sure about a price on a used one, but the 520 is a great bike. If it's in decent shape, you won't be disappointed. If you are disappointed, you can easily turn around and sell it, without losing money.

I have 2006 Trek 520, size 17" (XS). Love it. Ridden thousands of fully loaded touring miles on it.

Modifications:
Saddle, pedals, shorter stem, mountain bike crank (for lower gearing), Tubus racks, fenders.

I bought mine new and payed full price plus a bit for upgrades, I think it was about $1300 at the time. My previous bike was a 2001 Trek 520 - it died in a crash, and I liked it enough that I just bought the same thing again. That one I bought new from a bike shop in 2004, and paid $650 on super clearance, I got a good deal I think b/c it is such a small size they were having trouble moving it. I rode that one with the stock crank but put a 26 tooth granny gear on it.

I don't know what to tell you about what a "fair price" is, but if it's in good condition and fits you, I wouldn't hesitate, it is a worthy touring bike for real long distance loaded touring. Stock gearing is a little high. Stock rack is a little light. If you're not fully loaded touring, it's pretty heavy.

I used to own (actually still do its up for consignment at Chesapeake Cycle in Bel Air Maryland). I really loved the bike. I had over 3000 miles on it. It has a smooth ride quiet ride. I loved the ride of the steel frame and the rear cargo rack had a metal piece over the tire that would work as a fender. The only real repair I had was at the 1500 mile mark. I had to have the front wheel bearings replaced. I think I overtightened the wheel before long ride, which caused wear on the bearings. The only reason I retired it was it was a 54cm bike, which after being fitted for my new bike, was small for my build. I would recommend the bike to anyone who wants a bike that you can just ride. The standard tires are Bontranger Race Lite Hardcase tires. I think I only had 5 flats in all the miles I rode with those tires. The roads in Harford County Maryland have a lot of junk on sides and in the bike lanes (gravel from dump trucks, glass, garbage, dead animals). Oh, one thing... I found that if I stood up to pedal, my knees would sometimes catch on the bar end shifters. But the bar end shifters are low maintenance. They are not indexed, just friction. One less thing to break on a long ride. I paid about $900 brand new (with pedals and water bottle holders. I later added a light and a new seat. Everything else was stock.

I've got a 2004 model (I think...it's a brown/bronze color...maybe 2003?) and love it! Lots of loaded touring miles and I even use it for commuting to work. A bit heavy for a fun weekend ride but very stable when loaded. Seems like most people have to modify their 520 though. My mods were: saddle, taller stem, better/stronger rack, lower/smaller chainrings, clipless peddles, and I changed out the brake levers to slightly reduce the distance between the bars and the brake levers (I have short fingers).

I bought mine new about a year ago (~$1,000), and it feels so good to ride that I haven't even ridden my road bike since then. I'm planning my first big tour this summer with it.

I own two 520s. I've toured extensively with the 2002 model and have about 47,000 miles on it. It was stolen a year and a half ago and I replaced it with a 2009 model. I was fortunate to recover the 2002 520. I had S & S couplings installed and a new powder coat. I took it to Europe last summer. I use the 2009 one primarily for commuting. The original components on the older one were higher quality. My understanding is that in the years between these two bikes Trek switched from manufacturing them in the US to Taiwan. I prefer my older 520 as I think it fits me a little better and I have many great memories with it.

Trek still makes those frames in the USA,
other than the Carbon Fiber premium priced race bikes, that's it.

had one offered to me at $200. I should jump on that, right?

If it fits and the frame is straight. If it doesn't fit it's worthless.

well yeah

I just meant in terms of the value these stay at really. thanks

There is a sticker on my 2009 Trek 520 that says Made in Taiwan.

Hmm, Mgr of local Trek dealer said otherwise, will have to see if any 2011's are ordered
Oh Well, Buy a Waterford or a Co Motion or one of Bruce Gordon's Rock N Road tourers , then..
{his BLT's are imported this year.. but he laid out the design specs. to be followed by the factory over there.]

All depends on the shape of the bike. If the drivetrain is in good shape, the frame is sound, the wheels are good, etc. then yes, that's a great price.

I've had a 520 for ten years and 40,000 miles. It's a great bike.

Only frames Trek is still making here in US are the high end Madones. Even the low end Madones have been offshored now.

Same for Cannondale.. Seems if you want a US steel frame anymore you're talking to a custom builder.

I'd be all over that like white on rice even if it didn't fit. I'd flip it for at least 2-3 times that price and put it towards one that did fit. 06 is still the old geometry which is preferred by many. Newer ones are sloping top tube now.

Had a 2003 that was destroyed in a crash in '07, I replaced it with a 2007. Both are great bikes.

I know two people that have had rim failures (cracks near spoke holes) on 520s. I do not know what the years of their bikes were. But at $200 USD, that is a good price even if you have to replace a rim or two.

excellent info guys! thanks so much. picking it up today.

I'm not even sure if this type of frame is for me, but it's around the size I usually am and figured worst case scenario I flip it or convert it and sell off the components. frame seems durable as heck from reading everywhere

excellent info guys! thanks so much. picking it up today.

I'm not even sure if this type of frame is for me, but it's around the size I usually am and figured worst case scenario I flip it or convert it and sell off the components. frame seems durable as heck from reading everywhere

He wants $350. there was a misunderstanding. He had two bikes for sale, a Jamis for $400 and then said he also had a trek 520 and would sell both for $600, so I just assumed I could get the Trek by itself for 520. my mistake

Even @ $350, a 520 in good shape would still be worth it.