Texasplumr

I am going to look at the subject bike this weekend. I know very little about this bike firsthand. What I know I've read. I know the steel is lighter and the gearing appears to be higher. But for my purpose, which is commuting it would seem to fill that bill.

My question for the much more knowledgeable would be: What problem areas, if any, should I pay special attention to when checking this bike out? It's gonna have some nicks and dings being 23 years old, but I don't want to miss something that I would have been aware of had I asked this question.

Thanks for your help!

bradtx

Texasplumr, The 520 should be good as a commuter. The 27" tires could be a problem if touring, but Austin has plenty of bike shops that can keep you in tires and tubes as well as the internet. The tires are available, just not in the quanties as the now more common 700C.

A general maintenance overhaul is in order on a bike this old with an unknown service record. For the test ride make sure the bike is correctly sized for you, the brakes work reasonably well (they may need new pads), wheels are reasonably true and shifting is smooth. Like many pre owned items, general appearance can tell quite a bit.

Brad

Texasplumr

Thanks Brad! In reading about the 520 I had missed the tire size. A lot has changed with the model since 89!
I'm glad I asked now.

I'll make sure it fits and everything works before I make him an offer but I would never have looked at the tire size.

Thanks again!

seeker333

https://www.vintage-trek.com/TrekBrochures.htm

https://www.vintage-trek.com/TrekBrochure1989.htm

tom cotter

The 1989 Trek 520 is perfect for your needs. And, it is a terrific touring bike as well.

I bought 1989 T520 brand new and still own it. The only things i've replaced are the brake pads, tires and tubes. Bike rides as well today as it did on day one. As posted the 27 inch tires can be a PIA, but not a biggie. Also I was never able to true the wheels on my own. The local shop has them zoned in, so again not a problem. The Bike was speced with a Suntour Biopace drivetrain. Again, not an issue just a weird looking chainring.

Texasplumr

Thanks for the input. The owner of my LBS seems to think if I can get it cheap enough that it would be a good bike as well. I finally got a chance to seek his input. He's not a Trek dealer but works on everything and lots of old bikes. He keeps 27" tires and tubes in stock. If I get it I'll take it to him and let him do a complete overhaul. The minor stuff I can do and like doing but I leave the more complicated stuff to people who know and I trust.

Thanks again I'll update with pics of the 520 if I do in fact buy it.

fietsbob

Still good 27x1.25" tires made, commuting is not going to have spare tire sourcing issues
like a trip thru Mali etc.
just Condition of frame/fork is what you look for, had it hit something?
see if you can move the stem and seatpost, or are they seized in the frame?
the rest is parts , depreciate the selling price, haggle, to reflect the replacement cost.