Trek 520 vs Carpe Diem
03-30-05 | 02:22 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2005
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Trek 520 vs Carpe Diem
Hi,
I'm getting ready to buy my first Touring bike. I was pretty set on the Trek 520, but the Airborne Carpe Diem also seems to be a good deal. From what I gather, the 520 is sturdier, but a bit slower. The CD also has a relaxed geometry, like the 520, but is lighter and faster. It's a tiny bit pricier, and because it's not steel is less durable and more difficult to repair. Is all that correct? What other important differences are there? Most importantly, does anybody have a preference between the two, and why? Thanks,
Harry
I'm getting ready to buy my first Touring bike. I was pretty set on the Trek 520, but the Airborne Carpe Diem also seems to be a good deal. From what I gather, the 520 is sturdier, but a bit slower. The CD also has a relaxed geometry, like the 520, but is lighter and faster. It's a tiny bit pricier, and because it's not steel is less durable and more difficult to repair. Is all that correct? What other important differences are there? Most importantly, does anybody have a preference between the two, and why? Thanks,
Harry
03-30-05 | 03:02 AM
#2
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2005
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As an addition, I just found a previous thread comparing 520, CD, and BLT. I did a search on the site but this didn't come up, only through google, so sorry about the reposted question. However, if you haven't posted to that survey and have an opinion on the matter, please post! Thanks,
Harry
Harry
03-30-05 | 10:11 AM
#4
Mad bike riding scientist
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Denver, CO
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Originally Posted by Moose
You must be talking about the Carpe Diem with the aluminum frame, not the Ti frame wich is over 2k. In which case most avid tourers will recommend the steel 520.
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Dreamin' of Bemidji Down the Mississippi (in part)
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
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Stuart Black
Dreamin' of Bemidji Down the Mississippi (in part)
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
03-30-05 | 11:07 AM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 505
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From: SF Bay
Here are some older threads comparing the two.
https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/50156-do-you-prefer-riding-your-trek-520-more-than-other-bikes-you-own.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/5341-plase-take-my-touring-bike-poll.html
I've had both bikes, love them both. But the 520 was mangled in car accident. I replaced it with a 26” wheel touring bike. The 2001 CD ti is still in the garage and i will ride it until the day i die.
https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/50156-do-you-prefer-riding-your-trek-520-more-than-other-bikes-you-own.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/5341-plase-take-my-touring-bike-poll.html
I've had both bikes, love them both. But the 520 was mangled in car accident. I replaced it with a 26” wheel touring bike. The 2001 CD ti is still in the garage and i will ride it until the day i die.
