The bike’s front thru-axles ensure that you get the most out of the TRP Spyre brakes. That Nishiki Cresta rode very nicely during that test ride and was $100 cheaper. 520 is a steel touring bike made for the open road. You can go bigger if you want, but I found the Hard-Cases well suited to my rides around Albuquerque. Your email address will not be published. The brakes are Hayes C… The trek 520 weighs around 13kg itself and with the rack weight of 38 kg, the rider technically has to be under 74kg to meet this bikes requirement. The Blendr-compatible stem lets you mount lights, computers, and accessories above or below the faceplate. 520 is a classic steel touring bike built for the open road. The rack that comes on this bike is a Bontrager BackRack Deluxe L. This adventure bike comes with Hayes mechanical disc brakes to help stop you and all your gear. The lugged Reynolds 501 tubeset has given way to welded 4130; chainstays and wheelbase have stretched a couple of centimeters; and the brakes have evolved from sidepulls through cantilevers to mechanical discs. To improve your shopping experience today and in the future, this site uses cookies. The good thing is that despite the chipping of the paint, the metal underneath does not rust easily. re- to a flat touring market and in. And the pedals are Wellgos, with toe clips and straps. Oh, you can still have one if you must. That’s also what led me to start BikesReviewed.com. Then Trek found success with its more recent gravel and dirt-drop tourer, the Trek 920. You’ll find quite a few Shimano components on the 520 — 36-hole M475 hubs with quick-release skewers, Deore M590 triple crankset, Alivio and Deore derailers, Dura-Ace bar-end shifters, and a nine-cog HG50 cassette. This feature will prove significant when you are carrying a heavy load and you get to a long mountain pass. The entry-level Shimano MT-520 four-piston brakes perform well paired with 200 mm rotors front and rear. what you mean? The chain is a KMC X9. The frame remains Trek’s chromoly — clad in either “Diablo Red” or a silver “Anthracite” paint job and retro badging — but the new 520 breaks from tradition with an aluminum alloy fork. Really, a steel frame and aluminium fork?Aluminium is a dirty word in the bike travel world, but the thing is – broken aluminium forks that are designed for the purpose of touring are about as rare as hen’s teeth. In this event when the shutdown process is longer than 30 seconds, the power will be shut down hard, turning off the TREK-520's power and 5VSB. If you are looking to buy a classic touring bike, the Trek 520 is an investment worth making. It's the longest-running model in Trek's lineup, and it's built to carry you and your gear on your longest journeys. This is an article by Simon Withers from bikeradar.com. It's the longest-running model in Trek's lineup, and it's built to carry you and your gear on your longest journeys. For a couple of years after I bought the 520… By submitting this form, you consent to sending the above information to Trek Bicycle, which will be stored in the United States. Limber up those fingers and go. After a while, I forgot that my ’85 560 looked like the upshot of a hard left to the ribs and just rode the bike. This helps to boost the lateral frame stiffness, increasing the bike’s stability with both front and rear loads. These cable-operated brakes utilize a special design that pulls the two brake pads simultaneously, providing a breaking performance close to hydraulic brakes system. In an excerpt reprinted in Adventure Cyclist, he wrote, “My American-made bike — a Trek 520 — proved as roadworthy as the most expensive Mercedes-Benz, and it strikes me as remarkable that such a simple contraption was capable of carrying me so far without extracting a single penny for fuel, oil, or mechanical repairs.”. I think I just didn't know enough about the Nishiki company to go that route. The price may also be a bit costly for those who are on a budget. The Wisconsin based titan has a longstanding history of making bikes in the adventure travel and touring category. Rack and fender mounts, a wide range of gearing for climbing, and a stable touring geometry make it the perfect choice for loaded multi-day trips and comfortable all-day adventures. With three bikes in the British brand’s touring … If the Trek 520 were a person instead of a bicycle, it would be old enough to run for president. Trek says, "Madone SLR 9 Disc is the hero of the road disc revolution. Touring bikes are designed to carry large loads over long distances. The 520 features a rugged steel frame and fork. There are a few exceptions. Stern length and handlebar width he soul of Trek's highly touted transcontinental tourcr, the 720, lives on in the 520. It ensures that the quick release wheel is perfectly aligned in the fork, as is the case in a thru-axle system. Controlling the travel is a RockShox Yari RC fork and a Deluxe Select+ shock. You, Trek, the world's greatest athletes, 140 characters. And, because this is a Trek, you’ll see a lot of Bontrager bits too, as in just about everything else. I’m sloppy about shifting, generally slouching around in the middle ring until some emergency arises, but with the Trek I found I wanted to be in the little ring if using the 28T or 32T cog to keep a clean chainline and avoid the occasional auto-downshift from the middle ring. 520 is a steel touring bike made for the open road. The Trek 920 blurs the line between “gravel” bikes and loaded touring bikes. Thank you for writing this review. It only made sense that I expanded my reach and got online, making it possible for me to help people all over the world. Trek's 520 touring bike is a perennial favorite among long-distance riders, commuters, and adventurers. The brakes are Hayes CX Expert mechanical discs, with levers from Tektro, just as on the comparably priced Kona Sutra, which I reviewed in May 2014. There are a few exceptions. Trek did a good job of fitting an already industry-tested bike model with features that make it even more touring-friendly in its latest offering. Join the conversation. After a while, I forgot that my ’85 560 looked like the upshot of a hard left to the ribs and just rode the bike. It's ready for adventure right out of the box, with an included front and rear rack and a drivetrain that's ideal for hauling a heavy load. At 23.4 kg (size L), the Trek Rail 7 is one of the lightest bikes on test despite its large 29” wheels and 160/150 mm travel. The Trek 520 geometry and frame of the bicycle provide you with a smooth ride on a bumpy road and can still take on mild dirt trails when fully loaded. The bike maintains the usual Chromoly frame, with the break from tradition being an aluminum alloy fork as opposed to the previously used steel forks. BikeRadar gets world’s first test of Trek’s revamped steel tourer. Test Rides & Repairs: Because we have a smaller, focused professional staff and a smaller space than many shops, we suggest emailing or calling before visiting to test ride, especially in the off season, inclement weather, or for trikes, tandems, recumbent, and used bikes. Or you could save yourself the time, hassle, and expense, and go with the instant gratification of the modern 520 to get started on your own midlife escape from the Potomac. Stem, handlebar, tape, seatpost, saddle, rims, tires, rear rack — even the sealant in the inner tubes bears the B. Trek offer its customers only one touring bike option, the Trek 520. The Trek 520 is a bike you can take a chance on! An easily chipped paint job is not something you want on a touring bike given the prolonged exposure to elements involved. Not to mention the lifetime warranty provided by Trek that ensures you can get your bike checked by experts whenever it develops a malfunction. The retail price might be expensive to some, but the parts … 520. Does that mean it won’t be good for me. Limber up those fingers and go. This information may be used for marketing purposes by Trek Bicycle, its subsidiaries, its affiliate Trek Travel LLC, and your local dealers. To be under 74kg to meet this bikes requirement!!? A proper touring bike is a beast of burden. The manufacturer has used a saucer-sized 36t sprocket that delivers a low bottom gear. Test rides should be completed at least 60 minutes before closing. The Trek 520 is a classic and functional touring bike that has stood the test of time. These are among the top mechanical disc brakes in the market, offering an option that is easier to fix than hydraulics when you’ve been on a beaten track. When TREK-520 power is controlled by ignition key and turns off by the key (ignition=off), the TREK-520 will cut off the 5VSB power after 30 seconds. Trek has been supplying its customers with quality long-distance bikes for more than three decades. The upright posture, chainstay length, and low center of gravity were meant for these kinds of circumstances. Not to serve, mind you — not this term anyway. However, a controversial feature on the this model is the step down from the Shimano Deodre gears to Alivio. That 1985 560 was an eye-popping purple and yellow, like a bruise with wheels, which seemed oddly appropriate as my years spent working a series of copy desks had left me looking a bit puffy. Generally, the 520 uses Shimano for most of its components. When you write “the rider technically has to be under 74kg to meet this bikes requirement. Thank you. What I noticed is that the metallic paint used on the bike peels off easier compared to any other bike I’ve owned in the past. 520 Disc. I personally feel like it’s the perfect bike to set out on a long tour with, especially if you have a lot of supplies to bring along. If you are planning a long bike tour with a significant load, the 520 has the right geometry for a comfortable ride. Almost all European touring bikes employ aluminium forks on their builds, and it follows that if this material wa… Please arrive early enough to allow … Studner said both the disc- and rim-brake 520 framesets are stocked as service parts for $660, so if you break yours, or just want one to build to your own specifications, see your friendly neighborhood Trek dealer. TIRES: Bontrager H1 Hard-case Ultimate, 700x38mm (reflective sidewall). Its durability, comfort, style, and combination of convenient features make it all the worthwhile. Another notable change on the 520 that we liked is the larger diameter downtube. Another thing that the Trek 520 had going for it, was a spectacular paint job. The Alivio derailer may not be sexy, “but it is functional, reliable, and easy to find an economical replacement for, should the need ever arise,” said David Studner, Trek’s assistant product manager for city bikes. Whereas most manufacturers abide by international tire clearance standards- at least 4mm of space- Trek adds an extra 2mm so that you can potentially fit 54mm tires in the 520. Ok, the most controversial change to the Trek 520 is the new aluminium fork. “The low-clamp/top-swing format is also more durable by virtue of its tucked-away design.”. I don’t know all the technical terms and I surely not (yet) knowledgeable on bike parts. We also liked the 48/36/26t Alivio mountain bike chainset, which comes with a tiny 26t internal chainring instead of a Shimano 105 road bike 50/39/30. The 520 is perfect for long-distance bicycle tours or for the daily commute. It’s the longest running model in Trek’s lineup, and it’s been perfected year after year since 1983. This has the dropout looping all the way around the skewer to make sure that the wheel won’t fall out without removing the skewer. A 57cm fit me like an old slipper, with an assist from the short-reach, shallow-drop Bontrager VR-C bar. The 38mm Bontrager Hard-case tires are well-suited for the tarmac and will offer a smooth ride on light gravel. And because pedals and a rear rack are included in the $1,360 price tag, you’ll be ready to roll as soon as the credit card clears. And the color is basic black, which is always in style. This is another good thing because the rim-brake 520 has been discontinued effective this year. Rack and fender mounts, a wide range of gearing for climbing, and a stable touring geometry make it the perfect choice for loaded multi-day trips and comfortable all-day adventures. In my shop, I spend a large amount of time helping people find the perfect bike for them and the style of biking they’re going to be doing. The Trek 520 is a classic and functional touring bike that has stood the test of time. What impressed us about this bike is that the gear ratios have been improved. You, Trek, the world's greatest athletes, 140 characters. Hi! Before buying you can also check for trek 520 touring bike for sale as these big manufacturers provide good deals and offer to keep their customers happy. Trust me. Hiring policies in the nation’s capital notwithstanding, the 520 remains the elder statesman of the Trek line, according to Eric Maves, curator of the Trek Historical Collection. A friend’s wife still loves her ’09 model, which has been converted to a flat-bar bike, and a neighbor only recently sold his 520 after first transforming it into a singlespeed. Designed for comfort and durability with low touring mounts on the front and rear to stabilise heavy loads, the 520 Disc is more than capable of hitting the road less travelled. Download bike photo. Snapping through the gears was a breeze with the Dura-Ace bar-cons and Alivio/Deore derailers all meshing nicely. I have a question for you. It offers the ideal mix of comfort, flexibility, and durability for those who are into long-distance bike touring. The grounds for this move, I believe, could be since Deore has currently moved on to 10-speed, there are no Shimano STI shifters that will pair with the 10-speed Deodre drivetrain parts. The primary purpose of this site is to gather and disseminate information about early lugged, steel-framed road bikes made by the Trek Bicycle Corporation, Waterloo, Wisconsin.In response to popular demand, the site has expanded to include not-so-vintage Trek bikes of all … Trek 520 Disc Adventure Road Bike 2018. Join the conversation. The Deore trekking crank even includes a chainguard to keep lube off your chinos, if you occasionally do your cycling in street clothes. I started a bike shop in Denver, CO, and have seen amazing growth over the last few years. The Trek 520 is one of the best touring bikes out there. If you want a practical bike that will ensure your comfort on a long expedition, consider acquiring the Trek 520. Enter your email address and we'll send you an email that will allow you to reset it. In such a situation, it would be nice to switch into a lower gear. Trust me. The ride was relaxed but responsive — just the ticket for those impromptu coast-to-coast getaways — and the Bontrager AW1 Hard-Cases felt surprisingly plush for an all-weather, puncture-resistant 32mm tire. When I picked up my review bike at the Albuquerque Trek Superstore, manager Mike Humphries had just one lonely V-brake 520 on the floor, which seemed to be where it would stay. If there’s one thing about the 520 that is still wanting, I would say it's the paint job! Page 13 (Not including the I/O ports). I don’t see the Hayes mechanicals as often as I do the Avids, but they impressed me on the Kona Sutra and I like them here too. RIMS: Bontrager Tubeless ready, 36h 520 is a steel touring bike made for the open road. This was good to know because I found myself using that front derailer more than usual. Required fields are marked *. Read more from and about Patrick O'Grady here. The brakes have also been upgraded to TRP Spyre-C calipers. In 1994, the veteran Los Angeles Times correspondent rode his 520 more than 3,000 miles from the Potomac to the Pacific, eventually spinning the three-month journey into a book, Over the Hills: A Midlife Escape Across America by Bicycle. Trek discontinued the 720 in '86. In some ways this model is even better than its predecessor. Details Support You might also like: Share the ride. With sizes ranging from 48cm to 63cm, fit shouldn’t be an issue for most customers. BRAKE TYPE: TRP Spyre C2.0 mechanical discs Although the components have had little variation in recent years, the new incarnation has added more tourist-friendly features compared to its predecessor, the 2018 model. It’s not the fastest, generally not the fanciest, but it knows how to work. But when it comes to finding out what the bike is truly capable of, I tip my hat to the late great David Lamb. The Pacific awaits. It’s a good thing that the rims will accommodate wider rubber, enabling the flexibility to fit a more off-road flavored or gravel-specific tire. Advanced Energy acquired the Trek and Monroe product lines in 2018. Join us at the water cooler to catch up on the latest and swap stories with Trek fans from around the world. Shimano Deore LX and Deore components take care of shifting and braking. The whole concept of bicycle touring has been turned on its ear in the past few years. Another feature you’ll like is the 36-spoke Bontrager Affinity rims, which add to the 520’s sturdy build. Trek 920 overall The Trek is perhaps the most versatile bike in my test, doubling up as a day-to-day machine and full-on tourer, expedition, adventure or bikepacking bike. What if I weight 84-86kg? Over the last few years, I’ve taken my love of the outdoors, hiking, skiing, trekking and exploring to the next level by starting this site. Getting paid to do what I love has been a dream come true for me. Electrostatic and Amplifier Solutions to Meet Your Demanding Requirements. Masi Giramondo. I do have an aesthetic problem with that Alivio front derailer — it looks boxy, cheap, and clunky, especially sitting next to that triple crank with its equally obtrusive chainguard — but the solution is to avoid looking down while riding. The company doesn’t offer a front rack for the 520, but I had a Tubus Ergo low-rider on hand; it needed a few spacers to clear the fork’s stout lower legs and disc-brake caliper. Trek's 520 Disc is a steel touring bike built for epic adventures. triathlon, Rack and fender mounts, a wide range of gearing for climbing, and a stable touring geometry make it the perfect choice for loaded multi-day trips and comfortable all-day adventures. Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine Review (2020): Can this Elliptical Trainer Work. Trek does not sell, trade, or rent your personal data to third parties. The Trek 520 touring bike shows its more adventurous ambitions with its gearing, which has gone lower than before. While the majority of users of the old models chose to swap in a 11-36t cassette to attain a sub-20” climbing gear, this new model comes with one as standard. You’ll find quite a few Shimano components on the 520 — 36-hole M475 hubs with quick-release skewers, Deore M590 triple crankset, Alivio and Deore derailers, Dura-Ace bar-end shifters, and a nine-cog HG50 cassette. This workhorse is perfect for the daily trip to work, or places far beyond. The 48×11 top gear is built for powering down hills while the Alivio rear derailleur and Sora gear lever pairing work nicely together. The Wisconsin-based manufacturer has been producing the 520 since 1983 and each year, the bike is altered with a fresh outer design and paint color. FRAME SIZE: TIG-welded butted Chromoly in sizes 48, 51, 54, 57, and 60cm Stem, handlebar, tape, seatpost, saddle, rims, tires, rear rack — even the sealant in the inner tubes bears the B. The Trek 520 Disc Touring Bike. “Thirty-four consecutive years in the product line; no other Trek model comes close to that track record,” he said. Reading here (and on the web) I decided to go for a Trek 520. am 87 kg and no problem at all to load the bike full out. BikeRadar gets world’s first test of Trek’s revamped steel tourer GBP £1,100.00 RRP | USD $1,574.99 Skip to view deals Heck, if you were a fan 10 years ago, you’ll probably be one now because the 520 isn’t much different. “, What do you mean exactly? Sign up and get new stories and inspiration delivered right to you. For a generation the idea was loading up a stalwart Trek 520 and following the pavement wherever it took you. This ensures that you have the ideal biking experience when going out on an expedition. Biking with Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My. Join us at the water cooler to catch up on the latest and swap stories with Trek fans from around the world. Another new feature on the bike’s fork is the trek thru-skew secure skewer system. Details Support You might also like: Share the ride. Patrick O’Grady has written and cartooned about cycling since 1989 for VeloNews, Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, and a variety of other publications. The Trek 520 is “only” 34 years old, a year short of the constitutional requirement for ascension to the presidency. The retail price might be expensive to some, but the parts are affordable when you want to replace them. Wednesday, 13 May 2020 Bike Test: Trek 520 Cycle magazine's Dan Joyce assessed Trek’s veteran steel tourer which has been redesigned to reflect modern trends The oldest model in Trek’s line-up has had a makeover, gaining bigger clearances and bikepacking mounts, and swapping bar-end controls for brifters. Why mess with success? There is a step up on the tire clearance from 700 x45c to 700 x50c. The Trek 520 frame features five different sizes of frames that include 48, 51, 54, 57 and 60 cm to accommodate a wider range of body sizes. It doesn’t get better than this when it comes to frame stiffness on a touring bike. Masi recently put together their first touring-specific steel bike, and it’s … My first Trek was considerably less subtle. Dawes Ultra Galaxy touring bike £1,200 / $NA. Its classic touring geometry has stood the test of time and is considered a cult classic by many. I rode the wheels off it, shedding weight and a nicotine habit, and I know 520 owners who have recouped similar value from their Treks. Twenty-three years later, the descendant of Lamb’s bike seems equally well suited to adventures large and small. A majority of the components on this bike are either Shimano or Bontrager. © 1997-2021 Adventure Cycling Association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. If you no longer have access to the email address call our memberships department at (800) 755-2453 or email us at memberships@adventurecycling.org. The product lines offer highly accurate and cost-effective electrostatic detection and measurement solutions for your semiconductor, aerospace, automotive, medical, defense, PV solar, test, and measurement applications. And, because this is a Trek, you’ll see a lot of Bontrager bits too, as in just about everything else. Whether it's full-blown touring or the daily commute, the Trek 520 Disc Adventure Road Bike 2018 is designed to be the ultimate steel touring bike. inch test bike came with a short 8-cm stem. I’ve been testing the red bike, and it must be said, this thing looks fantastic.