equivalent trek 520

Trek 520 vs. Fuji touring: Which is the best touring bike?

It was not long ago when cycle travelers were stuck with the custom-built bike for pedaling for long distances. Luckily, with top performance touring bikes such as the Trek 520 and Fuji touring bikes, cyclists now fully enjoy exploring the beauty of nature. This Trek 520 vs. Fuji touring bike review will reveal which is the better touring bike. As a lover of the road, there is nothing that beats the thrill and adventure of seeing the world from the saddle of my touring bike. Bicycle touring allows me to interact with people from all over the world while exposing me to new experiences

. If you are looking to venturing into touring bikes, consider purchasing the Trek 520 or the Fuji touring bikes . The following Trek 520 vs. Fuji touring bikes comparison review provides an in-depth look at the specifications of these two popular bikes. What are the differences between the Trek 520 and the Fuji touring bikes

• Lightweight construction frame which allows comfortable riding
• A reputable touring bike as it is known for its maneuverability, versatility, and reliability
• Replacements parts are inexpensive
• Its all-weather disc brakes and puncture-resistant tires offer more grip and traction on gravel terrains

What we do not like

• Metallic paint on the bike easily chips off

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• Lightweight and sturdy steel frame
• Easy to accessorize due to the additional attachment points
• A wide range of gears for more grip, traction, and a smoother ride
• Easy to repair in case of damage
• Not easy to find in local shops

  Frequently Asked Questions What is the best way to avoid buying the wrong touring bike? Before purchasing a touring bike, it is essential to determine the terrain you will be riding on and research on the most appropriate bike to use on that particular terrain. Similarly, taking the bike on a test ride helps you get an actual feel of the bike before you buy it How do I pack for my cycle tour? When cycling, it is best to carry light cargo as carrying hefty loads affects the stability and comfort of your ride. If you are touring with panniers, keep your total load between 15 and 45 pounds. By putting more weight in the front panniers, the bike becomes more stable. Test ride your bike while it is fully loaded to ensure the smoothness of the ride. What is the difference between a touring bike and road bike? Due to their strong frame, comfortable features, and extra mounts for panniers, cargo cages, and mudguards, touring bikes cover long distances on the road. On the other hand, road bikes are a fast solution if you are looking for a quick way to get to work. They are not the most comfortable but are lightweight and have aerodynamic specifications.  

2023 Trek 520 Grando Review

Thinking about how the bike will handle long trips with multiple luggage bags? Look no further – The Trek 520 is the ultimate road bike for any adventure!

The Trek 520 Grando is designed to be an all-around reliable and durable adventure bike. 

With its durable steel frame, powerful brakes, and wide range of gears, it allows adventurers to cover longer distances with ease and comfort. 

Its carefully chosen wheelset adds extra stability without compromising speed. 

All these features make this one of the most popular adventure bikes on the market.

For those looking for an affordable yet quality ride, investing in a Trek 520 Grando could prove to be one of the best decisions you ever made. 

Check out this comprehensive review that gives insight into its construction, performance, pros and cons and much more related information!

The Trek 520 Grando is an amazing all-terrain touring bike that is perfect for long distance rides. 

The Grando has a light and responsive frame, comfortable geometry and a wide range of gears to take on any hills you may encounter.

It’s designed to excel in all weather conditions, with big mudguard clearance, strong disc brakes and extra mounts for racks and bottles. 

All this makes it ideal for cycle touring – whether it be loaded up with camping gear or simply enjoying the scenery at a leisurely pace.

The 2023 Trek 520 Grando is an adventure bike designed for the open road. 

This rugged touring machine features a reliable steel frame, Shimano components, and a wide-range of gears for tackling those challenging hills and trails. 

Its components ensure a secure fit for cyclists of all sizes and the included rear rack allows for convenient carrying of gear on overnight tours or extended journeys.

Whether you’re riding to the store, around town exploring nearby sights, or taking a long journey across Europe, the Trek 520 Grando is up to every challenge and ready to show you what adventure cycling is all about!

– Durable Trek butted chromoly frame

– Shimano Tiagra and GRX components providing smooth shifts over long distances

– Wide range of gears; suitable for biking on both flat terrain and hilly areas

– ProWheel forged alloy, 42/28t chainrings up front and a Shimano HG50, 11-36t, 10 speed cassette

– Front rack with attachment points for gear such as panniers or water bottles

– Bontrager Affinity Disc, Tubeless Ready rims offering increased flexibility and strength over gravel roads or other terrain

– Fender and mudguard mounts

Frame & Geometry

The Trek 520 Grando’s frame is constructed from Trek butted chromoly tubing that is highly corrosion-resistant and incredibly durable throughout its lifetime. 

It also has a relaxed geometry which adds to its comfort level on longer rides – allowing full control when fully loaded with bags of camping gear. 

The lightweight design ensures that you won’t be slowed down by the additional weight when cycling uphill either.

Gearing System & Wheels

To make life easier when hauling up hills or dealing with strong headwinds, the Grando offers a wide range of gearing courtesy of Shimano Tiagra 2×10 derailleurs – giving you plenty of control over your speed along different terrain types without sacrificing traction or stability on long-distance treks. 

Additionally, thanks to its 700c Bontrager wheels paired with wide Bontrager GR1 Expert 40mm tires, the 520 offers an extremely smooth ride without compromising grip on slick roads or letting any bumps be felt through your handlebars!

The Trek 520 Grando offers an excellent blend between low maintenance components and endurance features that make it a reliable companion on every cycle tour you take it on. 

Its relaxed geometry ensures ultimate comfort while its powerful brakes give riders peace of mind in hazardous weather conditions – making it a great choice for anyone looking to tackle long distances aboard two wheels!

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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Road Test: Trek 520

If the Trek 520 were a person instead of a bicycle, it would be old enough to run for president.

Not to serve, mind you — not this term anyway. The Trek 520 is “only” 34 years old, a year short of the constitutional requirement for ascension to the presidency. Anyway, that position has been filled.

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.

“Thirty-four consecutive years in the product line; no other Trek model comes close to that track record,” he said.

As you might expect, this venerable touring bike has seen a few changes since 1983, when Ronald Reagan was in the White House and I was in the newspaper business. 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.

But, at rock bottom, the 520 remains stable, sturdy, and steel, available in six sizes from small to tall, and anyone who liked it in ’83 is liable to like it today.

Heck, if you were a fan 10 years ago, you’ll probably be one now because the 520 isn’t much different. Why mess with success?

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.

And, because this is a Trek, you’ll see a lot of Bontrager bits too, as in just about everything else. Stem, handlebar, tape, seatpost, saddle, rims, tires, rear rack — even the sealant in the inner tubes bears the B.

There are a few exceptions. 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. The chain is a KMC X9. And the pedals are Wellgos, with toe clips and straps. 

Gearing is what you’d expect from a touring bike with more than three decades on the road — a 48/36/26T triple up front and an 11–32T cassette in back. The Deore trekking crank even includes a chainguard to keep lube off your chinos, if you occasionally do your cycling in street clothes.

And the color is basic black, which is always in style.

A Little History

My first Trek was considerably less subtle. 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.

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. 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.

But when it comes to finding out what the bike is truly capable of, I tip my hat to the late great David Lamb. 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.

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.”

Twenty-three years later, the descendant of Lamb’s bike seems equally well suited to adventures large and small.

Size and Carrying Capacity

With sizes ranging from 48cm to 63cm, fit shouldn’t be an issue for most customers. A 57cm fit me like an old slipper, with an assist from the short-reach, shallow-drop Bontrager VR-C bar. The Blendr-compatible stem lets you mount lights, computers, and accessories above or below the faceplate. 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.

That rack, a Bontrager BackRack Deluxe L, is rated for a maximum of 55 lbs. 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.

Performance

Once on the road, the 520’s performance was just what you’d expect from a bike that was all about adventure before the concept became a category. 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. You can go bigger if you want, but I found the Hard-Cases well suited to my rides around Albuquerque.

Snapping through the gears was a breeze with the Dura-Ace bar-cons and Alivio/Deore derailers all meshing nicely. 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. Trust me. 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.

Trust me. 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.

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. “The low-clamp/top-swing format is also more durable by virtue of its tucked-away design.”

This was good to know because I found myself using that front derailer more than usual. 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.

Road Test: Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1

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. This is another good thing because the rim-brake 520 has been discontinued effective this year. Thus, the disc-brake model is the only one you’ll see at your local dealer. 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.

Oh, you can still have one if you must. 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.

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. The Pacific awaits.  

Patrick O’Grady has written and cartooned about cycling since 1989 for VeloNews, Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, and a variety of other publications. Read more from and about Patrick O’Grady   here .

• Price: $1,360
• Sizes available: 48cm, 51cm, 54cm, 57cm, 60cm, 63cm
• Size tested: 57cm
• Weight: 29.4 lbs with rear rack, stock pedals with toe clips and straps, and reflectors front and rear

Test Bike Measurements

• Stack: 587mm
• Reach: 383mm
• Head tube length: 160mm
• Head tube angle: 71.8°
• Seat tube: 543mm (center to top of seatpost clamp)
• Seat tube angle: 73.5°Top tube:557mm (effective)
• Chainstays: 450mm
• Bottom bracket drop: 70mm
• Fork offset: 52mm
• Fork trail: 59mm
• Wheelbase: 1052mm
• Standover: 794mm

Specification

• Frame: 4130 butted chromoly. Rack and fender mounts, disc mounts, pump peg, chain hanger, three sets of bottle bosses, down tube cable routing, down tube bosses for shifters/barrel adjusters
• Fork: Chromoly with rack and low-rider mounts, and fender and disc mounts
• Headset: VP Slimstak, sealed semi-cartridge bearings
• Rims: Bontrager tubeless ready
• Hubs: Shimano M475, 36-hole, QR
• Tires: Bontrager AW1 Hard-Case, 700c x 32mm
• Crankset: Shimano Trekking M590 with chainguard, 175mm, 48/36/26T
• Bottom bracket: Shimano sealed cartridge, threaded
• Cassette: Shimano HG, 11–32T, 9-speed
• Brake levers: Tektro RL340 aero
• Shift levers: Shimano Dura-Ace bar-cons
• Front derailer: Shimano Alivio
• Rear derailer: Shimano Deore
• Brakes: Hayes CX Expert mechanical disc, 160mm rotors
• Stem: Bontrager Elite, 100mm, 31.8mm four-bolt clamp, 7° +/-, Blendr compatible
• Handlebar: Bontrager Race VR-C, 440mm, 85mm reach, 125mm drop, 31.8mm clamp diameter
• Seatpost: Bontrager SSR, two-bolt head, 27.2mm, 12mm setback
• Saddle: Bontrager Evoke 1
• Rear rack: Bontrager Back Rack Deluxe L, 55 lbs
• Pedals: Wellgo R125 with toe clips and straps

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Trek 520 – Touring Bicycle Review

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Bicycle touring can be done on almost any kind of bike. After a few 100-mile days, however, having the right touring bike will determine whether your body can live up to the demands of life on the road.

That said, the Trek 520 caters to the touring bike scene with its chromoly steel frame that offers the perfect mix of flexibility, comfort and durability needed for long-distance bicycle touring. The stretched out geometry is just right for staying comfortable on the bike and at the same time allows you to get in a good aerodynamic stance for optimal speed. The 520 is perfect for long-distance bicycle tours or for the daily commute. Its classic touring geometry has stood the test of time and is considered a cult classic by many. Having been around since the 1970’s, The Trek 520 has earned its place in bicycle touring history.

Trek only offers one touring option – the Trek 520, which is altered each year with a new paint color and exterior design. While the paint may change, the components haven’t varied too much throughout the recent years.

The Trek 520 MSRP is set at $1,429.99 USD.

It comes in five different frame sizes: 48, 51, 54, 57, 60cm. I am 5’8” with a 30” inseam and the 54cm fits me perfect.

The included components are great for touring right out of the box. The Shimano Dura-Ace bar-end shifters are low maintenance and easy to fix on the go. If they do break, they’re also inexpensive to replace compared to other styles of shifters. (My friends shifter broke in a minor crash on his Cannondale T-1 and the cost to replace the broken part was almost $500. He was able to switch to bar-end shifters for under $100 USD – including labor.)

The wheel set on the Trek 520 is durable and able to take a heavy load even on mild trails, with Bontrager Race Lite Hard-Case 700x32c tires that are wide enough to add cushion yet able to keep good speed.

The bike also comes with a Bontrager Back Rack Deluxe (a rear rack) that is good for loads lighter than 20lbs.

The stock brakes hold their power and are able to stop your fully-loaded bicycle, even when traveling at high speeds and in downhill scenarios.

The Purchase

I went about purchasing this bike first by spending a good amount of time researching touring bikes online. After hours of research I had narrowed my choices to the Surly Long Haul Trucker and the Trek 520. My next step in purchasing the bike was trying to find a store that had one of these bikes in stock to test drive. I could not find any local stores that had the Surly Long Haul Trucker in stock. I quickly discovered that touring bicycles can be hard to find in many local bike shops.

After calling about 20 stores that carried Trek bicycles, I came across Helen’s Cycles in Santa Monica, CA that stocked the 520, and it just so happens they had my size! I took the bike for a test drive and loved the comfort and stability of the bike. I was sold! I was able to pick mine up in 2010 for just under $1,050 USD (including tax) due to some minor chips in the paint on the top tube.

The suggested retail price of the Trek 520 is a little steep in my opinion, because there are similar bikes of similar quality that sell for less. However, the 520 is specialty bicycle, which somewhat justifies its price.

Experience With The Bike & Upgrades for Long Distance Touring

I purchased my Trek 520 in the spring of 2010 with plans to use it as a touring bike, road bike and commuter. I had never owned a road bike before, as I was mainly an avid mountain biker at the time, so the Trek 520 had a completely different feel for me. After a few longer rides, however, I was hooked! I loved that I could cover 50-80 miles in a day without being exhausted.

After many long rides to train for my month-long Canada tour that I did in the summer of 2010, I invested in some upgrades. While the bike is set up for touring, I made some upgrades to meet my specific riding/touring needs. The biggest upgrade for comfort I have made was the saddle. The Trek 520 comes with a decent stock saddle, fine for 60-mile rides, but after doing a few 80-100 mile days in a row, I decided an upgrade was a worthy investment. After doing my research I decided on leather Selle An-Atomica . It is the best seat I have ever sat on! After proper adjustment and wear-in it feels like riding on air.

Soon after that I added Shimano 520 SPD pedals . Next, I installed a set of Kevlar lined Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700 x 35c tires . With the new tires I have only had one flat in 3,500 miles. My friend bought the same tires for his Cannondale touring bike and was able to ride over 6,000 miles on one set before replacing them. I also upgraded the stock fenders to SKS fenders . They give a lot better coverage for riding in the rain and dusty conditions.

The stock rear rack is good for carrying 20lbs or less. I carry my tent and all my gear on my bike while touring so I decided to upgrade to an Axiom rear rack and purchased Axiom Low-rider front racks to carry my 35-40 lbs worth of camping gear and clothes. To hold my gear I invested in the Axiom journey series panniers – front and back. Everything mounted very well, and the bike has sufficient braze-ons and welds for mounting heavy duty racks.

The one upgrade I have always thought about is lower crank gears. The stock gear ratio of 48/36/26 is a little high if you are using the bike to carry heavier loads on longer trips with mountains. My full load including the bike weighs in at close to 70lbs, while the bike itself weighs in at 27lbs. On long mountain passes, it sure would be nice to have a lower gear to switch into.

If I had to say one thing negative about the bike, I would say the paint job is not without its flaws. In 2010, when I purchased the bike, a rusty root-beer color was the only color option. For some, the color along might have been enough to turn them away from the bike. The brownish color of my bike has grown on me, however, and the metallic brownish/orange high gloss paint really stands out in the sun.

The problem that I have noticed, however, is that the metallic paint chips off easier than any other bike I have ever owned. An easily chipped paint job, of course, is not what you want in a touring bicycle that can be exposed to the elements for long periods of time. While the paint may be chipping, there isn’t a single spot or chip that has started to rust. You should also remember that the current models paint is different and I have not heard if it still suffers from paint chipping.

Would I Recommend The Trek 520 Touring Bike?

I would highly recommend this bike if you have the money to invest, and are serious about bike touring. You definitely get your moneys worth. The bikes durability, style and comfort definitely justify the price. I also get comments on the style of the bike frequently; a lot of people enjoy the classic look of it. This is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. The steel frame and geometry of the bike minimizes the bumpiest of roads and can take on some mild dirt trails – even when fully loaded.

Conclusion and Rating

Looking back I have had no regrets or any major technical issues with the Trek 520. I have also yet to come across any major complaints from fellow bikers that own this particular bicycle. On a Scale of 1 to 10, I would give this bike a 9. The durability of the paint and the fact that the bike is slightly overpriced when compared to similar bicycle models are the only things holding the 520 back from being a perfect 10. The Trek 520 is and will continue to remain a classic choice in the bicycle touring world.

About The Author: Justin Bernstein is a 23-year-old student at Cal State Channel Islands where he works part-time as a bicycle technician. Justin says he enjoys anything that has wheels and notes that bicycle touring has allowed him to see some amazing places and meet some great people. “I love touring by bike and plan to never stop riding!”

Justin Bernstein

40 thoughts on “ trek 520 – touring bicycle review ”.

I too have a 2003 520, has been an awsome bike…lots of miles touring with 0 problems. Great article!

I have someone telling me that a 30 year old trek 520 made in the USA is superior to a new one. What is your opinion?

ha. I don’t know about that.

I also love the 520, but there is or was for me toe wheel clip or what ever we call it when your shoe’s clip the front wheel…what do you think about using butterfly handle bars on the 520, with a 650 wheel you can add a little wider tire?

Rodney, I’m not quite sure I understand you. Are you saying that when you ride the Trek 520 that the front wheel clips the front of your toes when you turn? If so, that could indeed be the right of the bike… or it might just be the way you have the toe clips set up.

As for butterfly bars, this is a personal decision and it is quite a lot of work to change out the handlebars on a touring bicycle like this. If you want to make that change, then yes, it can be done. But the drop bars that come on the Trek 520 are great in my opinion and most people will be quite happy with them.

I had toe overlap….

I’d really like to get one of these for my own touring but they don’t seem to be available in the uk?

Yes, the Trek 520 is available in the UK. You will probably have to special order it, however. You just need to search for a Trek dealer in your area. You can do so by searching for a dealer on this page of the Trek website https://locator.trekbikes.com/locator/search?lang=en

It may be a good touring bike but as any Trek it is just ridiculously too short for tall people. I am 6.8″ and I would never buy Trek (except for Garry Fisher of course – shame they have a Trek label on it now…). So if you look closely you will see that the geometry of Trek bikes is really stupid where the tall people are concerned. They make some bikes up to size 25″ but still only about 10 cm longer then the 15″ version – what is that about. Plus you end up paying too much for the label, I’d rather go for Surly or something else.

I have enjoyed my 520 since 2010. I tour about 6,000 miles a tear and the 520 is very dependable and comfortable. The only negative has been the 3rd bottle holder. When you add the detachable fenders the 3rd bottle holder cannot be used because it hits the fender. I have recommended the 520 to others but it can be difficult to find in stock. Most bike stores want you to purchase before they order….without a test ride. If you do not like the bike you are stuck with it or you can return it but you are committed to buy something else.

Wow, thanks for your help there was actually a dealer 2 miles away. Going to make a trip down tomorrow.

The inability to use the third bottle cage is quite common. There just isn’t that much room under there. A normal 21 oz water bottle is too long. But the cage is still useful for other things. If you use a stove that feeds off of traditional liquid fuel bottles, you can fit a half-liter fuel bottle in the third cage. I have a half-liter storage bottle down there that holds a spare tube, rag, patches, and wrenches. It makes sense to put something heavy down there. It wouldn’t be a great place for an actual water bottle anyway–it’s difficult to access while riding and it tends to pick up a lot of road grit. This is the storage bottle that I use: https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Storage-Bottle-500cc/dp/B004MGICFS

“there are similar bikes of similar quality that sell for less” could you name some of them for us, the budget tourers? 🙂 I’m currently touring on an aluminum trek 7.3FX, is steel really much more suppler than alu?

Excellent review….I am in the process of looking around for a tourer, the top of my list was the Cannondale Touring but I understand these stopped being produced in 2010..Will be following your advise closely

Keep up the good work

Nice review. I picked up a 2010 520 (barely used) this March and put 1200 miles on it over the summer. Never a problem. I really like the metallic root beer color and haven’t had the chipping problems you experienced. The bike rides smooth and shifts smooth. I also put SKS fenders on mine as well as a Brooks B-17. I’m still on the Bontrager Hardcase Race Lite tires that came on it and have not had a flat yet. The updated gearing has the granny necessary for the steep 13-14% grades that we routinely face in our area. The longevity of this particular model speaks volumes. Maybe more have crossed the continent than any other single bike model.

The Trek store sized me and sold me a 57cm Trek 520. They said I was borderline between the 57 and the 54. After 3 years I have to say the bike is too small. I’m 5’9″, and to get it to fit right the seat has to be way up, and Trek had to order a new uncut fork to get the handlebars way up – to get almost level with seat. It looks funny. Another local bike store, that does not sell Trek, told me it looks too small. REI put my wife, at 5’4″ on a “medium” Novara Randonee touring bike (often compared to the Trek 520). Her bike is bigger than mine!

I think Trek sizing works for guys with really short legs, and people who like that “seat post up in the sky” look you see with racers. The old Trek 520s, with less compact geometry, look far better to my eye.

I’ll probably swap the parts to another frame. Big $ loss.

Other than that, it’s a great., flawless bike.

Howdy. 🙂 Nice review, but I’m not sure what sort of rack your 520 had to have come with to only carry up to 20 lbs. o.O That seems really low. The current model of the 520, which you have pictured at the top, comes with the “deluxe” back rack from Bontrager, which is rated to hold up to 25 kgs, or about 55 lbs (and even their smaller rack is rated for the same weight). Anyway, I’ve had my eye on the 520 for a while now, dreaming about the day I finally manage to get myself set up for touring! 🙂

I just bought the 520 and I did a lot of research before I made the purchase. I will stay in touch with all and tell you my thoughts as soon as get the bike this sunday.

I bought the Trek 520 this year for a 3 day tour through the Rockie Mountains. The bike performed well and was able to carry my 20 lb. panniers with ease. The steel frame was heavier than my other bikes but did not feel heavy riding. The smaller frame size fit my short torso although I had to raise the seat quite a bit for my long legs. That being said the 520 is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden.

I purchased my Trek 520 about 20 years ago and used it for many touring trips. I have always taken good care of it, and today it still remains to be one of my favorite bikes to take day rides on. I paid about $500 for it 20 years ago and has proven to be a great buy.

In Europe Idid use for self supporting tours mind condition Cannondale 1000X . My brother try it and he was also hooked … When return to Canada I did buy new Trek 520 . About 20000 miles fully loaded touring on my trusted and comfortable burgundy red Trek 520 was poore pleasure and I do not complain at all. Set up: Brooks , Shimano SPD , Satori stem and stem riser , AC Lowrider , Axiom rack just slightly modified , Voyager heavy duty paniers front and rear + Voyager handlebar bag , ( you do not buy those quality anymore). Czech made Pigeon framebag is superior quality also so by Bilenky Bicycle Work installed S&S couplings for reason . This Trek 520 is last series proudly build in Wisconsin USA .

Thanks for the great review and information. The Trek 520 is on my short-list of bikes and this is helping me make up my mind!

Wondered if you still have the 520 or gotten rid of it? I see the CoMotion now with S&S couplers. I am purchasing a 520, and building it with components equal to the Americano, along with S&S couplers, a SON28 hub and Luxos U headlight. Your thoughts on this set up?

This bicycle review was written by a BicycleTouringPro.com reader named Justin Bernstein. I don’t own a Trek 520 and I never have.

You are correct about me owning a Co-Motion Pangea , however. The Pangea is the touring bicycle I have been riding since May of 2012.

I’ve never heard of anyone buying a Trek 520 and totally transforming it the way you say you plan to do. It sounds like a lot of work and money. Why did you decided to do this rather than just keep the Trek 520 the way it is… or rather than just buying a touring bicycle with the parts/components that you want?

I’d be interested in hearing how that hub works out for you and what you end up charging with it (besides the headlight).

This review reads too much like a brochure from Trek, at least the first half. Today’s 520 is a relatively more compact geometry than the original. My 2002 is a completely different bike than the current model in both geometry and stock components. Trek has finally figured out what parts a touring bike should have, however, for years they were putting a standard road triple (52/42/30). While it’s a solid bike, I’m critical of the idea that it hasn’t changed over the years. Also, given this review was written two years ago, I should mention that Trek is adding disc brakes for 2015 (mentioning this for the sake of anyone reading the above review and considering the 520).

Where are you getting that the rack (Back Rack Deluxe) can only hold 20#? Trek lists it at 50#. I’ve upgraded to this newer version and I’ve had no issues fully loaded with somewhere in the area of 50# of gear. It’s a well made rack.

I purchased a 2013 Trek 520 earlier this year and enjoy riding it regularly. The bike rides smooth and steady and, while not necessarily built for speed, can sail down the road quickly. I chose to replace the stock Bontrager seat with a Brooks Flyer (springed) saddle which is almost broken in now – it works great to reduce road vibrations. I added a Light and Motion headlight for night-time daylight and a Bontrager pannier which easily mounts to and disconnects from the back rack. This is the second Trek touring bike I have owned – I love it!

My 520 has over 46k mile on it. It’s a fine bike but I have one beef; the SD-7 brakes that came with it were noisy crap. On a wet loaded downhill I had to reach round to the drops to get any stopping power at all. I replaced the front brake with a Single Digit Ultimate and replaced both brake levers with Tektro RS520 levers. Braking is much better now although I couldn’t launch myself over the bars if I tried, they still require effort but I can now brake from the hoods. If I replace it I’ll get the disc brake version.

I bought a new green 2015, without the disc brakes. Love the ride. Very stable. Digging the bar end shifters. I certainly am not doing well with the forward position. I added a Dimension stem extender that raised the bars about 3 inches and that had helped, but I still need a shorter stem. I ordered the Bontrager Elite in the much shorter 7 rise, 70mm. Hope it will take away the pain in the lower part of my neck in back. But if need be, I will add either the tried and true Nitto Albatross I have been using for sometime on a old GT Nomad hybrid, or a set of Jones bars since they are back and will pair well with the stem color. Otherwise, I do hope to make the drops work.. even consider some wider ones along with the shorter stem and any needed stacking like I see on many Surly LHT bikes. Planning a Fit at a bike shop to rule out my options.

I currently have a Trek 8000 mountain bike. For riding around town, neck pain is my main complain. I also have a trike that totally gets rid of any seat or neck pain but it is only good for perfect roads. I am considering Trek 520 and would be interested to know about the changes to the stem that you made to get remedy you neck pain.

I had similar neck and shoulder pain riding in a peloton with this bike, particularly on roads that are not great quality. The underlying cause was that the hoods don’t have much padding (like most bikes), but you need to rest your hands here to brake or use the drops the entire time. The solution was to install in-line brake levers so I could also brake from the padded handle bars while drafting. The levers were ~$30 and are cheap/easy to install when you are replacing your brake cables and bar tape at the same time.

I’ve ordered a 2015 disc model which I’m pickng up this week. Planning an epic tour from Ireland to Turkey and will enjoy training rides around N. Ireland. Slightly concerned about the “small” sizing of the bike but hopeful that the 57′ will fit my 5.10 height.

Hey Darren, im a huge fan

Im planning a long trip to South America, I preffer the less travel or off road path. Im from Colombia and here the obly two touring bikes avaliable are the Giant Thoughroad slr 1 and Specialized Sequoia. Im not sure about this bikes, because the giant have an aluminium frame and carbon fork and the Sequoia have a 48/32 crank. My dream bike is the Surly Troll but is out of my reach. What can I do?

It is possible to have a bicycle shipped to you from the United States or elsewhere in the world. It’s just more expensive when you do this, of course.

After getting my Surly LHT stolen two weeks before my XC trip… A friend of a friend got me a brand new Trek 520 for a good price. Along with the bike being stolen (I live in NYC), the racks went with it… so two comments I’d like to make.

1. During my 5,019 mile ride, I used the stock rear rack and only the rear rack the whole way to stow everything (panniers, tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat). Per Adventure Cycling Association, my total weight (bike included) was 89lbs. The only issue I had with the rack was after getting off a rocky road, the rack started to squeak. I simply tightened the screws and no more squeak. So I’d hardly say that was a problem.

2. I believe this was the article that solidified my decision to go with the LHT and Trek 520 was my back up option while I price compared stores in the area. Having ridden both bikes, I would say they are just about the same, comfort wise. Jumping on the Trek 520 for the first time felt no different than the LHT. The difference may be the size and how Trek and Surly measure their frame size. I got them both in a 54 and for whatever reason the Trek felt just a little more comfortable. Whether it’s because it was bigger or smaller by a fraction I am not sure.

Anyway, Darren your resources were an incredible help to making me feel comfortable before leaving for my first touring trip. I am not the person to just jump on a bike and leave, so I can’t thank you enough!!!

I purchased a 54cm Trek 520 in September of 2015 and have put over 1500 miles on it to date. I ride on my days off and have done two over night trips. The second trip I took was around 110 mile round trip and about 20 miles was gravel roads. I do wish Trek would design the lower water bottle holder so it would clear with fenders. I recently replaced the the tires after four flats on the original tires. Little things I am changing to fit my riding styles to make the bike more comfortable for me. Over all I am very pleased with the bike and am happy with my purchase. I will be using this bicycle on my New Mexico trip in September of 2018. I know this is along way off but I have other obligations that come first. I am however doing small trips here in Mo. and one trip to my uncles in Oklahoma. I am also getting ready to do the entire Katy Trail in Missouri. Other than the flats I have had zero issues with my 520 but I am only 5’8″ and quite stocky . I would recommend this bike to anyone in my size range.

I considered the 520 because it was a light touring bicycle and a Trek – however, I opted for a Jamis Aurora (more bang for the buck) and have not been disappointed. I added a front Surly rack and clipless pedals – the bike came with fenders, good 9-speed triple crank gearing, bar end shifters, and a rear rack. When shopping, I noticed many shops in the Baltimore area did not stock steel frame touring bicycles. After riding my touring bike around – I seem to prefer the ride of steel frame bicycles.

Hello. I’m looking into purchasing a 2018 Trek 520 for bike touring. I have a Specialized CrossTrail that I use for touring and it is very limited for what I can haul. I took this bike for a road test and it was wonderful. It was very responsive and comfortable, indeed. I liked the fact that it was a 27 speed. The multiple, lower gears, are a plus for heavy load climbing. The bike dealer is asking 1100.00 dollars for this Trek. Am I getting a good deal, thanks!

I have a Trek 520. Bought in 2004, upgraded to Rohloff rear gear hub and schmidt generating front hub in 2010. Repainted at the same time. Does about 6000km pa. Brilliant.

Had mine for 7 years now, best bike I ever owned 🙂

It seems you can buy a good used steel frame and build up the bike to your choosing just fine. Just check out a bike shop which sells used bikes of on CL for old steel, many with classic lugs.

I have a 1984 Miyata 210 which I bought new and it is in fine shape, albeit ridden very infrequently as I have a number of bikes. It still has the original Araya wheels and are still perfect after all these years, original brake pads too! I have thought of adding a Rohloff internal gearing and taking it for an extended tour.

As for the Trek 520, they are good, them and Surly LHT’s are everywhere, can’t go wrong with either.

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Trek 520 Disc first ride review

BikeRadar gets world’s first test of Trek’s revamped steel tourer

Robert Smith / Immediate Media

Simon Withers

The Wisconsin-based company has been making its steel 520 bike since 1983 — making it a couple of years younger than Specialized’s Allez and a decade or so younger than the Dawes Galaxy, probably the standard bearer for steel touring bikes, at least in Britain — and started out as an all-round road bike. But in the years since 1983 the bike has flitted between all-rounder and full-on tourer.

The 2019 incarnation is very much the latter beast, having gained even more touring-friendly features than the 2018 model, and it now has some serious expedition chops to its name.

• Best gravel and all-road bikes of 2018
• This Pinion-equipped touring wagon is unashamedly practical

Trek 520 Disc spec as tested

• Frame : TIG-welded butted chromoly steel
• Fork : Alloy disc touring with lowrider mounts
• Handlebar : Bontrager Comp VR-C
• Stem : Bontrager Elite ‘Blendr’ with computer and light mounts
• Seatpost : Bontrager 27.2mm alloy, 12mm offset
• Saddle : Bontrager Evoke 1.5
• Shifters : Shimano Sora
• Front derailleur : Shimano Sora
• Rear derailleur : Shimano Alivio rear
• Brakes : TRP Spyre C2.0 mechanical disc
• Brake levers : Shimano Sora
• Cassette : Shimano HG200, 11-36, 9-speed
• Chain : KMC X9
• Chainset : Shimano Alivio triple 48/38/26T
• Bottom bracket : Shimano external cartridge bearing
• Wheels : Bontrager Affinity TLR tubeless-ready 36-hole rims, Shimano M475 hubs
• Tyres : Bontrager H1 Hard-case Ultimate, 700x38mm with reflective sidewall
• Extras : Bontrager 15kg-max capacity front rack and 25kg-capacity rear rack
• Weight : 13.97kg (57cm including racks but not pedals)

Trek’s 520 ups its touring chops for 2019

Most notably for 2019 the 520 has gained a 15kg-capacity Bontrager front rack and a much lower bottom gear — the all-important one — compared with the 2018 model. It has also moved from bar-end shifters to more familiar Sora STI levers.

Trek’s original 520 was lugged, whereas today’s model has a neatly TIG-welded chromoly steel frame with an alloy thru-axled fork; the rear wheel has a standard quick-release.

There’s a peg at the rear of the head tube to fix a frame pump under the top tube and a chain peg on the driveside seatstay. There are three bottle bosses on the down tube, allowing you to fix the bottle cage at different points, and further fittings on the fork, so you can adjust the height of the rack or carry more bottle cages if you forego it altogether.

Triple the fun

Most significantly for 2019, and a sign of its more adventurous ambitions, is that the gearing has gone even lower than before. Make no mistake, this is a good thing.

If your bike is carrying a 70kg rider (okay, nearer 75kg in my case) and approaching 40kg of kit, and you reach the bottom of a long or/and steep hill, you can never have a bottom gear that’s too low. This is where the very-rarely-seen-on-a-road-bike triple chainset comes in.

Trek should also be praised for making it a 48/36/26t Alivio mountain bike chainset, with a teeny-tiny 26t inner chainring, rather than a Shimano 105 road bike 50/39/30 or similar.

Trek really makes the most of this with the saucer-sized 36t sprocket, which delivers a very low bottom gear (under 20in). The 48x11 top gear (around 120in) is more than adequate for powering down hills, and the Sora gear lever and Alivio rear derailleur pairing works well, even with the large jumps necessitated by the 9-speed 11-36 cassette.

Is that bailout/granny gear too small? Not if you find yourself on an unsurfaced road at the foot of a 2,000ft / 600m peak, which happened to me touring in New Zealand years ago.

The front thru-axles help you get the most from the TRP Spyre brakes, which are among the best mechanical disc brakes around with the advantage of being easier to fix and fettle than hydraulics when off the beaten track. Okay, they require more effort through the brake levers than even low-end hydraulic disc brakes, but they work in all weather conditions.

That said, the 36-spoke Bontrager Affinity rims give the impression they’d survive the apocalypse. The 38mm Bontrager Hard-Case tyres ride well on tarmac and were fine on the light gravel of my local canal towpath, and the rims will take wider rubber too, so you can fit more gravel-specific or off-road-flavoured tyres.

Go low, go slow, go long…

The geometry is touring leisurely, with long chainstays, a wheelbase well over a metre and a slack head-tube angle. This creates a very stable, comfortable, semi-upright riding position, ideal for both touring and commuting.

Contact points are good and you can rack up those miles comfortably, albeit slowly. Where it really comes into its own is in its ability to carry considerable quantities of kit, which is where the super-low gearing helps.

My 16-mile commute ends with a few hundred metres of climbing at 10–12 percent, which usually requires out-of-the-saddle honking or even zig-zagging on the steepest section.

Not with the Trek 520. Even with bulging panniers I could stay seated in the bottom gear and spin-spin-spin. On a tourer you want to twiddle and maintain a high cadence rather than crank a knee-crunching gear. If you are loading the 520 up to the gunwales, split the load between the 25kg capacity rear rack and 15kg front, which will balance the handling better.

Trek 520 Disc early verdict

The 2019 is £100 / $215 more expensive than last year’s model, but I think it justifies the extra cost (in the UK at least) if you fancy tackling some full-on, continent-traversing treks.

The front rack ups carrying capacity to the max, with more bosses for greater adaptability, and while Sora STI may nominally be a lower spec than 2018’s bar-end shifters, the move to a much lower bottom gear more than makes up for that.

Upping tyre spec from 32mm to 38mm adds weight, yes, but increases comfort, which can be further added to by going tubeless or to even chunkier rubber.

If you carry heavy loads you could use Trek’s 520 for tough commuter runs but the 520 is most at home on the wide-open road. Thirty-five years of history so far, and we reckon you could get a lifetime of trekking adventure on this well-specced, attractively priced bike.

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Size / 48cm, 51cm, 54cm, 57cm, 60cm, 63cm

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Trek butted chromoly disc touring, rack & fender mounts, 135x5mm QR
• Fork 520 alloy disc touring, rack mounts, 100x5mm ThruSkew
• Hubs Shimano M475, 6-bolt disc, 135x5mm QR
• Wheels Bontrager Affinity Disc, Tubeless Ready, 36-hole, 21mm width, presta valve
• Spokes 14g stainless steel
• Tires Bontrager H1 Hard-case Ultimate, 700x38c w/reflective sidewall
• Chain KMC X9
• Crank Size: 48, 51, Shimano Alivio T4060, 48/36/26, 2-piece w/chain guard, 170mm length; Size: 54, 57, 60, 63, Shimano Alivio T4060, 48/36/26, 2-piece w/chain guard, 175mm length
• Front Derailleur Shimano Sora R3030, 34.9mm (w/28.6 adapter) clamp
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Alivio M4000, long cage, 36T max cog
• Shifters Size: 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, Shimano Sora R3000, 9 speed; Size: 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, Shimano Sora R3030, 3 speed
• Brakeset TRP Spyre C 2.0 mechanical disc, 160mm rotor
• Handlebar Size: 48, Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 40cm width; Size: 51, 54, Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 42cm width; Size: 57, 60, 63, Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 44cm width
• Saddle Bontrager Evoke
• Seatpost Size: 48, Bontrager alloy, 27.2mm, 12mm offset, 250mm length; Size: 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, Bontrager alloy, 27.2mm, 12mm offset, 330mm length
• Stem Size: 48, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 80mm length; Size: 51, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length; Size: 54, 57, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm clamp, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 100mm length; Size: 60, 63, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm clamp, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 110mm length
• Headset 1-1/8'' threadless, sealed cartridge bearings

Q: How much is a 2021 Trek 520?

A 2021 Trek 520 is typically priced around $1,749 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2021 Trek 520?

The 2021 Trek 520 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size 2021 Trek 520 should I get?

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Bikepacking & Adventure Cycling

Trek 520 vs Trek 920

The Trek touring bike battle! So which bike is better? We are going to compare each of these well established touring bikes side by side and see what the difference is between them. When it comes to price the Trek 520 is $420 cheaper at $1679 when the Trek 920 is $2,099. But what really is the difference and which one is best for you and your riding goals?

To start off the Trek 520 comes in two new models for 2021. Either the 520 disc (which comes with a 3 x 9 Alivio, Sora groupset) or the 520 Grando (which is 900 grams lighter then the 520 Disc and comes with a 2 x 10 GRX 400, Tiagra groupset) we will go into detail about gear range, ratio and inches later to see what really is the difference for climbing. But that is the main difference between these two. Then Trek 520 Disc is their longest running bike in the lineup and has been a work horse for years when it comes bike touring, the more traditional touring bike if you like. With stable touring geometry that make it the perfect choice for loaded multi-day trips.

We will get into the detailed differences soon but essentially, the Trek 920 is consider a “go-anywhere adventure touring bike”. One would say more suited for bikepacking adventures than traditional road touring. Where this bike has 29er mountain bike wheels for balance and capability on any surface. Allowing you to explore those tracks less travelled.

Trek 520 Disc

The Trek 520 Disc comes weighs in at 31.4 lbs / 14.2 kg which is rather average for a touring bike made from steel but this bike has a Aluminium fork. It does come out of the box with front and rear racks which has to be a huge plus. Not all touring bikes are sold with rack systems.

However the differences we start to see between this bike and the Trek 920 is that. the 520 has Mechanical Disc while the 920 runs Hydraulic Disc. That leads me onto the gearing. Again the Trek 520 comes with the 3 x 9 Alivio, Sora groupset. With the Shimano Alivio T4060, 48/36/26 crank with 175mm length. And a Shimano HG200, 11-36 rear cassette. Rolling on some Bontrager H1 Hard-case Ultimate, 700x38c tires. So what does this mean for the bikes gear range?

Using these details above, the Trek 520 has a huge range from a 19.79″ climbing gear all the way up to 119.81″ for the highest gear . So for example if you are riding downhill on the smallest cog and largest rear ring at 90 RPM you could reach a speed of 51.6 kph or 32.1 mph. But the best part about the gearing is the climbing gear. You want something this low for a bike that is going to be loaded with gear. Allowing you to climb effortlessly. If you plan to ride fully loaded with 20kg or more gear on the bike anything under 20″ for the granny gear is ideal. This bike can do that!

Consider the Trek 520 Disc as a bike ideal for fully loaded road touring. Priced at $1679.99 If you want something that is a bit lighter and you only plan to carry a lightweight touring gear setup then the Trek 520 Grando, might be your cup of tea!

Trek 520 Grando

The Grando fits somewhere in the middle between the like of the 520 (traditional touring bike) and the 920 (off adventure bike). It is considered a “steel adventure bike made for off-road excursions”. Trek coined the terms “gravel randonneuring” to describe this bike. Bringing back the spirit of the classic rando bikes . This rig is ideal for bikepacking and gravel riding.

The only real difference between the Grando and the 520 Disc is the obvious aesthetics, groupset and saddle. Plus you only get the front rack with the Grando but it is more suited to lightweight adventure cycling. So that leaves room to fit a saddle bag and other bikepacking bags.

The Grando is lighter at 29.3 lbs / 13.3 kg you get the same Steel frame and alloy build. But just different colours and frame aesthetics. The gearing though? Isn’t the 2×10 GRX 400, Tiagra groupset more limiting? Let’s take a look! So you get the ProWheel forged alloy, 42/28 crank which is a 175 cm length. And the Shimano HG50, 11-36 cassette. With slightly wider tires more suited fro gravel grinding. The Bontrager GR1 Expert 700x40c tires. Which gives you a 21.56″ climbing gear and 105.58″ highest gear . So this means when riding downhill at 90 RPM you should hit around 45.5 kph or 28.3 mph.

Yes it is slightly more limited then the 520 Disc but you are not carrying as much gear. If you are running say front panniers and up to 10 kg of gear anywhere around 25″ on the granny is ideal which is what I would recommend for this bike. The Trek 520 Grando is priced the same at $1,679.99

However if you plan off road touring you want something around 18″ climbing gear which this bike doesn’t. Which leads me to the Trek 920!

The Trek 920 is an adventure touring bike that is capable at taking you just about anywhere. A lighter bike out of them all coming in at 28.4 lbs / 12.9 kg, thanks to the all aluminium frame and fork build. With Hydraulic Disc and 29″ wheels and with the Bontrager XR1, 29 x 2.00′ tires. It is the most preferred bike of choice if all you want to go is off-road!

The 920 comes with the Bontrager Duster Elite, Tubeless Ready, 100x15mm thru axle rims compared to the Trek 520’s Bontrager Affinity Disc, Tubeless Ready, 36-hole, 21mm width rims.

The main difference again comes in the groupset with the 2 x 10 GX, X5 option on the 920. Which is considered a high-end component level compared to the 520’s mid-range component level. The Trek 920 has a ProWheel forged alloy, 42/28 crank with 170 mm (5mm shorter then the 520 crank arms) and a SRAM PG-1030, 11-36 cassette. Resulting in a 22.22″ climbing gear which actually in theory is not any better than either the 520 Grando or 520 Disc when it comes to climbing. And a 108.82″ largest gear . Yes the Trek 920 has better quality components but their range is not better. If you are wanting to save money, I really think the 520 Grando is a capable bike. When it comes to riding at 90 RPM downhill on the largest gears you can expect around 46.9 kph or 29.1 mph. Priced at $2,099

Tire Clearance

But wait we have not discussed tire clearances. If a bike has room for wider tires this can allow your ride to feel more supple and gain you access to rougher roads with ease. And we have not discussed geometries yet. From my research the Trek 520 has clearance for up to 29 x 2.0’’ tires of 700c x 50 mm . While the Trek 920 can fit up too, 2.3″ without fenders or 2″ with fenders.

Geometry – Trek 520 Vs Trek 920

Want to learn more about understanding bike geometry? Read this article which goes through all the jargon and what it means for a comfortable ride!

Geometry can play a big part in the difference of how I bike rides and feels. It is definitely something to consider when buying a bike. On first impressions the Trek 920 seems to have more of a MTB geometry and the 520 has a dailed in touring geometry all the way back to 1983. But after looking at the specs the 920 has features of a touring bike geometry with upright positioning and long wheelbase and chainstays.

So I have compared all geometry measurements for both bikes to see where they differ. Please note that both the 520 Disc and the 520 Grando have identical measurements. But all the measurements below are in mm and are for both 54 cm sized bikes.

Looking at the numbers above you can see Trek have been able to match some of the 920’s measurements with their classic touring geometry of the 520. With the same 1.49 stack/reach ratio. Making it a rather upright riding position. Not as upright as something like the Surly Disc Trucker which has 1.57. With the same seat tube and head tube angles. Then we start to see some slight differences in the numbers. What does it mean? I will try and break it down for you.

The trails are fairly similar with a 3 mm difference. The 520 is on the edge of feeling predictable and stable with a 65mm trail which is what you want in a touring bike. The 920 has 68mm which makes it more stable but it is still not sluggish.

The chainstay has a 15mm difference. The 520 being shorter with 450 mm which makes it feel more chill in the rear. While the 920 has 465 mm which is on the long end, making the rear feel more stable. This results in a longer wheelbase on the 920 by 31 mm and a wider front centre by 20 mm. Meaning more weight distribution if you plan to load up the 920 and help you stay upright on some rougher road conditions. Also that 20mm extra room allows more room from toe striking the front wheel. Also the bottom bracket drop is lower on the 920 by 15 mm which lowers the centre of gravity to help even further for staying upright on the rough stuff.

Overall they are all great bikes and I highly recommend them for touring and adventure biking. But it really comes down to what you will be using your ideal bike for? Are you planning to road tour on tarmac and have front and back pannier setup (traditional touring)? Then the Trek 520 Disc is a good choice. If you want a taste of traditional touring but want to dip your toes in off-road adventure cycling, then the Grando might be your choice. But if you want to go full out bikepacking off-road and nothing else then the Trek 920 is the best option.

Honestly for the type of riding I like to do. Off-road adventures with some road riding. The Trek 520 Grando is my favourite. With the decent climbing gear and off-road capabilities. However it is not the lightest. If weight is most important then the Trek 920 is going to be your best best. But if you are looking for value for money and want to save $420 I recommend the Trek 520 Grando!

About The Author

Codey Orgill, a seasoned bicycle adventurer, has been exploring the world on two wheels for over 10 years. Since embarking on his initial cycling journey, Codey Orgill has traversed numerous countries, experiencing a series of epic adventures.

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The New 2019 Trek 520 Touring Bike

Table of Contents

The 2019 trek 520 touring bike, want to compare this touring bike with dozens of others, helpful resources, touring & bikepacking bike overview.

The Trek 520 is the longest running model in Trek’s history. It’s hard to believe that this USA-based company has been refining their dedicated touring bike for 36 years now! Today, we’ll be looking at the controversial changes to the frame, fork and components of the 2019 Trek 520 model.

Ok, the most controversial change to the Trek 520 is the new aluminium 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. Almost all European touring bikes employ aluminium forks on their builds, and it follows that if this material was inherently unreliable or dangerous, manufacturers would’ve switched back to steel over a decade ago.

From the outset, it might seem strange that Trek chose an aluminium fork for the 520, especially when it causes concern for some. I can’t comment on the precise reason why Trek would have chosen aluminium over steel, but it seems logical to me that they’ve managed to achieve increased fork stiffness with a tidy weight reduction of 318 grams.

Is an aluminium fork less comfortable than a steel fork? Not in my experience. When you’re running tyres in the 38-50mm width range you experience lots of tyre deformation over bumps making any difference in vertical fork compliance unnoticeable. It is worth mentioning that some steel forks with a long rake can be optimised for vertical flex, but this style of fork wasn’t fitted to the outgoing 520 model.

Moving on, a new feature of the fork is what Trek calls the thru-skew secure skewer system. The dropout loops all the way around the skewer, meaning that the wheel cannot fall out unless the skewer is removed. This is designed to keep the quick release wheel perfectly aligned in the fork, similar to a thru-axle system. The fork itself comes with eyelets to fit a cargo cage on either side, as well as eyelets behind the dropout for full fenders.

Included with the bike is a Bontrager front rack unique to the 520. The rack features an upper tray to fit a front basket or a porteur-style bag. Alternatively, you can use the tray to simply strap a drybag to the top. It’s great to see some eyelets on the rack to help mount a front dynamo light too.

The Trek 520 now uses Shimano STI shifters rather than the tried-and-trusted barend shifters of the previous models. While this may seem like a bad decision for a round-the-world touring bike, STI shifters have become much more reliable in the past five years and many people who travel a bit closer to home certainly prefer the better access to the shift levers. You can always swap the levers out if you’d prefer to know your shifter will outlast the rest of the bike.

The bars on the 520 are a pretty typical road handlebar. It’d be nice to see a flared drop handlebar offered with this bike for two reasons: the flared drops provide a bit more steering leverage and the handlebar shape provides additional clearance for a bikepacking handlebar pack, should you decide to pack light.

The gear ratios have improved on the 2019 Trek 520 which I’m really happy about. While many users of the old model opted to swap in a 11-36t cassette to achieve a sub-20″ climbing gear, the new model comes with one as standard.

Another moot point found in the forums about the 2019 model is the downgrade from Shimano Deore gearing to Alivio. The reason for this move is that Deore has now moved on to 10-speed, and unfortunately there are no Shimano STI shifters which will work with the new 10-speed Deore drivetrain parts.

The brakes have received an upgrade to TRP Spyre-C callipers, however. These cable-operated brakes use a unique design that pulls both brake pads in at the same time, providing near-hydraulic braking performance (most cable disc callipers pull just one pad).

Tyre clearance has stepped up from 700x45c to 700x50c. While most companies abide by international standards for tyre clearance (at least 4mm of space on either side of the tyre), Trek adds another 2mm on top of that, so you can likely fit 54mm tyres (29×2.2″) in the 520. Another change to the 520 frame is the larger diameter downtube. This increases the lateral frame stiffness and therefore increases the stability with a front and rear load. As far as I’m concerned, you can never have enough frame stiffness on a touring bike!

And finally, there’s been some discussion around the 125kg maximum total weight limit for this bike. If the bike weighs 13kg itself and you were to carry the maximum rack capacity of 38kg, that means that technically you’d have to be under 74kg as a rider to meet this requirement.

I’m not too sure why Trek have opted for this limit (it’s been like this for a while – something legal perhaps?), but it’s my experience that a frameset of this build type will comfortably handle more. The wheels, although spec’d with 36 spokes, are possibly the only area which may not stand the test of time under a 125kg+ load. Check out THIS resource for my rim recommendations for super heavy loaded touring (ie. tandem-strength rims).

In addition, most bigger manufacturers like Trek are typically a bit more generous with their warranties as they prefer to provide good after-sales service to keep their customers happy. Not always, but I do often hear this.

What do you think of the choice of two colours? I’m digging the simple retro graphics of this years model and think the Anthracite Grey would be a good theft-deterring colour option. At US $1679 , the bike is a bit more expensive than previous years, but with the front rack, upgraded brakes and STI shifters it’s still competitive enough in this segment. Don’t like the build? You can also get the frameset for US $640 if you’d prefer to do build it your way.

You can find out more at Trek .

Check out the  Touring Bicycle Buyer’s Guide  which compares touring bike steering, sizing, gear ratios, specification, pricing and more. The Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide does the same thing, however, with a focus on lighter bikes and models with more off-road capability. Both of these guides are updated annually with the latest models at no extra cost!

All About Touring Bike Brakes Frame Materials for Bicycle Touring How to Select Touring Bike Gearing Understand Bicycle Frame Geometry What’s the Difference between Cyclocross and Touring Bikes?

2016 Advocate Lorax 2018 All City Gorilla Monsoon 2016 Basso Ulisse 2016 Bianchi Volpe and Lupo 2016 2016 Bombtrack Beyond 2017 Bombtrack Beyond 2018 Bombtrack Beyond 2018 Bombtrack Arise Tour 2019 Bombtrack Beyond 2016 Brodie Elan Vital 2016 Cannondale Touring 2019 Cannondale Topstone 2020 Cannondale Topstone 2016 Cinelli Hobootleg Geo 2018 Co-Op ADV 4.2 2017 Curve Grovel V2 2017 Diamondback Haanjo EXP Carbon 2016 Fuji Touring 2017 Fuji Touring 2018 Fuji Touring 2018 Fuji Touring Disc 2016 Genesis Tour de Fer 2016 Giant ToughRoad 2017 Giant ToughRoad 2018 Giant ToughRoad and ToughRoad GX 2016 Jamis Aurora and Aurora Elite 2019 Jones Plus SWB 2020 KOGA WorldTraveller-S 2016 Kona Big Rove 2016 Kona Roadhouse and Sutra LTD 2016 Kona Sutra 2017 Kona Sutra 2018 Kona Sutra 2018 Kona Sutra LTD 2019 Kona Sutra and Sutra LTD 2020 Kona Sutra and Sutra LTD 2020 Kona Unit X 2016 Marin Four Corners 2017 Marin Four Corners 2018 Marin Four Corners 2016 Masi Giramondo 2018 Masi Giramondo 2016 Niner RLT9 2016 Rawland Ulv and Ravn 2016 Salsa Deadwood 2017 Salsa Fargo 2018 Salsa Fargo Ti Frameset 2018 Salsa Journeyman 2016 Salsa Marrakesh 2017 Salsa Marrakesh 2018 Salsa Marrakesh 2020 Salsa Marrakesh 2017 Salsa Vaya 2019 Salsa Warbird 2016 Specialized AWOL 2017 Specialized AWOL 2017 Specialized Diverge 2018 Specialized Diverge 2019 Specialized Diverge 2017 Specialized Sequoia 2018 Specialized Sequoia 2019 Specialized Sequoia 2018 Surly Bridge Club 2017 Surly Troll 2016 Traitor Wander 2019 Trek 520 2016 Trek 920, 720, 520 & CrossRip 2017 Trek CrossRip 2018 Trek 920 2018 Trek 1120

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Trek 520 Touring Bicycle Review

November 17, 2022

‍ Key Takeaways

• The Trek 520 is the only touring bike Trek offers
• The 520 has been the stable touring bike for decades
• The 520 may be in danger of being phased out due to decreased demand.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ Trek has been making excellent bicycles for years, and their workhorse has been around forever. How good is the Trek 520, and is it worth buying?

The Trek 520 is a touring bicycle that Trek Bicycle has produced since 1983. The Chromoly steel bike has stood the test of time and has been the go-to bike for years for cross-country rides. It is one of the most popular bicycles that Trek has ever made, enjoying brisk sales and a solid following.

In the bicycling community, newcomers often try to promote the latest aerodynamics or advancements as the most revolutionary thing ever introduced. But in a world of constant tweaking, there's something to be said for staying the course. When Trek introduced the 520, the company knew there was a market for enthusiasts interested in more than just recreational cycling. Trek fashioned the 520 Touring bikes in 1983 to be exercised in adventure and exploration. The bike has a solid frame, can handle added gear and weight and gobbles up pavement like there is no tomorrow. Over the years, the 520 Touring bikes have captured the hearts of the bicycling enthusiasts, and Trek has had enough sense not to mess with a good thing.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ What Makes the Touring 520 So Special?

For years, Trek has offered the 520 as the ultimate touring bike. It is the only touring bike that Trek offers. What exactly makes the Trek 520 so unique and loved by so many?

The Trek 520 Was Built Very Well

There is a reason that Trek has put so much confidence in the 520, and a lot of it has to do with the way it was built. Even though Trek’s headquarters is located in Waterloo, Wisc., the actual build is performed overseas. The Giant Bike Company makes many Trek units in the far East. (Giant makes bicycles for several companies). The good thing about this consistency is just that. When you make the same bike for years, your workers have an excellent opportunity to get very good at what they are doing.

The Chromoly frame is designed to be lighter and stronger than average steel composites. This alloy makes the metal ideal for bicycling frames where weight reduction directly affects speed, and the need for durability is equally essential (multiple uses and strains).

The Trek 520 frame features five different sizes of frames that run from 48 to 60 cm to accommodate different-sized riders’ bodies. Since not every bike rider is the same size or shape, the various sizes are a welcome option for many who have trouble finding a bicycle that fits them correctly. The touring bike has a weight capacity of 275 lbs, which includes equipment and a rider.

The Trek 520 frame can handle rear and front racks, making it ideal for long-distance trips. In addition, the frame has distinct features, such as water bottle or pump mounts. Owners can modify the bike with fenders to keep the mud from slinging up, especially when riding on wet pavement. Many cross-country riders have welcomed the small touches because these add-ons made their rides easier to manage.

In early models of the 520, the fork was also a steel Chromoly, but with recent renditions, the company has shifted to an aluminum alloy. While steel forks can often be too stiff, leading to cracking and disintegration, the aluminum alloy fork allows for more flexibility while handling the abuse from different road surfaces. The design of the ThruScrew allows owners to remove the front tire without unpacking all the gear they were carrying upfront.

The tire is Bontrager Hard-case Ultimate, 700x38c, with the option of growing into a pair of 29 x 2.00-inch tires. The wide tire gives the rider better comfort and can handle the punishment of uneven road surfaces. Since cross-country riders are traveling on the edges of challenging highway roads, the added width is welcome. The company has also included a reflective sidewall to keep cyclists safe.

The 9spd Shimano drivetrain is versatile, and when coupled with Shimano derailleurs (Shimano Alivio M4000 on the rear), the shifting is smooth and easy. While most early renditions of this bike used Shimano Deodre for several years, the company moved to a Shimano Alivio (which some reviews felt was a step down). However, Shimano continues to surprise, and the Alivio is probably one of the best intermediate group sets on the market. Shimano continues to be the big boss of components for cycling, so their parts are easy to secure. Coupled with the lifetime guarantee, the bike can be quickly repaired should something go wrong.

Most of the other components of the bike (handlebars, seat, and the like) are supplied by Bontrager, which Trek owns. Once again, the company can contain costs using its in-house maker of parts.

For 2023, Trek is offering two distinct colors, Diablo Red and Anthracite (think charcoal), but over the years, there have been complaints about the paint job needing to be able to hold up. The great thing is that the metal below the paint won’t rust or corrode. Most riders can live with a bike that looks like it's been on a few adventures, so this is not a deal-breaker.

The Trek Performed Very Well

The 520 has consistently scored very high in reviews over the years. The ride is exceptional for a heavier bike, but that weight lends itself to stiffness and stability, particularly for the long hauler. (I had an uncle who rode his Trek across the country several times in the eighties, with only a few minor tire changes).

The bike could be more agile, although the added weight can make the handling chunky. Still, the 520 seems to gobble up pavement and isn’t intimidated by inclines or steep descents. The bike has wider tires, which lend themselves to excellent grip on a slick pavement or even gravel roads. The steel frame absorbs most shocks and bumps without translating them to the upper torso of the ride. Overall, there is a lot to love about this bike. Most owners of Trek 520s prefer the older models because their performance is so exceptional. Regardless, the rider will have a lot of confidence in this bike and, even after years of ownership, still be singing its praises.

The Trek 520 Was Reasonably Priced

Even though the current $1895 is pushing the limits of what most families would pay for a bike. At the introduction in 1983, the 520 cost a mere $400, which was exceptional. Since then, the bike has increased in price each year.

The Trek 520 Has Been Around for a Long Time

As mentioned before, Trek has been producing the 520 for almost forty years. During that time, it has seen its share of improvements here and there, but for all intents and purposes, the bike is still a great touring bike. The fact that this is the only touring bike Trek makes, coupled with the continued demand across multiple generations, makes this bicycle deserving of hall of fame status.

The Trek 520 has a Difficult Future Ahead.

During the early years of Trek 520, it is essential to remember that there was a massive surge in the pastime of bike riding. American superstars like Greg Lemond and Lance Armstrong captured the public's psyche and spurred more and more people to take up the sport, both recreationally and professionally. (It didn’t hurt that both Tour de France winners wore Trek jerseys). In addition, programs like 1 world 2 wheels (Trek’s pet project to get more people into the cycling world) helped foster an extensive biking culture. Their willingness to support bike clubs and sponsor longer rides across the country helped keep them at the forefront of an eager public.

While Trek continues to support and sponsor pro-teams, it is clear that more people are turning away this past time. According to statistics, recreational riding by kids has fallen 49% since 1997. Undoubtedly, our world has raised a generation much more interested in playing video games from their couch rather than strapping on a helmet and exploring the world.

For those who are riding, most current riders are moving away from touring bikes and choosing to go electric. The 27 billion dollar industry is expected to double in the next five years, and due to the decrease in sales for regular bikes, it won’t be long before e-bike sales surpass standard bike unit outputs.

As a sign of things to come, the Trek website indicates that it cannot ship the Trek 520 due to a lack of production. Whether this is from the fact that the company is signaling the 520s demise, cutting back on production numbers, or has just sold out of their yearly allotment, remains to be seen. The website advises potential buyers to contact their local bike shops to see if the bike is available in their particular locales.

What We Liked and Hated About the Trek 520

As mentioned above, the Trek 520 has stood the test of time and has captured the hearts of cyclists everywhere over the years.

• Been around for a long time
• It has a solid Chromoly frame
• Able to handle long trips and added gear
• The Bike may be difficult to secure
• The future of touring bikes is dwindling
• See the manufacturer's website for more information on the 520 and its availability.
• For Today’s Price, check out your local bike retailer.

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About THE AUTHOR

Danny Lawson

Mountain biking is more than just a hobby for me - it's a way of life. I love the challenge and excitement that comes with it, and I'm always pushing myself to go faster and ride harder. Some people might think that mountain biking is dangerous, but I see it as the only way to live.

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About PedalChef

PedalChef is a blog on all things cycling. We are a group of people who love bikes, and we want to share the joy that comes with the experience. You can read more about us here .

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• Rider Notes

2021 Trek 520 Disc

A steel frame gravel bike with mid-range components and mechanical disc brakes. Compare the full range

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5'2" – 5'5"

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Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes. Report your fit

Feb 2020 · Miles Arbour

The stock Trek 520, the quintessential steel touring bike in the brand's lineup, wasn't quite doing it for Miles. Here is his take on a classic, complete with a flat bar conversion, 1x11 drivetrain, and the absolute biggest tires he could fit. Find details, lots of photos, and a complete build kit here...

Read Review

Aug 2018 · Simon Withers

Most notably for 2019 the 520 has gained a 15kg-capacity Bontrager front rack and a much lower bottom gear — the all-important one — compared with the 2018 model.

Last updated April 16 Not listed for 1,100 days