Originally Posted by
brushspin
...I'll be using this touring bike as my daily commuter, long distance steed, and of course my touring bicycle to take me wherever my legs will carry me. If given the opportunity between a new (2019) Trek 520 or the Surly Trucker Disc in 26". which would you choose as your FIRST touring bike?
If you want the classic 520 with rim brakes, steel fork and QR wheel fitment, you better act fast before all the 2018 models are sold. From 2019 on the 520 will be available only with disc brakes, aluminum fork and front through axle. I have to wonder why Trek didn't make the frame aluminum too - 520 has been Trek's only steel-framed bike for years now.
I'd choose the 26" Disc Trucker Complete or 26" DT frameset and build it myself.