Originally Posted by
seeker333
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.
I hadn't realized that, does seem a bit odd to combine alu fork & steel frame. The expedition-style front rack is a bit of overkill IMO, they're very heavy. Trek should break the mold & make the 520 all-aluminum with suspension seat-post & fork. Germans/Dutch make many such bikes (flat-bar), Trek could carve out a new niche with a drop-bar version.