Early Trek 520? What's it worth please?
06-21-20, 05:33 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Early Trek 520? What's it worth please?
I have an early Trek 520. I'm not sure of the year, because it had the trek cover over the serial number on the bottom and I didn't want to take it off. Looks pretty original to me. Prices online seem to be pretty high, so I'm just wondering what a fair value of this bike might be? It needs tires, otherwise it rides nice and smooth. Should I put new tires on it, or let the next owner put their choice on?
06-21-20, 05:55 PM
#3
Senior Member
Looks like an '84: 1984 Trek Bicycle Brochure Part 3 - Touring Bikes
As far as value, you'll want to replace consumables - tires, bar tape, cables, brake pads and the like - if you want to maximize your return, as well as a full tune-up.
Pre-pandemic, these went for $350-400 fully tuned & ready to go with consumables replaced. I don't know where the touring market is these days, but safe bet that it's pretty strong as touring bikes can also be wonderful commuters, and commuting/recreational bikes are in high demand right now.
As far as value, you'll want to replace consumables - tires, bar tape, cables, brake pads and the like - if you want to maximize your return, as well as a full tune-up.
Pre-pandemic, these went for $350-400 fully tuned & ready to go with consumables replaced. I don't know where the touring market is these days, but safe bet that it's pretty strong as touring bikes can also be wonderful commuters, and commuting/recreational bikes are in high demand right now.
06-21-20, 06:22 PM
#4
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I watched a nice 520 sit on my local CL for a long while. IIRC, the last listing was $200, or maybe even under, when it finally disappeared. 501 frame, 27” wheels with galvanized spokes and helicomatic hubs... having a hard time seeing this one do any better. Maybe a hotter market will help.
06-22-20, 08:59 AM
#5
Senior Member
I had an early 90's version with some paint scrapes and it took a long time to get $350 for it. And that was 10 years ago when the market for vintage roadies was much stronger than it is now.
It was a nicer bike than the OP's.
Always pissed me off that it wasn't an 1.5 Inches smaller, I would still have it! (Paid $40)
It was a nicer bike than the OP's.
Always pissed me off that it wasn't an 1.5 Inches smaller, I would still have it! (Paid $40)
06-22-20, 11:37 AM
#6
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Replace the chain with an 8-speed. Replace the bar tape with black Newbaum's or similar. Correct the way too-long front brake housing. Clean up the seatpost. List in the local market for $300-$350 obo with the best, sexiest pics (of the bike) you can manage.
06-23-20, 06:09 AM
#7
Senior Member
I think your biggest challenge selling it is going to be the large frame size. That's got to be at least a 60cm or 62cm bike! With big frames the seller has to wait for the right buyer to come around and, that can take some time. The last big bike I had took a couple years to sell and, by that time it was a bare frame. Good luck. Have fun.
