What should I do to make this 84 Trek 520 a simple daily bike?
02-29-20, 06:46 PM
#1
Cycling addiction
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What should I do to make this 84 Trek 520 a simple daily bike?
Haven’t been unsure about picking up this 1984 trek 520. Wasn’t sure how good this touring bike was going to be. I had many other brand of touring bike like Cannondale t700, Bridgestone MB-T.
I hope that I made the right choice on this barn find.
what should I change to make this into a great daily?
This is the bad, slight surface rust
I hope that I made the right choice on this barn find.
what should I change to make this into a great daily?
This is the bad, slight surface rust
02-29-20, 06:56 PM
#3
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I was working in a Trek shop when those were new and we had a few folks who did cross country rides on them. They were great touring geometry and a very soft ride for just about everybody. You should ride it for a while and decide for yourself. But I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for any rider. Enjoy your new find. Smiles, MH
02-29-20, 07:24 PM
#4
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what should I change to make this into a great daily [rider]?
All grease, bearings, cables, housing, and bar tape ... to start.
02-29-20, 07:37 PM
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02-29-20, 08:23 PM
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I'd probably also change chainrings, some people like half steps and the low climbing gear but I'm not partial but otherwise the above 2 posts cover the list.
02-29-20, 08:59 PM
#7
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"Daily" what? Commuter? Fitness ride? Something else?
+1 above on the half-step gearing, unless you really catch on to it. I've only done a little on this one half-step Trek 420 I have, and my gut feeling is that it's one of those things that some people get the hang of it with some practice and time, and some just don't. And as a result, it never really caught on. Nice thing is, you've got the bones for a more conventional triple.
Those Aero Gran Compe levers are nice, a notch above what you'd expect on a 5xx. Maybe added later? I don't think they came out 'til '86 or so.
Unless you really like the late '70s KMart bike look, get rid of those grab-on bar grips, Ick. Just ick.
Get yourself a Helicomatic bottle/freewheel tool, so you can properly service that rear hub. Andy @ Yellow Jersey will ship you one cheap.
+1 above on the half-step gearing, unless you really catch on to it. I've only done a little on this one half-step Trek 420 I have, and my gut feeling is that it's one of those things that some people get the hang of it with some practice and time, and some just don't. And as a result, it never really caught on. Nice thing is, you've got the bones for a more conventional triple.
Those Aero Gran Compe levers are nice, a notch above what you'd expect on a 5xx. Maybe added later? I don't think they came out 'til '86 or so.
Unless you really like the late '70s KMart bike look, get rid of those grab-on bar grips, Ick. Just ick.
Get yourself a Helicomatic bottle/freewheel tool, so you can properly service that rear hub. Andy @ Yellow Jersey will ship you one cheap.
02-29-20, 09:17 PM
#8
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Here's about the same year model 520 converted to an upright city bike. Equipped with Shimano 7 speed STI shifters. An absolute joy to ride.
03-01-20, 10:07 AM
#10
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How "great" do you mean? It's a nice bike as is- just cleaning it up and grease and cables would be cool... but once you get going:
Replace the saddle and the foam wrap.
Replace the AGC brake levers- those are terrible.
Replace the Helicomatic hub- just get some sweet 700C wheels- then you can get some sweet tires; the brakes should *just* handle it. crank_addict
Barcon shifters.
If you want to go MORE great...
Replace the saddle and the foam wrap.
Replace the AGC brake levers- those are terrible.
Replace the Helicomatic hub- just get some sweet 700C wheels- then you can get some sweet tires; the brakes should *just* handle it. crank_addict
Barcon shifters.
If you want to go MORE great...
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
03-01-20, 11:35 AM
#11
Junior Member
A great riding all-around bike ,you wouldn't be at all disappointed in it if you use it as a daily rider/commuter. I agree that a 700c swap (getting rid of the helicomatic) is a good plan. You really don't need to buy the tool (especially if you aren't going to keep the helico hub). I know many may protest, but if you feel the need to remove the freewheel, it can be easily be removed by using a pair of slip joint pliers with clean teeth. just align the teeth in the notches well and grip really hard. I have removed and reinstalled these multiple times this way with no damage to the lock ring. Again, if you are going to replace them, really no need to buy the tool.
Enjoy it, you have a great bike to build up there!
Enjoy it, you have a great bike to build up there!
03-01-20, 02:21 PM
#12
Senior Member
Replace the middle ring on the half-step crank.
Looks like you have a Sakae CR crankset - info. on this triple crank can be found here: VeloBase.com - Component: Sakae/Ringyo (SR) CR
I recently replaced the middle ring on my 1984 Trek 620 - used a T.A. Specialities 39T middle ring. The T. A. ring is very nicely machined aluminum with ramps (and pins?) and it fit perfectly on the Shimano FC-6206 crank. (110/74 BCD)
The BCD on yours is 110mm, but I'm not sure if the T. A. ring will fit precisely - somebody on BF must know the answer..
Or, you can buy a complete Sakae square taper triple crank in the $50 range here (Sakae SA 48/38/28 - looks like very little wear):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Sak...sAAOSwmrJdTyXf
Looks like you have a Sakae CR crankset - info. on this triple crank can be found here: VeloBase.com - Component: Sakae/Ringyo (SR) CR
I recently replaced the middle ring on my 1984 Trek 620 - used a T.A. Specialities 39T middle ring. The T. A. ring is very nicely machined aluminum with ramps (and pins?) and it fit perfectly on the Shimano FC-6206 crank. (110/74 BCD)
The BCD on yours is 110mm, but I'm not sure if the T. A. ring will fit precisely - somebody on BF must know the answer..
Or, you can buy a complete Sakae square taper triple crank in the $50 range here (Sakae SA 48/38/28 - looks like very little wear):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Sak...sAAOSwmrJdTyXf
Last edited by jlaw; 03-01-20 at 02:58 PM.
03-01-20, 03:14 PM
#13
Senior Member
If you want to change to 700c wheels, the existing Dia Compe brakes will probably work even though they lack modern adjustment mechanisms.
If you want to upgrade the brakes you may be limited to certain vintage brakes - which are fortunately still available - because the canti posts on the fork are very close together (60 - 65mm). This issue is discussed in post #18 of this thread - and elsewhere on BF: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...work-pics.html
image by The Golden Boy
If you want to upgrade the brakes you may be limited to certain vintage brakes - which are fortunately still available - because the canti posts on the fork are very close together (60 - 65mm). This issue is discussed in post #18 of this thread - and elsewhere on BF: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...work-pics.html
image by The Golden Boy
