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TREK 520 Fan Club

Old 05-07-18, 06:45 AM
  #376  
Sim2003
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Pretty fit bike you got there.

Agree the shifters can be a pain but you just get used to them and like the fact they are usually something completely different to anyone else you will ride out with. Also in the 3 years (I think) of having mine with daily commuting all weather I have not had to mess with the gear cables at all. Just really reliable.

Using the Marathon plus tires atm as cycle tow path and fields will look into the cyclocross ones when these get knackered. The AW1 tires were pretty good.
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Old 05-13-18, 04:09 PM
  #377  
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2009 520 question

Hi everyone, I'm thinking about buying a 2009 520. Owner is asking $500.00 which I feel is a bit steep. Ive done some research and looked around (bike blue book lists it for $200.00-250.00). Thing is I don't know much about this bike other than what I've learned via internet. My question is what would be a fair price? Says it needs tires, but the frame and gears are in great shape. Also when I go to see it, is there anything I need to be looking for specifically or aware of other than obvious rust, wear and tear, wheel frames, etc...?

Thank you in advance for any input at all!
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Old 05-14-18, 08:21 AM
  #378  
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Prices will vary a lot depending upon your local market. Per the Ttek archives, the 2009 520 has a sloping top tube and 9-speed gearing on back. I personally don’t trust the bicycle blue book values and consider them closer to what a dealer would pay you for a vehicle.

For my older 1995 520, I don’t think I’d sell it for $500 even without the racks, but then I also don’t think anyone would offer me $500 for it.

Check ebay completed auctions for current market values. And up in the Classic&Vintage section there are a few discussion threads on what to look for when buying a used bike.

Good luck with the bike, it should serve you well if all checks out on it.
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Old 05-16-18, 10:13 AM
  #379  
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Thanks, Treebound, for the info. I got the bike for $250.00. It's in excellent condition, so feel like I got a fair deal.
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Old 05-21-18, 05:13 PM
  #380  
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Originally Posted by liquidpet
Thanks, Treebound, for the info. I got the bike for $250.00. It's in excellent condition, so feel like I got a fair deal.
Sounds like a great deal, post a pic if and when you can.
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Old 05-26-18, 10:16 AM
  #381  
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I just joined the “club” and bought a new disk frame and fork. It is destined to be my lousy weather bike. I chose to get a frame only so I can fit it with my preferred parts (I will probably have the world’s only disk brake 520 with a Spécialités TA Cyclotouriste crank.) I’ll post pics when I finish!
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Old 05-27-18, 09:36 PM
  #382  
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My nephew bought a 520 a few months ago and went on tour with me in April and May. The only thing he upgraded was the pedals. Everything else was as it came; wheel reflectors and all. Not one problem.in over 1650 miles.
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Old 05-29-18, 02:42 AM
  #383  
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Old 05-31-18, 04:31 AM
  #384  
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1996 and 1998 vintage Trek 520s on the Ohio Erie Trail

Rick and I bought 520s a few years apart back in mid 1990s and did week long credit card style touring. This year we planned a 4 day tour from Cleveland to Columbus OH on them, following the Ohio to Erie Trail. Weather caused us to postpone the long trip, but we did get one pannier-free 48 mile ride in from the starting point shown above in Mt. Vernon OH back to Rick's house in Columbus. The long pull brakes on his 520 are much more effective than mine (on the right.)

A few more pictures and details on the planned ride here.

Last edited by jpescatore; 05-31-18 at 04:45 AM. Reason: Add a link to Cycle Blaze description
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Old 12-23-18, 11:26 AM
  #385  
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90’s Treks old??
Here’s my ‘84 Trek 520!
I think this was the second year produced, and the first year it was a true touring bike. 1984 was the one year it had the Canti brakes and 45.5cm chain stays along with the traditional seat lug.
These are mostly sellers pics, and my craptastic NDS shot at the end, it’s in the que for a rehab.
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Old 12-28-18, 09:57 AM
  #386  
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This is my 2006 Trek 520 while on a tour through Poland.
Great bike. I couldn't be happier with its performance and dependability.

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Old 03-21-19, 12:26 PM
  #387  
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New member to the club , my new/old 2013 520

Tried to post a pic of my bike but I guess I can't until I post at least 10 posts to this site. Picked mine up loaded and ready to ride over the winter, did my first official ride last weekend. Loved it and it handles/rides wonderful. Planned a few more for this weekend as winter is finally letting up here! Cheers!
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Old 03-27-19, 01:59 PM
  #388  
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Here are some of the adventures of my 520:


Sacramento to Calistoga


Sacramento Delta


Seattle to Portland


Hwy 1: Big Sur
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Old 03-27-19, 04:16 PM
  #389  
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Originally Posted by PedalingWalrus

PedalingWalrus,
Do you know what width tires are on those Treks?
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Old 04-03-19, 12:10 PM
  #390  
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Some more photos of my 520 out for adventure:



Sacramento to Marysville




New England Villages and Streams, ACA




Bear River below Camp Far West Lake




Nevada City
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Old 04-11-19, 03:18 PM
  #391  
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I know of a 2018 or 2019 Trek 520 for sale with about 20 miles on it at my LBS on consignment. Pretty much, it's brand new. The woman who bought it thought it was too heavy to lift on to her bike rack. It's size 48 in grey. If my wife were the least bit interested in bike touring, I'd buy it for her in a second. Contact me if you're interested.
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Old 04-25-19, 02:14 PM
  #392  
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'89 trek 520



I'm a fan.
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Old 04-25-19, 10:40 PM
  #393  
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Originally Posted by KLOSHE

I'm a fan.
That is a 1990, the 1989 was blue - Trek Bike Models by Year and Color

Your 520 looks very nice and clean. I'm a big fan of my '90 as well.
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Old 08-18-19, 08:54 AM
  #394  
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My 520 in Victoria, BC on my summer tour of Vancouver Island.
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Old 08-18-19, 12:03 PM
  #395  
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My barely ridden new old 1983 720, with new bar wrap
Cotton wrap, twine, shellac

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Old 08-22-19, 04:32 AM
  #396  
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I’ve had my 520 for about ten years now and love it. It’s the best all around bike I have ever owned. I will keep it till the day they kick dirt in my face. Long live the Trek 520
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Old 03-17-20, 04:54 PM
  #397  
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Noticed Trek has their 520 disc touring frame and fork on sale for $650. Presently most all sizes seems available. Not a bad deal if you want to build one up to your liking and possibly save some cash.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...colorCode=grey
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Old 06-19-21, 03:56 PM
  #398  
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2021 Alt Bar Build 1x9 / 50c





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Old 06-21-21, 01:03 PM
  #399  
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Originally Posted by Matadors
Here are some of the adventures of my 520:

Hwy 1: Big Sur
Hi Matadors,
Nice looking bike.
What fenders did you put on it? What material are they and how do you like them?
Also, do you know the tire size in the pics?

I have a 2011 Trek (non-disc brake but I think the frame dimensions are the same) I've been wanting to install fenders on but rarely do I see a well fitted set that look great and offer coverage.
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Old 06-22-21, 04:24 PM
  #400  
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Fenders

https://www.woodysfenders.com/Default.asp

The fenders are beautiful hardwood and I have loved them for years.
They are heavier than plastic, but worth the weight.
The tires are 700X35.

Originally Posted by Lovegasoline
Hi Matadors,
Nice looking bike.
What fenders did you put on it? What material are they and how do you like them?
Also, do you know the tire size in the pics?

I have a 2011 Trek (non-disc brake but I think the frame dimensions are the same) I've been wanting to install fenders on but rarely do I see a well fitted set that look great and offer coverage.
Fenders
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