TREK 520 Fan Club
#376
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
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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.
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.
#377
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Join Date: May 2018
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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!
Thank you in advance for any input at all!
#378
aka: Mike J.
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.
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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#380
aka: Mike J.
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#381
Bad example
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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Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
#382
Senior Member
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.
#384
Senior Member
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
#385
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Back in Lincoln Sq, Chicago...🙄
Posts: 1,681
Bikes: '84 Miyata 610 ‘91 Cannondale ST600,'83 Trek 720 ‘84 Trek 520, 620, ‘91 Miyata 1000LT, '79 Trek 514, '78 Trek 706, '73 Raleigh Int. frame.
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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.
#386
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: East Carolina, USA
Posts: 84
Bikes: Trek 520, Bianchi Volpe and too many more to name
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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.
Great bike. I couldn't be happier with its performance and dependability.
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#387
Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2019
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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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#390
Junior Member
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
Sacramento to Marysville
New England Villages and Streams, ACA
Bear River below Camp Far West Lake
Nevada City
#391
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Posts: 981
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Supersix EVO 3, 2015 Trek 520, 2017 Bike Friday Pocket Rocket, 2022 Moots Vamoots Disc RSL
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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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#393
Senior Member
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.
Your 520 looks very nice and clean. I'm a big fan of my '90 as well.
#395
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 17
Bikes: 1981 Team Miyata, 1987 Fuso "25th Anniversary", 1986 Liberati Professional, 1983 Trek 720, Giant TCR Comp1
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My barely ridden new old 1983 720, with new bar wrap
Cotton wrap, twine, shellac
Cotton wrap, twine, shellac
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#396
Senior Member
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
#397
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
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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
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...colorCode=grey
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#399
Senior Member
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.
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.
#400
Junior Member
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.
Fenders
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.
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.
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.