jpjuggler

Hi,
Is there any reason on my first touring bike to choose
Surly Disc Trucker vs Trek 520?

My current take is that the trek 520 here in canada is $300 (CAD) cheaper than the surly and the trek throws in the front and back racks for free.
So i'm absolutely going with the Trek, unless I"m missing something here....?
Any advice would be appreciated.
JP

mstateglfr 

If you like the bike that is cheaper, then get it. There are differences between the bikes- one isnt inherently better than the other, they are both spec'd to meet certain price points. Buying the one that is cheaper and has what you want is a win.


Some obvious differences between the bikes-
- QR for Trek and TA for Surly.
- Racks for Trek and no racks for Surly.
- Aluminum fork for Trek and steel fork for Surly.
- Smaller stock tire on Trek.
- Trek trail is 56mm and Surly trail is 67mm in the largest sizes(what i ride and know).

If you are good with the aluminum fork, quick release, and lower trail of the Trek- then get it.

jpjuggler

thanks for the input!

I'm a novice. What is a trail? Thanks!!!

mstateglfr 

Its a measurement that takes into account your head tube angle, the amount of offset/rake of the fork, and the tire size. In practice, it shows how steering will feel. There is low trail, neutral, and high trail. This measurement is not inherently good or bad.
A low trail bike will steer well with a front load on the fork or handlebars. A high trail bike will feel stable and planted at high speed and going down hills. Those are basic examples to show that there are benefits to both designs.

Since you are a novice, ignore that I mentioned trail. Seriously- there is no benefit to knowing the numbers if you dont know how they will feel compared to other bikes you ride(and the trail of those). The numbers are only meaningful if you have other numbers and experiences to compare them to. Eliminate the trail from consideration.
I am not being flippant here and this is sincere- buy whichever you like the look of more. The drivetrains are basically the same, both have the same chance of successfully carrying you where you want to go, and the frame geometry numbers that are different are differences that would be lost on someone new to the game.
You like the fact that Trek has both racks and is cheaper? Cool- grab that. If you like the look of the Surly more and think that will make you happy each time you look down? Cool- grab that.
You win either way with these bikes as they are both capable of touring on from the start.

tyrion

You might look at Kona Sutra too.

https://konaworld.com/sutra.cfm

Better components all around for less (at least in the U.S. it costs less).

robow

Also I think Trek still throws in a lifetime warranty on the frame and Surly does not.

Cyclist0108

from : https://www.cyclingabout.com/underst...ry/#fork-trail

GZano

I've been thrilled with my 2020 Trek 520. The aluminum fork is the big issue steering people away from it. I really like the forks weight savings. It feels like all of my past touring rigs. It's a non-issue to me. It has 2000 miles of loaded touring and lightly loaded commuting miles on it. Not one issue yet.

timdow

If the REI ADV 1.1 is an option for you, it has disc brakes, and racks included for a lot less money than the other two.

mstateglfr 

Yes its a really good option. hybrid brakes, good drivetrain components, good gearing range.
I dont understand the front rack as there is no brace between sides, but maybe thats a design thats common and I am just not aware of all the designs out there. If it is a common design, I think I would still stick with my JANDD Extreme that has a top platform for storage and to help ensure stiffness on each side of the fork when holding panniers.

gquirk77

The weight limit of the Trek 520 is 275 lbs. (that includes weight of rider, gear, AND bike). That's a "no go" for me then.

timdow

I have never used a rack like this either, and share your concerns - although these racks are very popular, so they must work OK.

I have a rim brake LHT, and intend to attempt to purchase the REI ADV 1.1 when they do the 20% off sale (they do this at least annually for bikes - not sure when).

Tourist in MSN

Credit card purchases at REI on the REI branded credit card add another 5 percent of the charged amount to your next year dividend too.

jpjuggler

hi, as I'm in canada, when I convert usa dollars to canadian, and add in taxes and import duty, it doesn't come out much cheaper if at all, but I really appreciate your suggestion.