2005 Trek 520
11-17-21, 11:25 AM
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2005 Trek 520
I'm a relative newbie so I don't know if I'm posting to the right place. I picked up a 2005 520 frame and fork in very good condition for $25 locally. I know that it's not worth a lot of $$$ but I don't know whether to put it back together with used Deore LX components or go the Alivio cnew omponents route and make a 'new' tourer with a 'old' frame. This is a winter project/learning experience for a 74 year old.
All advise will be gratefully accepted. Thanks and be safe.
All advise will be gratefully accepted. Thanks and be safe.
11-17-21, 01:17 PM
#2
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Welcome. 520 frames not worth a lot of $$$? Some members here would politely disagree. It's one of the favorite touring frames for this group.
I vote for the Deore LX components over any level of Alivio. Nothing wrong with Alivio, but it's an entry-level group and doesn't have the durability of Deore LX.
I vote for the Deore LX components over any level of Alivio. Nothing wrong with Alivio, but it's an entry-level group and doesn't have the durability of Deore LX.
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11-17-21, 03:23 PM
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I don't know if this is in the right place or not either - you're not looking for information on what your frame is worth. The mods will move it as deemed appropriate.
Assuming the frame is undamaged and straight, it is a VERY desirable model. That's a full DB chromoly frame and is a favorite of many due to it's ride and handling. Don't be fooled by the price you paid - the seller didn't know what they had, or just wanted it gone in a hurry for some reason. I have too many bikes already but if a 520 in my size came up for sale near me, I would have to buy it. It is definitely one of the models included in all of my searches.
A bit of a correction to what bargainguy said. Entry-level Shimano would be Altus or Acera, but Alivio is in the middle of the lineup and is actually very nice. It works great and is much more durable than the lower-tier stuff, almost on par with Deore. A Trek 520 with Alivio components would be one very fine bicycle.
Assuming the frame is undamaged and straight, it is a VERY desirable model. That's a full DB chromoly frame and is a favorite of many due to it's ride and handling. Don't be fooled by the price you paid - the seller didn't know what they had, or just wanted it gone in a hurry for some reason. I have too many bikes already but if a 520 in my size came up for sale near me, I would have to buy it. It is definitely one of the models included in all of my searches.
A bit of a correction to what bargainguy said. Entry-level Shimano would be Altus or Acera, but Alivio is in the middle of the lineup and is actually very nice. It works great and is much more durable than the lower-tier stuff, almost on par with Deore. A Trek 520 with Alivio components would be one very fine bicycle.
Last edited by Jeff Neese; 11-17-21 at 03:27 PM.
11-17-21, 03:42 PM
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You can get older Deore stuff dirt cheap. My vote is Deore.
11-18-21, 10:02 AM
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Deore!
Tim
Tim
11-19-21, 11:25 AM
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If you go the route of index shifting, notes there are differences in the pull between mountain and road front derailleurs. Other index shifting issues come up especially for cassettes with higher number of gears, you need to watch compatibility on this shifting too.
11-19-21, 03:57 PM
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They still make the 520 if you look up the price you will be shocked its in the area of $1,600-2,000 for the complete bike... spec would likely affect that price,
i just picked up a 1995 520 that was very dirty but a solid bike and recommissioned it... if you like reading do lots of research and build yourself a nice tourer, mine rides like a champ...
i just picked up a 1995 520 that was very dirty but a solid bike and recommissioned it... if you like reading do lots of research and build yourself a nice tourer, mine rides like a champ...
