Trek 520

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Summit Bicycles

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Coast to Coast

Bike Setup:
2009 rootbeer stock bike...no mods

Summary:
I used this bike to travel 3,630 miles across the U.S. from SF to DC. I use rear pannier bags to carry my gear which consisted of tent, sleeping bag, stove, food, clothes and all the other essential gear for touring.
The total weight of bike and gear was roughly 80-85lbs.
During the trip I replaced the tires once, the chain which only stretched once, had two tune ups and 4 total flats.
The bike is built like a tank and takes some serious abuse.
Long climbs, long days (130miles)and rough roads are all in a days work for the 520.
This bike is seriously for those that want reliabilty and pretty much trouble free riding when you're 3oo miles from the nearest bike shop.

Strengths:
Durability, comfort, ergonomics, drivetrain, bomb proof wheels.

Weaknesses:
Seat is pretty uncomfortable after hours in the saddle, pannier rack didn't break but seems weak and bolts holding it to the frame always had to be tightened, no spoke holder like the Surly.

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $400.00 at wheelsport, spokane

Model Year:
1999 or older

Favorite Ride:
seattle to spokane

Summary:
My wife and i bought our (2) Trek 520's in 1994. Yeah, 25 years ago. And have used them continuously, regularly, for commuting (my daily commute is 20 miles) for 25 years without any problems. A few of the components have needed to be swapped out after that much use, but the majority of the bike (original componentry) is still intact and working beautifully. I don't know what else one could expect from a bike. If it's this well made and you take care of it, it will last 25 years and beyond.

Strengths:
Rock solid frame, stable smooth ride, able to haul heavy loads without any trouble, excellent gear ratios.

Weaknesses:
None really. Technology has come a long way in 25 years, but what it came with back then endures today for fantastic commuting. I tried the latest 520 (2008) model, also a great ride, but i wouldn't trade it for my 1994 model.

Similar Products Used:
Other tour bikes.

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at Village Cycle-Chicag

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Amsterdam to London to Paris

Bike Setup:
Fully stock

Summary:
Excellent bicycle, Have toured fully loaded with front and rear panniers. Great gear ratio for carrying weight. Dependable, like and old friend

Strengths:
Strong frame. Good geometrics for long rides. Gearing is very responsive on stress.

Weaknesses:
Rear rack could be more durable

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
outer banks, nc

Bike Setup:
stock except for saddle

Summary:
I am 6'5" and weigh 210 pounds. I have the 25" Trek 520. On a recent loaded tour, over 10 days we did 4 centuries and ended up averaging 84 miles per day. The Trek 520 is a pleasure to ride and is just a workhorse. I did this trip with everything stock except for the saddle.

Strengths:
very stable with full load
bar end shifters
geometry

Weaknesses:
might need higher gearing if fully loaded in the mountains

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Champaign Cycle

Model Year:
2005

Bike Setup:
I bought a much more comfortable women's road bike saddle, and I put in a handlebar extension because of my back problems.

Summary:
I love this bike. I use it for recreational riding, commuting, and have used it for a couple of long distance tours. I have used it in the desert in Arizona as well as in more rainy conditions in the Pacific Northwest USA. It has been extremely comfortable and has never given me any problems in the four years of heavy use except for routine maintenance issues. After four years, I still wouldn't dream of getting another bike. I'm happy with this one.

Strengths:
The bike is extremely stable, rides smoothly, is comfortable, durable, and holds a lot of rear weight well (I've never loaded the front of the bike, just the back). I have not had many flat tires, with the exception of riding in the desert on dirt roads over cactus needles.

Weaknesses:
After 4 years of heavy riding, I need to replace the rear gearset. I don't know if this is better or worse than usual. It doesn't ride well on dirt or gravel roads. The saddle is uncomfortable; I would suggest replacing it.

Similar Products Used:
None used extensively