2014 Trek 520

Color: Crystal White

Size: 51cm

Trek’s 520 touring bicycle first saw the light of day in 1983, and very little has needed to be changed since then. The frame is still made from butted cro-moly steel for a smooth ride and hauling heavy loads. The 520’s long wheelbase provides a stable platform, especially on rough pavement and long descents. frame and fork braze-ons and mounts abound for fenders, three -yes, three- water bottle cages, low-rider front racks and even a pump peg on most sizes. Er, remember pump pegs?

Equipping the 520 is a durable and sensible component group that is partly sourced from mountain bikes. A Shimano Deore LX rear derailleur and Deore front derailleur are operated with a pair of bar-end shifters that have a friction option in case of odd-sized cassettes or roadside repairs. Touring bikes of days gone by were always found with triple cranksets, and that still holds true today. The 520’s Shimano M543 triple crankset with 48/36/26T chainrings is mated with a Shimano 11-32T 9-speed cassette for a massive range of climbing gears. Shimano BR-422 V-brakes are connected to Tektro brake levers for reigning in speed. Wheels aren’t overlooked for the 520, either. Bontrager supplies 36-spoke alloy Camino rims laced to Shimano Deore mountain bike hubs for high strength and durability. A Bontrager Evoke 1 saddle sits atop an alloy post, while Bontrager Race road bars complete the cockpit. An included Bontrager Deluxe Interchange rear rack has alternate pannier mounts to lower the center of gravity and keep the bags away from the rider’s heels. The rack’s generous 55 lb. weight limit makes the Trek 520 a great place to start for touring, commuting or just enjoying the countryside.