Trek updates legendary 520 touring bike with new frame, fork, & more

trek 520 steel fork

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

If your idea of a touring bike involves less gravel and more panniers, take a look at the new Trek 520. Continuing the 520’s streak as the longest running model in Trek’s history, the 520 has been around in the line up since 1983. And while it still retains the original’s touring focus, the new bike has a few key upgrades to make it better than ever.

Trek updates legendary 520 touring bike with new frame, fork, & more

In order to make it more comfortable and better handling, the frame and fork include a number of improvements. While the frame is still custom butted chromoly steel, the frame now has a larger diameter down tube for increased stiffness when fully loaded. The fork on the other hand has changed from steel to aluminum and includes Trek’s new ThruSkew captured quick release system. Trek describes it as a combination between a thru axle and quick release with the ability to remove the front wheel without having to remove the front cargo. It’s also 318g lighter than the previous steel fork.

The geometry has changed as well with a taller head tube that allows for a more upright position, a lower bottom bracket for better stability, and a longer wheelbase.

Trek updates legendary 520 touring bike with new frame, fork, & more

Built around 700c x 38mm tires, the frame and fork do have the capability of running up to 29 x 2.0″ tires if you want to get into more aggressive terrain. If not, there’s always the ability to run full coverage fenders around the stock tires.

Trek updates legendary 520 touring bike with new frame, fork, & more

Since this is a touring bike, the 520 comes equipped with full front and rear heavy duty racks capable of carrying 33lbs up front and 50lbs in the rear. Along with the three water bottle cage mounts, you should have plenty of gear carrying abilities. Between the gear and the rider, the bike carries a 300lb weight limit. The complete bike is said to weigh about 13.3kg.

Trek updates legendary 520 touring bike with new frame, fork, & more

The 520 also makes the jump from bar end to STI shifting with a Shimano Sora 3×9 wide range drivetrain. In order to handle the loads, the wheels are 36 spoke and tubeless ready – though to run tubeless, you’ll need to supply the rim strips, valves, sealant, and tubeless tires.

Available in red or grey, the complete bikes will be offered for $1,574.99 while a frameset will also be available for $639.99. Check out Trek’s website for more including the geometry numbers.

' src data-src=

Zach Overholt is the Editor in Chief of Bikerumor . He has been writing about what’s new in the bicycle world for 12+ years. Prior to that, Zach spent many years in the back of a bicycle shop building and repairing nearly every type of bike, while figuring out how to (occasionally) ride them.

Based in Ohio, Zach is now slowly introducing a new generation to cycling and still trying to figure out how to fit the most rides into a busy schedule as a new dad.

guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Dockboy

650b? The bb drop seems okay for it.

Zach Overholt

This is Trek’s official response to 650b from their FAQ section, “While this bike was designed for a 700c wheel, if a 650b wheel is desired, we recommend a 27.5×2.0 or 2.2” to provide enough ground clearance.”

tamaleslayer

The aluminum fork sounds awful. Why the departure from a steel fork ?

Dinger

“It’s also 318g lighter than the previous steel fork.”

Seraph

Then why not carbon?

John

@Seraph: A carbon fork would *not* be a good choice for a loaded touring bike with front panniers.

I’m sure carbon could be engineered to work just fine, but once you add the in-mold mounts and all the strength necessary for touring use, I wonder if it would wind up being that much lighter? It’d certainly be a lot more expensive.

Gregory Tillery

This doesn’t exactly seem like the kinda bike you’re counting grams on.

Steven Kovalenko

That’s a lot of versatile, capable bike for not a lot of money. Nice.

JBikes

Agree. At least put it on the frameset if cost is a driver and charge more.

Bokito

300lb (136kg) max load: does that include the bike? If so, this is a deal breaker for a (expedition) touring bike. If the racks are aluminium, you probably want to replace them with steel ones. For the rest it ticks many boxes.

Chadder

Weight limit does not include the bike weight.

It is about the rider and cargo for this bike.

No, all trek weight limits include the bike as well as rider and cargo. I’m not sure why its really its really rated the way it is though. Brakes? Trek’s lightest emonda slr carries the same weight limit, as do most of their bikes.

And I’m not sure the 520 was ever a “expedition class” tourer.

My late ‘80s Trek 520 had ~30000 miles on it when I finally retired it. Loaded touring, all around commuter, rain or shine. It was every bit an “expedition class” tourer for its time.

I just view “expedition class” as something built specifically for extremely long, self supported tours in areas of the world with poor or no roads…i.e. 26″ mtb wheels, possibly knobbies. 520 always just seems like a great “normal” long distance road tourer/everything bike.

Again, from the Trek FAQ, “Recommended rider/gear weight limit of 300 lbs.” That makes me think that it does not include the bike, but you should probably double check with Trek to be sure.

BMX

Totally agree with you, the only fork I ever cracked was alloy. Due to flex alloy forks go through under braking and vibration the alloy tends to work harden then crack. Steel doesn’t fatigue the same. Carbon forks don’t really fatigue at all. And I know some people will have a different take on this but that my experience – not theory.

All of that comes down to engineering and use case. I’ve only ever seen carbon forks break, though I ride them on all of my road bikes, because I trust where they came from.

gringo

38c tires on deep dish rims while loaded down does not sound like too much fun to me. Every other bike segment has proven the benefits of wider rubber. Specialized also nailed it with the big rubber and wide rims on Sequoia.

Looks OK otherwise.

38’s are nice for road touring. It’s got plenty of clearance for more, so an easy change.

Rick Kasbow

I just bought one in diablo red and put veto orange Zeppelin fenders on, gorgeous. I have it parked next to my K1600 GT & R1200GSA. I am now ready for retirement.

IvIv

Are there any information about the “ThruSkew”-System? Looks to me like a “normal” Through-Axle with inlets for a standard 9mm QR-Axle:

comment image

…eh… I mean: “Looks to me like a “normal” Through-Axle-Dropout”…. sry.

Follow Us On

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.

trek 520 steel fork

The New 2019 Trek 520 Touring Bike

' src=

Table of Contents

The 2019 trek 520 touring bike, want to compare this touring bike with dozens of others, helpful resources, touring & bikepacking bike overview.

The Trek 520 is the longest running model in Trek’s history. It’s hard to believe that this USA-based company has been refining their dedicated touring bike for 36 years now! Today, we’ll be looking at the controversial changes to the frame, fork and components of the 2019 Trek 520 model.

Ok, the most controversial change to the Trek 520 is the new aluminium fork. Really, a steel frame and aluminium fork?

Aluminium is a dirty word in the bike travel world, but the thing is – broken aluminium forks that are designed for the purpose of touring are about as rare as hen’s teeth. Almost all European touring bikes employ aluminium forks on their builds, and it follows that if this material was inherently unreliable or dangerous, manufacturers would’ve switched back to steel over a decade ago.

From the outset, it might seem strange that Trek chose an aluminium fork for the 520, especially when it causes concern for some. I can’t comment on the precise reason why Trek would have chosen aluminium over steel, but it seems logical to me that they’ve managed to achieve increased fork stiffness with a tidy weight reduction of 318 grams.

Is an aluminium fork less comfortable than a steel fork? Not in my experience. When you’re running tyres in the 38-50mm width range you experience lots of tyre deformation over bumps making any difference in vertical fork compliance unnoticeable. It is worth mentioning that some steel forks with a long rake can be optimised for vertical flex, but this style of fork wasn’t fitted to the outgoing 520 model.

Moving on, a new feature of the fork is what Trek calls the thru-skew secure skewer system. The dropout loops all the way around the skewer, meaning that the wheel cannot fall out unless the skewer is removed. This is designed to keep the quick release wheel perfectly aligned in the fork, similar to a thru-axle system. The fork itself comes with eyelets to fit a cargo cage on either side, as well as eyelets behind the dropout for full fenders.

Included with the bike is a Bontrager front rack unique to the 520. The rack features an upper tray to fit a front basket or a porteur-style bag. Alternatively, you can use the tray to simply strap a drybag to the top. It’s great to see some eyelets on the rack to help mount a front dynamo light too.

The Trek 520 now uses Shimano STI shifters rather than the tried-and-trusted barend shifters of the previous models. While this may seem like a bad decision for a round-the-world touring bike, STI shifters have become much more reliable in the past five years and many people who travel a bit closer to home certainly prefer the better access to the shift levers. You can always swap the levers out if you’d prefer to know your shifter will outlast the rest of the bike.

The bars on the 520 are a pretty typical road handlebar. It’d be nice to see a flared drop handlebar offered with this bike for two reasons: the flared drops provide a bit more steering leverage and the handlebar shape provides additional clearance for a bikepacking handlebar pack, should you decide to pack light.

The gear ratios have improved on the 2019 Trek 520 which I’m really happy about. While many users of the old model opted to swap in a 11-36t cassette to achieve a sub-20″ climbing gear, the new model comes with one as standard.

Another moot point found in the forums about the 2019 model is the downgrade from Shimano Deore gearing to Alivio. The reason for this move is that Deore has now moved on to 10-speed, and unfortunately there are no Shimano STI shifters which will work with the new 10-speed Deore drivetrain parts.

The brakes have received an upgrade to TRP Spyre-C callipers, however. These cable-operated brakes use a unique design that pulls both brake pads in at the same time, providing near-hydraulic braking performance (most cable disc callipers pull just one pad).

Tyre clearance has stepped up from 700x45c to 700x50c. While most companies abide by international standards for tyre clearance (at least 4mm of space on either side of the tyre), Trek adds another 2mm on top of that, so you can likely fit 54mm tyres (29×2.2″) in the 520. Another change to the 520 frame is the larger diameter downtube. This increases the lateral frame stiffness and therefore increases the stability with a front and rear load. As far as I’m concerned, you can never have enough frame stiffness on a touring bike!

And finally, there’s been some discussion around the 125kg maximum total weight limit for this bike. If the bike weighs 13kg itself and you were to carry the maximum rack capacity of 38kg, that means that technically you’d have to be under 74kg as a rider to meet this requirement.

I’m not too sure why Trek have opted for this limit (it’s been like this for a while – something legal perhaps?), but it’s my experience that a frameset of this build type will comfortably handle more. The wheels, although spec’d with 36 spokes, are possibly the only area which may not stand the test of time under a 125kg+ load. Check out THIS resource for my rim recommendations for super heavy loaded touring (ie. tandem-strength rims).

In addition, most bigger manufacturers like Trek are typically a bit more generous with their warranties as they prefer to provide good after-sales service to keep their customers happy. Not always, but I do often hear this.

2019 Trek 520

What do you think of the choice of two colours? I’m digging the simple retro graphics of this years model and think the Anthracite Grey would be a good theft-deterring colour option. At US $1679 , the bike is a bit more expensive than previous years, but with the front rack, upgraded brakes and STI shifters it’s still competitive enough in this segment. Don’t like the build? You can also get the frameset for US $640 if you’d prefer to do build it your way.

You can find out more at Trek .

Check out the  Touring Bicycle Buyer’s Guide  which compares touring bike steering, sizing, gear ratios, specification, pricing and more. The Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide does the same thing, however, with a focus on lighter bikes and models with more off-road capability. Both of these guides are updated annually with the latest models at no extra cost!

All About Touring Bike Brakes Frame Materials for Bicycle Touring How to Select Touring Bike Gearing Understand Bicycle Frame Geometry What’s the Difference between Cyclocross and Touring Bikes?

2016 Advocate Lorax 2018 All City Gorilla Monsoon 2016 Basso Ulisse 2016 Bianchi Volpe and Lupo 2016 2016 Bombtrack Beyond 2017 Bombtrack Beyond 2018 Bombtrack Beyond 2018 Bombtrack Arise Tour 2019 Bombtrack Beyond 2016 Brodie Elan Vital 2016 Cannondale Touring 2019 Cannondale Topstone 2020 Cannondale Topstone 2016 Cinelli Hobootleg Geo 2018 Co-Op ADV 4.2 2017 Curve Grovel V2 2017 Diamondback Haanjo EXP Carbon 2016 Fuji Touring 2017 Fuji Touring 2018 Fuji Touring 2018 Fuji Touring Disc 2016 Genesis Tour de Fer 2016 Giant ToughRoad 2017 Giant ToughRoad 2018 Giant ToughRoad and ToughRoad GX 2016 Jamis Aurora and Aurora Elite 2019 Jones Plus SWB 2020 KOGA WorldTraveller-S 2016 Kona Big Rove 2016 Kona Roadhouse and Sutra LTD 2016 Kona Sutra 2017 Kona Sutra 2018 Kona Sutra 2018 Kona Sutra LTD 2019 Kona Sutra and Sutra LTD 2020 Kona Sutra and Sutra LTD 2020 Kona Unit X 2016 Marin Four Corners 2017 Marin Four Corners 2018 Marin Four Corners 2016 Masi Giramondo 2018 Masi Giramondo 2016 Niner RLT9 2016 Rawland Ulv and Ravn 2016 Salsa Deadwood 2017 Salsa Fargo 2018 Salsa Fargo Ti Frameset 2018 Salsa Journeyman 2016 Salsa Marrakesh 2017 Salsa Marrakesh 2018 Salsa Marrakesh 2020 Salsa Marrakesh 2017 Salsa Vaya 2019 Salsa Warbird 2016 Specialized AWOL 2017 Specialized AWOL 2017 Specialized Diverge 2018 Specialized Diverge 2019 Specialized Diverge 2017 Specialized Sequoia 2018 Specialized Sequoia 2019 Specialized Sequoia 2018 Surly Bridge Club 2017 Surly Troll 2016 Traitor Wander 2019 Trek 520 2016 Trek 920, 720, 520 & CrossRip 2017 Trek CrossRip 2018 Trek 920 2018 Trek 1120

' src=

Bikepacking Alliance

2023 Trek 520 Review

Are you looking for an affordable, lightweight, and dependable travel bike to tour around the world? If your answer is yes, then you need to read our review of the 2023 Trek 520.

The 2023 Trek 520 is one of the most popular touring bikes on the market. 

It has a lightweight steel frame, sturdy wheels and powerful brakes that make it ideal for long-distance travel in any terrain. 

Additionally, it offers an impressive range of gears, which helps ensure that you’ll be able to handle anything life throws at you while on the road.

2023 Trek 520 Review

Although this bike was designed with touring in mind, its stylish design and reliable components make it suitable for everyday use as well. 

We will review the features and specs of the 2023 Trek 520 and explain why it’s one of the best bikes for long-distance cycling or urban commuting.

Trek’s 520 touring bike for 2023 comprises both speed and strength, crafted with Bontrager Evoke saddle, lightweight alloy wheels and Shimano components. 

It considers comfort, efficiency and reliability as a priority. Let’s take a look at the features in this review of the Trek 520 for 2023:

The Trek 2023 520 is a dependable touring bike made for long distance rides that has been optimized for comfort and performance.

2023 Trek 520 Review

This touring bike offers riders a lightweight yet strong chromoly steel frame, precision brakes and an ergonomic riding position. 

It also comes with an adjustable stem to provide extra reach when needed, reliable tires on rugged wheels, responsive Shimano drivetrain with 21 speed, wide-range components so you can go farther with less effort. 

– Lightweight chromoly steel frame for strength and durability

– 3×9 Shimano drivetrain for improved gear range

– TRP Spyre C 2.0 mechanical disc brakes provides reliable stopping power in all conditions

– Wide range 3×9 drivetrain consisting of 48/36/26t front chainrings and a 11-36, 9 speed cassette

– Reliable Bontrager H1 Hard-case Ultimate, 700x38c tires

– Rugged Bontrager Affinity Disc wheels withstand even toughest terrains

2023 Trek 520 Review

The steel frame is made from Trek butted chromoly that provides a reliable ride quality and excellent strength to meet the challenging miles you will be encountering—no matter if on pavement, dirt or gravel.

2023 Trek 520 Review

Trek has equipped the new 520 with just the right amount of rigidity while still maintaining the compliance needed to stay comfortable over longer rides. 

It comes with Trek’s Alloy disc touring fork, loaded with rack mounts, and a 100x5mm ThruSkew that gives you excellent control over rough surfaces. 

The resulting stability ensures you feel safe and secure even during high-speed descents down steep grades.

2023 Trek 520 Review

Wheels & Tires

This bike is fitted with Bontrager Affinity alloy wheels spinning around sturdy sealed bearing hubs that are designed to tackle any road surface. 

As well as being light they also feature straightforward mechanical disc brakes offering plenty easy braking power when needed. 

For grip on tougher terrain, Trek dressed the aluminum hoops with meaty Bontrager H1 Hard-case Ultimate, 700x38c tires boasting plenty of bite through wet conditions.

2023 Trek 520 Review

Drivetrain & Brakes

Thanks to its strong Shimano Sora and Alivio 3×9-speed drivetrain, you are guaranteed plenty range for tackling climbs or flybys when out riding around town. 

Stopping power comes courtesy of TRP Spyre C 2.0 mechanical disc keeping weight low but ensuring you have enough stopping power when coming back down off tough sections.

2023 Trek 520 Review

All these elements come together making up an incredible machine perfect for those looking for strong, reliable, steel touring bike capability at great value without halfhearted design or compromises when it comes to components. 

Next time your considering your next purchase be sure to take some time to consider Trek’s latest offering —the 520 may be just what your searching for!

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

Related Posts

REI Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1 Electric Bike Review

REI Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1 Electric Bike Review

Lectric eBikes XPremium eBike Review

Lectric eBikes XPremium eBike Review

2023 Royce Union RHT Mountain Bike Review

2023 Royce Union RHT Mountain Bike Review

2023 Nukeproof Digger RS Review

2023 Nukeproof Digger RS Review

SORT CONTENT BY LOCATION

CLICK TO DRILL DOWN BY COUNTRY/PROVINCE

Your browser is ancient! Upgrade to a different browser or install Google Chrome Frame to experience this site.

Inspiration

  • Bikepacking 101
  • Join/Support

Bikepacking.com

  • View Latest/All
  • Bikepacking Videos
  • Your Stories
  • Rider's Lens
  • Field Trips

Popular Tags

  • #bikerafting
  • #Tour-Divide
  • #family-bikepacking
  • #winter-bikepacking
  • #1Q5V (1 Question 5 Voices)

Gear/Reviews

  • Bikepacking Bags
  • Camping Gear
  • Accessories
  • #Editors-Dozen (Our Favorite Gear)
  • #Gear-of-the-Year
  • #MYOBG (DIY)
  • #Decade-in-Review (Best of All Time)

The Gear Index

Latest indexes.

  • Mini Panniers
  • Saddlebags & Top Openers
  • Cargo Cages & Anything Bags
  • Gravel Bars
  • Drop Bar 29ers

Bikepacking Bikes

  • Rigid & Plus Bikes
  • Drop-bar & Gravel
  • Full Suspension

Rigs & Roundups

  • Rider & Rig
  • Race/Event Rig Roundups

Worthy Builds

  • Handbuilt Bikes
  • #29+ (29-plus)
  • #vintage-mountain-bikes
  • #cargo-bikes
  • Readers' Rigs (Dispatch)
  • New Bikes (Dispatch)

Plan Your Trip

  • Bikepacking Guides
  • Bikepacking Food
  • Gear & Pack Lists
  • Bike Photography

Essential Reading

  • Leave No Trace (for Bikepackers)
  • Guide To Bikepacking Bags
  • Bikepacking Gear That Lasts
  • #Bikepacking-Awards
  • Power Of An Overnighter
  • Advice For New Bikepackers
  • Our Favorite Bikepacking Routes
  •     

Where to Begin

We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries.

trek 520 steel fork

Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography.

By Location

  • The United States
  • Latin America
  • Middle East

Singletrack Bikepacking Icon

By Length (days)

  • Overnighters & S24O
  • Weekend Routes (2-4)
  • Week-long Routes (5-10)
  • Odyssey Routes (11-30)
  • "Freakouts" (31+)

Local Overnighters

The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the world—by locals, in their own backyards.

The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Find details on the three most recent issues below, join the Bikepacking Collective to get it in the mail (anywhere in the world), or click here to find a collection of selected stories in digital format.

Bikepacking Story

The special edition 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal is one you won’t want to miss! It features 25% more pages with extra stories, bonus art and maps, and much more...

Bikepacking Story

Issue 09 takes readers on trips through time—one to the early days of bicycles—and offers several reminders to be grateful for supportive friends and family, and strangers we meet along the way...

Bikepacking Journal

For Issue 08, we invited several contributors to return and pick up where earlier trips and ideas left off and also feature a handful of first-timers whose perspectives we’ve long been eager to share...

bikepacking.com - Bikepacking Gear and Routes

Miles’ Flat Bar Trek 520: Little Red Corvette

trek 520 steel fork

The stock Trek 520, the quintessential steel touring bike in the brand’s lineup, wasn’t quite doing it for Miles. Here is his take on a classic, complete with a flat bar conversion, 1×11 drivetrain, and the absolute biggest tires he could fit. Find details, lots of photos, and a complete build kit here…

trek 520 steel fork

I’ve been slowly moving away from drop-bar bikes over the last year, at least when it comes to my personal bikes. I recognize their importance and benefit, but I’m beginning to think that I’d rather have a nice big tire and a flat bar for the majority of terrain I encounter. So I set out to take a perfectly reasonable drop-bar touring bike—steel, of course—and convert it over to something better suited to my current tastes. Enter the Trek 520.

First offered in 1983, the 520 is Trek Bicycles’ longest running model, and for good reason. Just take this description of the 520 from the April 1985 edition of Bicycling Magazine , “Many people who buy loaded touring bikes built to slog half their worldly possessions over the Continental Divide never haul more than a couple of bananas, a rain cape, and a patch kit. Trek hopes its new $499 ‘credit card touring bike,’ the 520, will appeal to these folks who want a hill-leveling triple crankset but don’t need the extra weight and slow handling of a typical touring frame.” Whoever wrote this deserves a high-five.

Its chromoly steel frame, various mounts, and vintage graphics had me scheming. I envisioned a flat bar 520, 29″ tires, and a wide range 1×11 drivetrain: a steel rambler perfect for commuting to work, exploring gravel pathways, and some loaded bikepacking. With the help from some friends’ parts bins, a few kind shop owners, and Dorset, UK-based Sven Cycles; who found a Nitto handlebar in his shop that wasn’t in use, I made it happen. It’s not a particularly expensive or over the top build, but has the look of something boutique that you might spot at your local coffee outside ride. More importantly, it’s really fun to ride.

Trek 520 Flat Bar

Trek 520 Build Kit

In hindsight, I could have saved some time spent trading parts around by simply purchasing a frameset, instead of a complete 520 build. As you can see below, not many of the stock components are being used. The main goal was to convert the 520 to a flat bar build, so I needed a long stem and a setback seatpost for a comfortable distance between my saddle and bars. The nominal ‘stem’ length on the Nitto B906 bull moose bars is 125mm, with a 7 degree rise and 685mm width. That’s a little narrow for my liking, but still very comfortable. I went with a durable and affordable 11-speed XT drivetrain, paired with some parts bin components from friends, including the crankset, shifter, and derailleur. I removed the rear rack and swapped the larger touring-style front rack for my Tumbleweed T-Rack, but I’m holding onto the stock front rack as it’s not that heavy and might be useful.

For bags, my Porcelain Rocket Microwave Panniers have come along on nearly every ride. I haven’t had a front pannier setup in a while, but I love having a clear visual of the panniers, rather than running them on a rear rack. This way I can quickly decide whether or not I can squeeze through an obstacle, be it a tight median in town or a narrow section of trail. I’ve also been experimenting with Porcelain Rocket’s 52Hz Road frame bag, and have some slick new bags from UK-based Wizard Works in for review that compliment the 520’s aesthetics quite well. More on that soon.

  • Frame: Trek butted chromoly steel
  • Fork: Alloy disc touring fork
  • Crankset: SRAM S2210 Carbon
  • Chainring: Garbaruk 40T
  • Bottom Bracket: Wheels Manufacturing BSA 30
  • Chain: Shimano HG701 11-Speed
  • Cassette: Shimano XT M8000 11-46T
  • Derailleur: Shimano XT M8000 11-Speed, Long Cage
  • Shifter: Shimano XT M8000 11-Speed
  • Brake Calipers: TRP Spyre C 2.0 mechanical disc
  • Brake Rotors: TRP 160mm
  • Brake Levers: Tektro Mechanical
  • Headset: 1-1/8″ threadless, sealed cartridge bearings
  • Handlebar: Nitto B906 Bullmoose
  • Seatpost: Thomson Elite Setback
  • Grips: Wolftooth Karv
  • Saddle: Brooks Cambium Carved C17
  • Hubs: Shimano M475 100x5mm QR (front), 135x5mm QR (rear)
  • Rims: Bontrager Affinity Disc, 21mm internal width
  • Tires: WTB Nano 29×2.1″

Trek 520 Flat Bar

So far, I’ve mostly been commuting to work on the 520, which is a 60km round trip on paved bike paths, gravel trails, and road. It performs exactly how I envisioned. The flat bar conversion puts me in an upright position, the high volume 29″ tires keep me rolling quickly, and the steel frame is comfortable yet still handles loads fine.

Outside of commuting, I’ve tackled tame singletrack and successfully navigated my way through shorter sections of the chunky horse trails that are littered throughout Maple Ridge. I don’t want to throw the stock Trek 520 build under the bus, but I’m willing to bet I wouldn’t be riding this type of terrain on drop-bars. With that said, my take on the 520 is very far from the stock version, which is a traditional touring bike. Imagine if Trek stocked a flat bar, big tired 520.. now that’d be something.

From Touring to Cruising

Although I’ve been quite happy with the conversion as a whole, I’ve noticed a few quirks that might answer some questions for those interested in pursuing a similar project. Traditional touring bikes are typically designed with seated pedalling in mind, which translates to slack seat tube angles. Personally, I enjoy the upright position; I have a good visual of what’s going on around me, and I’ve noticed I have less pressure in my hands, but there’s been a clear tradeoff. When paired with my setback seatpost and flat bars, I feel a pretty significant lack of power. I’m sure I could comfortably spin all day long, but I’m not getting anywhere that quickly.

There’s likely a lot more at play here, but it’s a good first step in learning more about flat bar conversions and whether or not they make sense. And it’s something I hope to pursue in great depth and eventually report back on. Maybe deep down I really just want a 1986 Specialized Rockhopper, which isn’t really too far off from my 2020 Trek 520.

Trek 520 Flat Bar

I’ve actually been so impressed with the Trek 520 that it will be assisting in a few upcoming gear reviews, including some bags and wheels. It’s not perfect, though. I would have preferred thru-axles, the rear brake caliper lacks adjustment due to its position, and the fork is aluminum, not steel. The complete build comes with segmented housing, so lacks the necessary cable guides for a clean setup.

I’m impressed that the 520 can fit 29 x 2.1″ WTB Nano tires, which work great for a wide mix of riding. I was also able to size up to a 60cm frame, since the flat bar conversion required some extra length, which gives me a massive main triangle to work with. The large Porcelain Rocket 52hz Road frame bag fits like a glove. Of course the 520 is outfitted with all the necessary mounts, including rack, fender, and bottles bosses. And the complete 520 ships with some pretty decent racks, both front and rear.

Trek 520

My first ride on the 520 didn’t go as planned. I imagined myself racing along my usual route to work, the Golden Ears mountains to the north, cranberry bogs rushing by as I navigate my way through the seemingly endless network of gravel dyke paths that link Maple Ridge and Port Coquitlam together. Instead, I got a flat, my first non-tubeless flat in several years, and had to fix that on the side of a busy highway. It is now set up tubeless.

Although I opted to build up the latest Trek 520 frame, a similar setup could easily be created by finding a 90s mountain bike in good condition and swapping a few bits around. Purchasing a new bike just made it that much easier to include modern components with little to no fuss. I’ve been enjoying my commute more now that I’m not hauling 27.5+ tires around, and I expect lots more casual urban exploration rides in the near future.

Trek 520

FILED IN (CATEGORIES & TAGS)

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.

Rad Companies that Support Bikepacking

7mesh

You need to be logged in to use these features. Click here to login , or start an account if you’re not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective…

Best bike select

What Makes The Trek 520 Such A Powerful Gravel Road Bike

Table of Contents

  • Price: $1829
  • Frame: Steel
  • Wheels: 700c
  • Drivetrain: 3 × 9
  • Groupset: Alivio, Sora
  • Brakes: Mechanical Disc

trek 520 steel fork

What we like about it: Trek’s 520 is a high-performance, comfortable, versatile bike that balances performance, comfort, and versatility effectively. My Trek 520 accompanied me on numerous statewide touring expeditions and came home fully loaded.

What we do not like about it: Disc brakes would be a much better choice for the Trek 520 in wet weather and on long, steep descents.

Trek is continuing the legendary style with the release of the Trek 520. According to Trek, the Trek 520 is a long-distance touring bike.

The company has centered its research and development around that selling point and has continued to develop it for the masses.

Overall comfort, Trek 520 is not easy to cause fatigue, especially in the shoulders and neck, lumbar spine, prostate, and other key areas.

As a Trek 520, you’ll receive substantial, durable, easy-to-maintain, universally compatible parts that will serve your needs without too much servicing, and without having to spend a lot of money on tuned the bike or replacement parts.

When it breaks, it can be repaired easily or replaced easily (especially in remote locations).

Under high load conditions, the Trek 520 handles smoothly. All-road adaptability is primarily reflected in the frame’s high strength, the wide selection of gear ratios, strong traction, easy glide tires, and certain vibration dampening properties.

I’m sure you’re eager to learn more about the Trek 520 after reading all these compliments, so let’s follow our testers and find out more.

Learn more: How A Bike With Ambitions Did It – Trek 720 Review

Main features

Frame (4.5/5).

Trek 520 Frame

A lot of people aren’t aware of why the Trek 520’s frame is made of Chromoly steel. The reason for this is that a true fully loaded touring bike is very different from a normal bike (no-load capacity).

Your Trek 520 bike frame is more likely to deform if you put too much weight on it. This leads to some unsettling factors such as more wobbly and unstable riding. And sometimes it can be dangerous.

Therefore, a Trek 520 touring bike frame needs to be stronger and sturdier than normal to cope with the pressure when carrying a load.

It’s because of this reason that the Trek 520 uses super hard Chromoly steel as the frame material.

So, the core of the Trek 520 is the Trek butted Chromoly disc touring, and our testers suggested that the other parts could be replaced, but not the frame.

You might get the impression that the Trek 520 looks a bit rough under no weight, but once it’s underweight, the Trek 520 looks very well-coordinated, especially on climbs. This is where the strong frame comes into play.

Geometry (4.4/5)

Trek 520 Geometry

Frame geometry is a very complex subject. As someone who has reviewed so many bikes, I’m sure you understand that there is a huge difference between “Comfort” and “Aggressive” frames.

The former frame geometry is designed for a comfortable, relaxed ride, i.e. designed for touring.

“Aggressive” geometry has been designed for racing, and it offers greater acceleration and agility, but not much comfort.

Trek has spent many years refining the 520 geometry for heavy duty and long distance touring needs.

In the Trek 520’s frame geometry, the head tube has been made taller for a more upright riding position.

The lowered height of the bottom bracket and longer wheelbase provide better stability.

Thus, the design logic of the Trek 520 can also be seen in its geometry changes.

Components and Specifications

Drivetrain (4.7/5).

trek 520 steel fork

The Trek 520 pointer uses Shimano Sora R3000, 9 speed, and R3030, 3 speed.

Shimano Sora is targeted at entry-level riders & high-level sports fitness and is the highest level of Shimano road kit.

The Shimano Sora R3000 and R3030 have STI dual control, meaning they can be used for 9 and 3-speed shifting and braking.

They also come with internal cable routing, making the Trek 520 driver’s seat neat and tidy.

With Shimano’s Optislick cable, the cable runs through the seat tube and connects to the handlebar-mounted lever, ensuring superior performance in dusty and muddy conditions.

The improved Super SLR technology ensures an optimal transition from joystick travel to braking power. SLR refers to Shimano’s linear response.

In Shimano Sora R3000 and R3030, this braking system is designed for maximum friction reduction in the brake caliper, brake lever, and inner cable. This improves the brake’s responsiveness and dosage.

Front and rear derailleurs

In our tester’s tests, the Trek 520 was found to be equipped with a Shimano Alivio M4000 rear derailleur and a Shimano Sora R3030 front derailleur.

In Shimano’s Sora R3030 front derailleur, wide pivot links increase rigidity while decreasing flex, improving shift response, and ensuring relatively precise shifting.

Aluminum links and straps reduce weight and increase rigidity.

Shimano Sora R3030 wraps around the Trek 520 seat tube. The item comes with two extra shims for seat tubes with smaller diameters, as well as a clamp on down pull.

The Shimano Alivio M4000 rear derailleur provides crisp on- and off-road performance for a 9-speed drivetrain.

The concealed rear derailleur design with a smooth skid plate surface has an ultra-low profile design that reduces the risk of encountering a mountain side endangering the Shimano Alivio M4000 with damage.

A wide link design increases rigidity and longevity.

The alloy body and external links result in lower weight without sacrificing strength and durability.

Shimano Alivio M4000 has 11-tooth pulleys to reduce pulley wear and chain noise.

Our recommendation is that if you intend to buy a real mountain bike that will allow you to start enjoying trails, the kit should at least include the Alivio.

Specifically, the Alivio is the first level of Shimano mountain bike kits to include a two-piece crank system (two-piece crankset) with a separate center shaft for increased crank strength.

The Trek 520 crankset uses Shimano Alivio T4060 at an affordable price.

Shimano Alivio T4060 crank rigidity, durability, and lubrication, the testers feel good after testing.

HYPERGLIDE sprockets are designed with specially positioned shift ramps and tooth profiles for better chain control during shifting.

In this way, indexed shifting becomes fast and responsive.

Shimano Alivio T4060 is a two-piece crank system. With an integrated crank arm and bottom bracket, rigidity is increased while weight is reduced.

A wider bearing position enhances rigidity and efficiently transmits pedaling force.

Its cassette range is 11-36T, and the gear cassettes are positioned precisely relative to each other so that the chain moves smoothly.

Trek 520 has a Shimano HG200 9-speed cassette, a gear ratio combination that provides smooth and comfortable pedaling.

Our testers found the Shimano HG200 flywheel’s clever angled chamfer and fast, smooth shifting to be the biggest advantages of the Trek 520. Even under high pedaling loads, smoother shifts are possible, both up and down.

Riders can put all their power into pedaling and achieve faster shifting for smoother and better speed translation.

Fork (4.5/5)

trek 520 steel fork

The corrosion resistance of aluminum alloy makes its own longevity and durable strength more convincing compared to other forks, more robust, durable, and smooth, making the whole ride full of excitement.

Trek 520 fork is using Alloy disc touring.

In order to improve comfort and reliability, Trek has improved and upgraded the frame + fork.

The main body of the frame is as described above, but the fork material has been changed from steel to aluminum, and the weight has been reduced as a result.

The frame is also equipped with Trek’s newly developed ThruSkew quick release technology.

Trek claims this technology is the result of the combination of a barrel axle and quick release, which allows riders to take off the front wheel without removing the front rack.

Another point that our testers happened to mention, I feel the need to say. You can make a reference.

Congratulations, if you bought a Trek 520 fork that hasn’t been cut yet. You can fit the handlebars to your needs instead of adapting to them.

You can find the height you feel most comfortable with (and cut it to your own requirements if necessary).

However, if the Trek 520 has been cut by the dealer before you get it, then it may not reach the height you want to adjust (in this case, the dealer cut the steering tube too short).

Although this is not very important, it should at least be a factor to consider.

Headset (4.4/5)

trek 520 steel fork

The headset is a bearing assembly located at the head tube that connects the handlebars to the top tube of the fork and is used to steer and control balance.

Threadless designs are now more common, and the Trek 520 uses a 1-1/8” threadless design with sealed bearings.

This threadless design is simpler and arguably superior. It is faster and easier to repair and can be done with standard tools.

Wheels (4.3/5)

trek 520 steel fork

The Trek 520 rims feature the Bontrager Affinity Disc, which can be paired with vacuum tires.

The Trek 520 can ride heavily loaded thanks to the Bontrager Affinity Disc’s highly robust 36-hole rim and 14g premium carbon steel spokes.

Notably, the rim is 21mm wide and features a presta valve.

The Presta valve is currently used mainly on the more mid-to-high-end models.

Manual locking valve, high-pressure resistance, smoother air leakage linearity, a thin base of the valve, light weight, air closure is also very good, the diameter of the valve is small, so the rim’s valve hole opening can be smaller, the natural impact on the strength of the rim is less.

In the eyes of our testers, the rim is important, and the Trek 520 is better off with a double-layer rim.

The Trek 520 front and rear hubs are Shimano M475.

The hubs are the core of the wheelset, and when you decide to build a wheelset, basically everyone starts with the hubs to choose.

Shimano’s hubs are well made, reliable, and smoothly rotating, and the Shimano M475 is strong and refuses to break an axle. 100mm in length for the Trek 520 front hub and 135mm for the rear hub.

The Trek 520 uses the Bontrager H1, 700x38c tire with a super strong nylon casing, 700mm outside diameter, and 38mm width.

The tire’s engineered tread design provides confidence in wet or dry conditions. the Bontrager H1 tread uses a durable compound for longer life.

Trek 520 Spece

Accessories.

1. How much weight can the rack support?

2. When mounting the kickstand, what bolt size is used?

3. This frame uses what type of rear brake mount?

The 520 has an IS mount brake.

Comparison table

Trek 520 grando vs trek 520.

Trek 520 Grando

Next, comes our comparison of the Trek 520 and Trek 520 Grando, and after reading it you will know which is the better final verdict.

So which is better? Well, the main difference between the Trek 520 and the Trek 520 Grando is their shifters.

For its rear derailleur, Trek 250 uses the Shimano Alivio, while its front derailleur uses the Shimano Sora. In contrast, the Trek 520 Grando uses a Shimano Tiagra front derailleur and Shimano GRX rear derailleur.

The rear derailleur, which is Shimano GRX RX400, will help you achieve better chain tension and smooth, highly reliable shifting, especially on rough terrain.

As part of the Trek 520 Grando, you will also get two-piece ProWheel alloy cranks.

However, both bikes use the 1136 cassette, even though the Trek 520 Grando is faster.

The Trek 520 has a more range than the Trek 520 Grando since it has three chain links instead of the Trek 520 Grando’s two chain links.

Unlike the 520 Grando, the Trek 520 has a backpack rack. The Trek 520 is equipped with a Bontrager backpack rack at the front and rear ends that can hold about 55 pounds or 25 kilograms.

Sleeping bags, food, tents, and other essentials can be stowed on the front and rear racks.

During your travels, the racks are made of durable materials that can support the weight of your gear.

However, the Trek 520 Grando only has a front rack, which means you won’t have enough room to store any luggage if you’re taking a road trip through the woods.

Both bikes are fitted with different tires, but the Trek 520 Grando has more versatile tires.

Bontrager H1 Hard-case Ultimate tires are fitted to the Trek 520, and they are 700×38c wide.

Nevertheless, the Trek Grando comes with 700×40c tires that are made by Bontrager.

There’s no way to compare the two tires to know which is better since they’re different. The Trek 520 tire, however, has a thinner casing, but it has a harder casing, so rocks, thorns, and other road debris are less likely to penetrate the tire.

Its wide and nimble tires provide more traction on dirt roads and gravel roads, making the Trek 520 Grando a more versatile bike.

Regarding the Trek 520 Grando tires. They’re wide and nimble, so they offer better traction on dirt and gravel roads, which makes the Trek 520 Grando a more versatile bicycle.

However, you can equip both bikes with 29.2-inch wheels to improve their traction and adaptability.

With the wide fat rolling tires, you will have enough traction on both pavement and gravel roads, so you can ride with confidence.

In comparison to the Trek 520, the Trek 520 Grando is lighter. Including the weight of the rider and bike cargo, the maximum total weight capacity of each bike is 275 pounds.

Although it might not seem significant, the Trek 520 Grando weighs 2 pounds less than the Trek 520.

In analyzing the differences between the two bikes, you should take this into account.

Salsa Marrakesh Alivio vs Trek 520

Salsa Marrakesh Alivio

Unlike the Trek 520, the Salsa Marrakesh Alivio frame and fork are made of triple-butted Chromoly steel, which remains strong and durable even under wear and tear.

The Shimano Deore 3×9 drivetrain shifts with precision, and the 26x34t (21 gear inches) low-speed gears allow fully loaded travelers to climb rugged trails on the Salsa Marrakesh Alivio.

The 36-hole WTB ST i19 rims remained true to form after our testers struggled to ride 400km under heavy loads.

When it comes to Gear Range, these two bikes are almost identical! So what else is the difference?

The Salsa Marrakesh Alivio comes with Shimano M475 QR 36h, WTB ST i19 TCS 2.0 rims, and Teravail Rampart 700c x 42mm durable, tubeless tires.

The Salsa Marrakesh Alivio is equipped with a WTB Volt Sport saddle, while the Trek 520 uses a Bontrager Evoke saddle.

The WTB Volt is our testers’ favorite mountain saddle, and the WTB Volt Sport is shaped with speed and comfort in mind. The medium-thickness padding and wonderful curves make the WTB Volt Sport saddle the most popular of the WTBs as well.

Looking at the shape, the WTB Volt Sport’s upward curved tail and slightly sloping nose make for propulsion during pedaling.

Trek 920 vs Trek 520

2021 Trek 920

When it comes to price you’ll find that the Trek 520 costs $1829, which is $270 less than the Trek 920.

Trek’s 920 is positioned as an adventure touring bike in its own right, featuring an all-aluminum frame and fork construction that weighs just 28.4 lbs/12.9 kg.

With the Trek 920, you get hydraulic disc brakes, 29′′ wheels with Bontrager XR1 tires, and 29 x 2.00′′ tires.

The Trek 920 comes with a Bontrager Duster Elite, Tubeless Ready, 100x15mm thru-axle rim, while the Trek 520 has a Bontrager Affinity Disc, Tubeless Ready, 36-hole, 21mm width rim.

The Trek 520 has clearance for up to accommodate 29 x 2.0” 700c x 50 mm tires. And the Trek 920 can also fit, 2.3″ fenderless or 2″ with fenders.

Some of the Trek 920’s dimensions match the Trek 520’s classic touring geometry, with the same 1.49 stack/stretch ratio, making it a fairly upright riding position.

Trail refers to the horizontal distance of the front tire’s point of contact with the ground from the steering axis. A high trail value provides more stability at speed and a tendency to self-correct, which is good for rough terrain where it is important to maintain a line over roots and rocky roads.

The Trek 920 trails fairly similarly to the Trek 520 with only a 3mm difference. The Trek 920 has 68mm which makes it more stable, but it is still not sluggish.

Learn more : Is Trek 1120 A Good Bike? [Trek 1120 Review]

Fuji Touring Disc vs Trek 520

Fuji Touring Disc

The Fuji Touring model dates back to the 1990s and in 2018 it achieves a twenty-first century breakthrough.

This Fuji Touring Disc update comes with some nice spec Shimano Deore 10-speed cassette 11-46T to your Deore triple crank.

Microshift bar-end shifters and TRP break levers, Oval Concepts brands supplies handlebar, 3D-forged 6061stem, Selle Royal Vivo saddle, and 6061 alloy seat post.

Riders can easily handle both flats and hills thanks to the Shimano drivetrain’s ultra-wide 3×10 gearing ranges. Featuring a heavy-duty rear rack, dual eyelets for mounting additional racks, and low-rider mounting points for securing front panniers.

The Fuji Touring Disc frame is made of double-butted, heat-treated Reynolds 520 Chromoly steel, the Trek 520 uses Trek butted Chromoly disc touring.

They offer equal durability and similar mechanical properties. However, the Fuji Touring Disc frame offers a degree of flexibility that suppresses more pit vibrations during the ride.

Fuji Touring Disc is Shimano Deore for the entire drivetrain except for the KMC chain. it is a great value, reliable and durable. The rear shifter is indexed and the front shifter is friction.

Our testers did a lot of fine-tuning, and the shifting wasn’t as crisp and clean as the Trek 520 Shimano Sora shifting, but it was also 100% reliable in testing.

Comprehensive evaluation (4.6/5)

The Trek 520 is a great gravel bike with a medium price among the 4 bikes compared and good quality overall frame and components. The Trek 520 is the perfect choice when you are adventuring on your own or with family and friends. He can help you carry heavy loads, is stable and solid. Of course, we accidentally found many of our buddies also use it for commuting to and from work, which is also a comfortable experience. You’ll be happy with it!

Learn more: Top 8 Best Gravel Bikes Under $2000

Related Posts

trek 520 steel fork

[Orbea URRUN 10 20mph Review] – Best Used By People Who Enjoy Riding To Get AFeel For The Mountains!

[schwinn admiral hybrid bicycle review] -is schwinn admiral hybrid bicycle worth buying?.

trek 520 steel fork

[Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 Review] – Good Choice?

Best Mountain Bike Saddles -SDG Bel Air V3.0 Lux-Alloy

15 of The Best Mountain Bike Saddles You Can Buy

trek 520 steel fork

20 INCH FOLDING BIKE BTWIN 120 Review-Fold up and put in “pocket”

2023 Top 10 Best Fun Kids Bike Bells

2023 Top 10 Best Fun Kids Bike Bells – Will This Bring Joy To Your Child’s Ride?

2023 Santa Cruz NOMAD X01

27.5 vs 29er Mountain Bikes – The Battle Of The Century

trek 520 steel fork

Best 20 inch Bikes For 6-13 Years Old Kids Bikes (With Gears)

TRANZX KITSUMA 27.2 EXTERNAL SEATPOST

Best 27.2 Dropper Post

30.9 dropper - Thomson Elite Covert

Best 30.9 Dropper Post In

31.6 dropper Bontrager-Line-Elite-31.6-Dropper-Seatpost-

Best 31.6 Dropper Post

EThirteen Base 35_

Best Mountain Bike Stems-Better Travel Through The Mountains And Forests

Leave a comment cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • Specialized
  • Bridge Bikeworks
  • Brooklyn Bicycle Co.
  • Bunch Bikes
  • CYCLE OF GOOD
  • DALLINGRIDGE
  • Diamondback
  • Eddy Merckx
  • Electric Bike Company
  • EVO Bicycles
  • Fahrradmanufaktur
  • Flyer by Radio Flyer
  • iGO Electric
  • Intense 951
  • JupiterBike
  • Lectric eBikes
  • LeMond Bicycles
  • Lightweight
  • View all brands
  • Pivot Cycles
  • Qualisports
  • Quintana Roo
  • Rad Power Bikes
  • Raleigh Electric
  • Riese & Müller
  • Rocky Mountain
  • Schindelhauer
  • State Bicycle Co.
  • Surface 604
  • Urban Arrow
  • Van Nicholas
  • VELO DE VILLE
  • Vintage Electric
  • Yeti Cycles
  • YT Industries

Endurance mountain bikes

  • AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 48cm, 51cm, 54cm, 57cm, 60cm, 63cm

At a glance

Where to buy.

Trek Logo

Specifications

  • Frame Trek butted chromoly disc touring, rack & fender mounts, 135x5mm QR
  • Fork 520 alloy disc touring, rack mounts, 100x5mm ThruSkew
  • Hubs Shimano M475, 6-bolt disc, 135x5mm QR
  • Wheels Bontrager Affinity Disc, Tubeless Ready, 36-hole, 21mm width, presta valve
  • Spokes 14g stainless steel
  • Tires Bontrager H1 Hard-case Ultimate, 700x38c w/reflective sidewall
  • Chain KMC X9
  • Crank Size: 48, 51, Shimano Alivio T4060, 48/36/26, 2-piece w/chain guard, 170mm length; Size: 54, 57, 60, 63, Shimano Alivio T4060, 48/36/26, 2-piece w/chain guard, 175mm length
  • Front Derailleur Shimano Sora R3030, 34.9mm (w/28.6 adapter) clamp
  • Rear Derailleur Shimano Alivio M4000, long cage, 36T max cog
  • Shifters Size: 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, Shimano Sora R3000, 9 speed; Size: 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, Shimano Sora R3030, 3 speed
  • Brakeset TRP Spyre C 2.0 mechanical disc, 160mm rotor
  • Handlebar Size: 48, Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 40cm width; Size: 51, 54, Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 42cm width; Size: 57, 60, 63, Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 44cm width
  • Saddle Bontrager Evoke
  • Seatpost Size: 48, Bontrager alloy, 27.2mm, 12mm offset, 250mm length; Size: 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, Bontrager alloy, 27.2mm, 12mm offset, 330mm length
  • Stem Size: 48, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 80mm length; Size: 51, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length; Size: 54, 57, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm clamp, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 100mm length; Size: 60, 63, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm clamp, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 110mm length
  • Headset 1-1/8'' threadless, sealed cartridge bearings

Q: How much is a 2021 Trek 520?

A 2021 Trek 520 is typically priced around $1,749 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2021 Trek 520?

The 2021 Trek 520 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size 2021 Trek 520 should I get?

No comments on this bike yet. Why not be the first?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Want more road bikes in your mailbox?

The latest on road bikes delivered straight to your mailbox.

trek 520 steel fork

More Bikes in Range View All

Trek 520 Disc

Trek 520 Disc

Trek 520

ELOPS 520 Raised Frame City Bike - Khaki

More gravel bikes view all.

Superior X-ROAD Comp GR

Superior X-ROAD Comp GR

Cannondale Topstone Carbon 6

Cannondale Topstone Carbon 6

Surly Straggler Frameset

Surly Straggler Frameset

Deals view all, view all deals, recent posts view all.

What is Road Bike Database?

What is Road Bike Database?

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, choosing the right road bike can…

Send Feedback

Have a suggestion? Looking for a bike that's not on Road Bike Database? Or perhaps you've spotted an error?

We'd love to hear from you. Let us know with the form below.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience possible. Learn more.

About Road Bike Database

Explore, search and compare thousands of the world’s best road bikes here on Road Bike Database.

Compare prices, components, reviews, images and more on current and past road bikes. You can even share reviews, comments and questions on road bikes. View and compare a huge selection of bikes from brands such as Cervélo , BMC , Trek , Specialized and more .

We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information for road bikes on Road Bike Database. If you’ve spotted any issues, please let us know . We also include helpful tools, such as our frame size calculator, to assist you in choosing the right road bike. Bear in mind that these tools serve as a guide and simply provide a general indication. Refer to information provided by your bike manufacturer for the most applicable information for your bike.

Bikes By Brand

Bikes by year, bikes by riding style.

  • Electric Road
  • folding-bike
  • general-road
  • general-urban
  • long-tail-cargo

Bikes By Wheel Size

Popular bikes.

  • 2021 Storck T.I.X. Pro Ultegra Bike
  • 2023 Hudski Doggler Gravel Deore 27.5""
  • 2022 Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 Step-Through
  • 2023 Moots Vamoots Disc RSL SHIMANO ULTEGRA Di2
  • 2023 Kalkhoff ENTICE 3.B MOVE Trapez
  • 2022 Merida SCULTURA 300
  • 2022 Storck GRIX.2 Pro Rival XPLR 1x12

Latest Bikes

  • 2024 Riese & Müller Delite4 GT touring
  • 2024 Riese & Müller Delite4 GT rohloff
  • 2024 Riese & Müller Delite4 GT rohloff HS
  • 2024 Riese & Müller Delite4 GT vario HS
  • 2024 Riese & Müller Delite4 GT vario
  • 2024 Riese & Müller Delite4 GT touring HS
  • 2024 Riese & Müller Roadster4 Mixte vario HS

Frame models 510, 530, 710, 730, 910, and 930. Bike models are: 512, 712, 514, 714, 914, 536, 736, 936, 737, 937, 738, 938. Seattube graphics and headbadge are the same as for 1976-77. Model number does not appear on frame.

The 1978 brochure and model designations appear to have been operational in mid-78. The May 78 price sheet lists the earlier TX models. The November 78 price list shows the newer models (510, 530 etc.)

The first digit of the model number indicates the tubing used to make the frame: 5 is Ishiwata 022, 7 is Reynolds 531, 9 is Columbus. The second digit indicates the designed purpose of the frame; 1 indicates touring, 3 indicates racing.

Frame models 510, 710, 910, 530, 730, 930. Bike models: 512, 712, 514, 714, 914, 536, 736, 936, 737, 937, 738, 938. Seattube graphics and headbadge are the same as for 1976-78. Model number does not appear on frame.

There also was a Model 310 that did not appear in catalogs. It was constructed of Ishiwata high tensile butted tubes.

Tim Isaac, master framebuilder, joins Trek.

Frame models 510, 710, 910, 730, 930. Bike models 412, 414 and Series 500, 700, and 900. Seattube graphics and headbadge same as for 1976-79 except headbadge is glued not screwed. Model number does not appear on frame.

Bike models 613, 614 and 616, that are listed in the 1981 brochure, probably first appeared in late 1980.

Trek installs first automatic painting system.

Sequential frame serial numbers are begun in late 1980 (1981 model year), and run at least through 2000. They are used only for US made bikes. Numbering started with 000001.

Frame Models 412 (410?), 610, 510, 710, 750, and 950. Bicycle Models 412, 613, 614, 616, 515, 516, 715, 716, 719, 759, and 959.

It appears for models 4XX, 5XX, and 6XX, the graphics are the same as for 1980: no color wrap around TREK on seat tube.

For model 7XX series bikes and up, the seat tube graphics are "TREK" on each side of the seat tube with a color wrap around the seattube. Models 759 and 959 have the same graphic on the downtube as well. Headbadge is the same as 1980. Model number does not appear on frame.

Model 959 frames (Columbus tubing) have fully-sloping fork crowns, with cutouts on the side and a cutout in the bottom bracket shell where it joins the downtube. The 81, 82, and 83 75X and 95X frames and bikes were probably zenith of traditional frames by Trek. They had Cinelli bottom bracket shells, reinforcements at the brake and chain stay bridges, and reinforcements for the water bottle bosses. In 1984, Trek began using cast fastback seatlugs with seat stay sockets and Trek bottom bracket shells. Excellent parts, but just nontraditional.

Frame models 510, 710, 720, 730, 750, and 950. Bike models 311, 412, 613, 614, 515, 710, 715, 728, 736, 759, 757, 950, 959, and 957. In this year Trek sold a bike Model 311, which does not appear in the catalog. The Model 311 does appear in the 82 price list (on this site) and in the serial number list. The SN list shows it was first made in mid 82 and was not made in 83. The 311 flyer is shown at the bottom of the HTML formatted 82 brochure.

Seattube graphics same as Model 7XX and up for 1981, and headbadge same as 1980-81. Model number does not appear on frame.

Prior to 1982, derailleur cables on Treks were routed above the bottom bracket. According to the 1982 brochure, on the upper level bikes, Model 728 and above, cables were routed below the bottom bracket. On Model 614 and below cables continued to be routed above the bottom bracket. (Some variations to the brochure configurations have been reported.)

The brochure shows the 728/720 with center pull brakes. Some 728/720s were supplied with cantilever brakes.

9XX frames have fully-sloping fork crowns, with cutouts on the side and a cutout in the bottom bracket shell where it joins the downtube. They also had Cinelli bottom bracket shells, reinforcements at the brake and chain stay bridges, and reinforcements for the water bottle bosses.

The Japanese Connection - Beginning in 1981 or 1982 (and extending through at least 1986), Trek used Tange, a subcontractor in Japan, to build some frames and parts of frames. The 300 and some 400 series were a complete (unpainted) frame and fork from Japan, but painted and assembled in Waterloo. The 500, 600, and 800 (MTB) series had the main triangle built in Waterloo, the pre-assembled rear stays were attached, and the whole works painted and assembled in Waterloo. The 700, 900, and 170 series were completely built, painted, and assembled in Waterloo. Some 600 series were all Reynolds 531 frames. Trek had Reynolds seatstays and chain stays shipped from England to Japan, where they were assembled into the rear triangle assemblies and then shipped to Waterloo to be attached to the main frame.

Bike Models 400, 500, 520, 560, 600, 620, 630, 640, 700, 720, 760, 970, 170, and 850. Seventy-five Model 730s (all Reynolds 531) were made, but the model was not included in the brochure.

Seattube graphics same as 1981-82, headbadge same as 1980-82. Model number appears on the chainguard on the right chainstay.

970 (Columbus tubing) and 170 (Reynolds 753 tubing) frames have fully-sloping fork crowns, with cutouts on the side and a cutout in the bottom bracket shell where it joins the downtube. This is the last year Columbus tubing is used on production Treks.

In 1983 the derailleur cables were routed below the bottom bracket for all models. This configuration changed in 1985 when the rear derailleur cable was routed through the right chainstay on some bikes (see 1985).

Trek installs automatic brazing machinery.

F or most models, rear dropout spacing increases from 120mm to 126mm.

First use by Trek of Reynolds 501 Chromalloy tubing on some bikes. Thicker wall thickness, and consequently heavier, than 531, but also more robust and a bit less expensive. The last use was for the 1985 model year.

First use by Trek of Mangalloy 2001 tubing, made by Tange, It was used on the Model 400, which was the first "International Series" bike. The frame was made in Japan but painted and built up in the U.S. Mangaloy 2001 was last used by Trek in 84.

Trek introduces the "Rough Terrain" model 850 (a mountain bike).

New headbadge, white or brass background with black graphic, is used from 1984-87.

Upper level frames (760, 770, 170, 720) have cast fastback seat lugs with "TREK" cast into the sides.

Some 400, 420 and 460 frames or complete bikes were made in Japan by an outside contractor. These bikes have a 9-character numeric serial number on the lower seat tube, rather than on the bottom of the bottom bracket.

"TREK" graphic with model number is on the sides of the downtube (with no color wrap). "TREK" and Model number also appears on the right chainstay.

Reynolds 531CS (Club Sport) frame tubing is first used by Trek. According to Terry at Reynolds-Cycle.com: "531CS was a special set, supplied mainly to Trek. The main triangle was butted 531 and the rear stays were CrMo (501)." The fork was taper gauge CrMo (501). (Info. provided by Dickey Greer.)

Last year Mangalloy 2001 tubing was used by Trek.

Trek renames "Rough Terrain" bikes to "All Terrain" bikes. Both of these are mountain bikes (as we know them today).

Racing Frame models 450, 460, 470, 560, 660, 670, 760, 770, 170, Sport, Models 300, 400, 410, 420, 500, 510, 520, 600, Touring, Models 620, 720, All-Terrain, Models 830, 850, 870 , (Models 300, 450, 470 and 170 were sold in 1985, but did not appear in the 85 brochure. ) The cast fastback seat lugs with "TREK" cast into sides are extended to lower level bikes.

Graphics: model number on right chainstay, "USA" on sides of seat stay, "TREK" on sides of downtube. Same headbadge as 1984.

In 1985, Trek routed the rear derailleur cable through the right chainstay on some of its bikes. In 85 (according to the catalog and site visitors) it was done on Models 450, 460, 470, 510, 520, 560, 600, 620, 660 and 670. On the other bikes the cable was shown routed below the bottom bracket but outside the chainstay. The 85 brochure shows the 400, 410, and 420 cables routed outside the chainstay but some of these bikes have been reported with through-the-chainstay cables. This change was made sometime after the brochure photos were made, perhaps during the model year.

First year Trek used True Temper tubing (steel). It was used in lower- to mid-level bikes.

Trek introduces the adhesive-bonded, internally lugged Aluminum Model 2000, designed by Tim Isaac. It was available through 1988 as a bike or frameset and in 1989 as a frameset only.

Trek replaces the automatic brazers with a robotic system that assembles, aligns and brazes in a single pass.

All-Terrain bikes (Mountain bikes) have traditional fork crowns (not unicrown forks).

T his is the last year the Trek catalog lists the (touring) model 720 : -( . Actually, according to the serial number list, Trek built no 720s during all of calendar year 1985. (Thanks to Joe Bond for pointing this out.) The one 720 listed in 85 was in for repair. The long-distance touring craze of the late 70s and early 80s was over. The pricey 720 was just no longer in demand.

Models Pro Series 560, Pro Series 760, Pro Series 770, Tri Series 500, Tri Series 700, Elance 300, Elance 310, Elance 400D, Elance 400T, and Cirrus 520. Model 420 was made and sold in 1986 but did not appear in the 86 brochure.

Graphics: "USA" on sides of seattube, "TREK" on sides of downtube, model name on top tube, no model designation on right chainstay. Same headbadge as 1984 and 85.

Through-the-chainstay rear derailleur cable routing was done on all models except the 300 and 310.

Trek introduces the carbon fiber composite model 2500. It first appears in the 1987 catalog. The frames consisted of carbon tubes bonded to aluminum lugs. This frame configuration later included Models 2300 and 2100.

Steel mountain bikes 1986 and newer have unicrown forks.

Models 560EX Pro Series, 560 Pro series, 520 Cirrus, 400T Elance, 400D Elance, and 330 Elance (plus various mountain bikes and aluminum-framed road bikes).

Graphics: "USA" on side seat tube, "TREK" with shadow effect on downtube, model number " xxx" on right chainstay, model name on the top tube. Same headbadge as 1984, 85 and 86.

Through-the-chainstay rear derailleur cable routing was done on all models except the 330.

Some 1987 TREK frames and/or bikes were subcontracted to the Taiwanese bike company Merida. These were Model 800, 830 and 850 mountain bikes and Model 300 road bikes. See Note 8 on the serial number page for more information.

Model 2500 composite (aluminum lugs/carbon tubes) bikes appear in the catalog.

New headbadge, used during the period 1988-92.

Graphics: model number on sides of seattube, "TREK" on sides of downtube. Component designation (e.g. "SIS" or "Shimano Ultegra") on right chainstay of all models except 360 and 330.

Seven-speed cassettes were offered on most Shimano-equipped road models for the first time this year.

Models 660, 520, 420, 400, and 330 (plus various aluminum-framed and carbon-tubed road bikes and mountain bikes). This is the last year the bonded aluminum Model 2000 was available.

Graphics similar to those of 1988. Through-the-chainstay rear derailleur cable routing was done on all models except the 330.

Model 5000, molded graphite composite frames, first appear in the 89 catalog.

Seven-speed cassettes were offered on most Shimano-equipped mountain bikes for the first time this year.

Models 520, 420, and 330 (plus various carbon- and aluminum-framed road bikes and mountain bikes).

The unicrown style fork is used on the 520 for the first time. Cheaper to make, more aero? but inelegant.

The 420 and 330 continue to have traditional fork crowns.

"Splash" paint was used on several of the bikes. The bike was painted a solid color and then a second color was splattered onto the frame, resulting in fine threads of contrasting color.

Models 520 and 400 (plus various carbon- and aluminum-framed road bikes and mountain bikes).

The 8 speed cassette, with 130mm dropout spacing, is introduced on t he top level road bike, the Model 2500. The other road bikes are still 7 speed.

"Splash" paint was again used on several of the bikes.

While not in the catalog, Trek did sell the Model 2000 in 1991. It has a welded aluminum (not bonded) frame, and was painted red with white lettering. (Source: Michael A. Roberts.)

Models 520 Touring and 400 Sport (plus various carbon- and aluminum-framed road bikes and mountain bikes).

This is the last year lugs were used on a Trek steel racing/sport frame (Model 400).

Upper level road bikes, 2300 and above, have 8 speed cassettes with 130mm dropout spacing. Lower level bikes are still 7 speed.

Model 520 Touring (plus various carbon- and aluminum-framed road bikes and mountain bikes). This is the last year lugs were used on any steel Trek frames (Model 520). In future years, steel frames were TIG welded.

Upper level road bikes, 2200 and above, and the 1420 have 8 speed cassettes with 130mm dropout spacing. Lower level bikes are still 7 speed.

This was the last year "splash" paint was used on some of the bikes.

Steel TIG welded (no lugs) road bike models 520 Touring and 370 Sport (plus various carbon- and aluminum-framed road bikes and mountain bikes).

Upper level road bikes, 2200 and above, and the 1400 have 8 speed cassettes with 130mm dropout spacing. Lower level bikes are still 7 speed.

Steel TIG welded (no lugs) road bike models 520 Touring, 470, and 370 Sport (plus various carbon-and aluminum-framed road bikes and mountain bikes).

Upper level road bikes, 2300 and above, have 8 speed cassettes with 130mm spacing. Lower level bikes are still 7 speeds.

Steel TIG welded (no lugs) road bike models 520 Touring, 470 Fast Track, and 420 Fast Track (plus various carbon-and aluminum-framed road bikes and mountain bikes).

This is the last year that the 520 was made in the USA. (Thanks to Andrew Bam Ford for sorting this out).

Steel TIG welded (no lugs) road bike models 520, 470, 420, and 370 (plus various carbon- and aluminum-framed road bikes and mountain bikes).

Last year for the 2500/2300/2100 series of carbon-tubed road bikes. The carbon tubes were bonded to aluminum lugs.

For their aluminum road bike frames, Trek changed from bonding frame tubes to welding.

First year of the Y-Foil 66 and 77 aerodynamic carbon fiber road bikes. They had beam suspension (no seattube).

Steel TIG welded (no lugs) road bike, model 520 (plus various carbon- and aluminum-framed road bikes and mountain bikes).

1999 is the Last year of the Y-Foil 66 and 77 aerodynamic road bikes. The UCI (International Cycling Union) outlawed beam-type bikes for racing beginning in 2000. Trek production of the Y-Foil stopped abruptly. These slippery bikes are still prized by their owners and are used commonly in triathlons.

Aluminum-framed road bikes are of welded construction starting in 1999. Earlier aluminum road bikes were bonded using internal lugs.

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Brochures | Price Lists and Values | Trek History | Trek Timeline | Serial Numbers Component Dates | Gallery | Contact | Buy/Sell Suggestions Refurbish/Upgrade | Bike Resources | Home

*Trek is a trademark of Trek Bicycle Corporation, Waterloo, WI

All copyrights in the TREK brochures, pricelists, owner's manuals and photographs displayed on this website are the sole property of Trek Bicycle Corporation, Waterloo, Wisconsin.

All materials in this site not copyrighted by others are Copyright © 2001-2015 Skip Echert Web Associates , All rights reserved.

Cyclepedal

Trek 520 vs. Fuji touring: Which is the best touring bike?

It was not long ago when cycle travelers were stuck with the custom-built bike for pedaling for long distances. Luckily, with top performance touring bikes such as the Trek 520 and Fuji touring bikes, cyclists now fully enjoy exploring the beauty of nature. This Trek 520 vs. Fuji touring bike review will reveal which is the better touring bike. As a lover of the road, there is nothing that beats the thrill and adventure of seeing the world from the saddle of my touring bike. Bicycle touring allows me to interact with people from all over the world while exposing me to new experiences

. If you are looking to venturing into touring bikes, consider purchasing the Trek 520 or the Fuji touring bikes . The following Trek 520 vs. Fuji touring bikes comparison review provides an in-depth look at the specifications of these two popular bikes. What are the differences between the Trek 520 and the Fuji touring bikes

https://testimonialcollecter.com/btp-photos/uploads/2012/05/Trek-520-Touring-Bicycle-588x348.jpg

  • Lightweight construction frame which allows comfortable riding
  • A reputable touring bike as it is known for its maneuverability, versatility, and reliability
  • Replacements parts are inexpensive
  • Its all-weather disc brakes and puncture-resistant tires offer more grip and traction on gravel terrains

What we do not like

  • Metallic paint on the bike easily chips off

Table of Contents

View price here

https://testimonialcollecter.com/btp-photos/uploads/2010/11/fuji-touing-bicycle-review.jpg

  • Lightweight and sturdy steel frame
  • Easy to accessorize due to the additional attachment points
  • A wide range of gears for more grip, traction, and a smoother ride
  • Easy to repair in case of damage
  • Not easy to find in local shops

  Frequently Asked Questions What is the best way to avoid buying the wrong touring bike? Before purchasing a touring bike, it is essential to determine the terrain you will be riding on and research on the most appropriate bike to use on that particular terrain. Similarly, taking the bike on a test ride helps you get an actual feel of the bike before you buy it How do I pack for my cycle tour? When cycling, it is best to carry light cargo as carrying hefty loads affects the stability and comfort of your ride. If you are touring with panniers, keep your total load between 15 and 45 pounds. By putting more weight in the front panniers, the bike becomes more stable. Test ride your bike while it is fully loaded to ensure the smoothness of the ride. What is the difference between a touring bike and road bike? Due to their strong frame, comfortable features, and extra mounts for panniers, cargo cages, and mudguards, touring bikes cover long distances on the road. On the other hand, road bikes are a fast solution if you are looking for a quick way to get to work. They are not the most comfortable but are lightweight and have aerodynamic specifications.  

Accessories

trek 520 steel fork

  • Rider Notes

2014 Trek 520

trek 520 steel fork

A steel frame gravel bike with upper mid-range components and rim brakes.

For This Bike

View more similar bikes →

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Similar Bikes

(descending)

Add custom gearing

99 Spokes on YouTube

Last updated 29 June Not listed for 2,438 days

IMAGES

  1. Trek updates legendary 520 touring bike with new frame, fork, & more

    trek 520 steel fork

  2. Trek updates legendary 520 touring bike with new frame, fork, & more

    trek 520 steel fork

  3. Trek's "Bombproof" 520 Turing Bike Is Affordable Steel With a Capable

    trek 520 steel fork

  4. Trek's "Bombproof" 520 Turing Bike Is Affordable Steel With a Capable

    trek 520 steel fork

  5. Trek reveal updated 520 Touring Bike

    trek 520 steel fork

  6. The New 2019 Trek 520 Touring Bike

    trek 520 steel fork

VIDEO

  1. Steel shot filled coated sand shell molding line

  2. Tibble Fork Reservoir Bridal Film

COMMENTS

  1. Trek 520 Disc Neutral Fork

    Be the first to write a review! $149.99. Model 573687. Retailer prices may vary. The fork you need. Compare. Color / Diablo Red. Select a color.

  2. 520

    Discover your next great ride with 520. See the bike and visit your local Trek retailer. Shop now! ... Fork: Alloy disc touring, rack mounts, 100x5mm ThruSkew: ... 14g stainless steel: Tire: Bontrager H1 Hard-Case Ultimate, reflective, wire bead, 60tpi, 700x38mm: Max tire size:

  3. Trek 520 Review: Is It a Good Bike or Waste of Money? 2024

    Yes. Trek 520 is a worthy touring bike for people seeking bike-packing adventures. It has a durable steel frame with a relaxed geometry, comes with racks for extending storage capacity, and wide enough gear range so you can tackle any terrain. Read this entire article for more info.

  4. Fork replacement for Trek 520 (2017) : r/bikewrench

    I've got a used Trek 520 almost for free, bur its fork is totaled. I double-checked everything else and other parts are as good as new. Just a few small scratches. Nothing bent, cracked or broken. I'm looking for a replacement fork. I've contacted TREK and they've said it's unsafe to use anything else but TREK fork and I should order a ...

  5. Trek updates legendary 520 touring bike with new frame, fork, & more

    The complete bike is said to weigh about 13.3kg. The 520 also makes the jump from bar end to STI shifting with a Shimano Sora 3×9 wide range drivetrain. In order to handle the loads, the wheels are 36 spoke and tubeless ready - though to run tubeless, you'll need to supply the rim strips, valves, sealant, and tubeless tires.

  6. The New 2019 Trek 520 Touring Bike

    The Trek 520 is the longest running model in Trek's history. It's hard to believe that this USA-based company has been refining their dedicated touring bike for 36 years now! Today, we'll be looking at the controversial changes to the frame, fork and components of the 2019 Trek 520 model. The 2019 Trek 520 Touring Bike

  7. Say Hello to the New Trek 520 Grando: Gravel Randonneur

    The 520 Grando is still based around a chromoly steel frame, alloy fork, and quick release skewers with Trek's thru-skew upfront. The TRP mechanical disc brakes also remain unchanged, as well as most of the touch points, including the bar, stem, seatpost, and the Bontrager Affinity Disc wheelset. The 520 Grando also forgoes the rear rack, but ...

  8. Steelfork for the 2020 trek 520? : r/xbiking

    I would like to change the aluminium fork from my trek 520 to a fork made of steel. Does anybody have recommendations? I'm aiming for easy…

  9. 2023 Trek 520 Review

    The Trek 2023 520 is a dependable touring bike made for long distance rides that has been optimized for comfort and performance. This touring bike offers riders a lightweight yet strong chromoly steel frame, precision brakes and an ergonomic riding position. It also comes with an adjustable stem to provide extra reach when needed, reliable ...

  10. Miles' Flat Bar Trek 520: Little Red Corvette

    The stock Trek 520, the quintessential steel touring bike in the brand's lineup, wasn't quite doing it for Miles. Here is his take on a classic, complete with a flat bar conversion, 1×11 drivetrain, and the absolute biggest tires he could fit. Find details, lots of photos, and a complete build kit here…. compose Miles Arbour.

  11. Trek 520 Disc Neutral Fork

    Trek 520 Disc Neutral Fork. Be the first to write a review! $149.99. Model 573687. Retailer prices may vary. The fork you need. Compare. Color / Diablo Red. Select a color.

  12. What Makes The Trek 520 Such A Powerful Gravel Road Bike

    Unlike the Trek 520, the Salsa Marrakesh Alivio frame and fork are made of triple-butted Chromoly steel, which remains strong and durable even under wear and tear. The Shimano Deore 3×9 drivetrain shifts with precision, and the 26x34t (21 gear inches) low-speed gears allow fully loaded travelers to climb rugged trails on the Salsa Marrakesh ...

  13. 2021 Trek 520

    Specs, reviews & prices for the 2021 Trek 520. Compare forks, shocks, wheels and other components on current and past bikes. View and share reviews, comments and questions on road bikes. ... 14g stainless steel. Tires. Bontrager H1 Hard-case Ultimate, 700x38c w/reflective sidewall. Drivetrain. Chain. KMC X9. Crank.

  14. Vintage Trek

    Models 520 Touring and 400 Sport (plus various carbon- and aluminum-framed road bikes and mountain bikes). This is the last year lugs were used on a Trek steel racing/sport frame (Model 400). Upper level road bikes, 2300 and above, have 8 speed cassettes with 130mm dropout spacing. Lower level bikes are still 7 speed.

  15. Trek 520 vs. Fuji touring: Which is the best touring bike?

    Forks Trek 520 consists of TIG-welded Chromoly steel frame and aluminum fork. The fork features the thru-skew secure skewer system which prevents the wheel from falling out, unless you remove the skewer. This system ensures the quick release wheel and the fork are always aligned. The fork also has low-rider mounts where you can fit a cargo cage ...

  16. Trek 520

    European models have been using aluminum forks for years. I dont know what everyone is so scared about. Some nice looking euro touring bicycles like the koga miyata world traveller. Saves 318 grams too off the steel trek fork too. If it buggers up (when my 2019 520 gets to Aus) reddit will be the first to know!!

  17. 520 Disc Frameset

    520 is a steel touring bike made for the open road. It's the longest-running model in our lineup, and it's built to carry you and your gear on your longest journeys. Extra mounts, an aluminum touring fork, and included headset, headset spacers, cable guides, front quick release skewer, and seat post collar, make this frameset the perfect ...

  18. Bike forks

    if (typeof dataLayer !== "undefined") { dataLayer.push({ "ecommerce": { "currency": "USD", "impressions": [ { "id": "26519", "name": "Trek Speed Concept UCI Gen 2 ...

  19. New Surly Trucker Fork on old (1993) Trek 520? : r/bikewrench

    I have an early 90s Trek 520 with a somewhat rusted fork and quill stem. I've found a goid deal on a Surly Trucker fork, and was wondering if it would work as a replacement? ... monster-cross, road-plus, supple tires, steel frames, vintage bikes, hybrids, commuting, bike touring, bikepacking, fatbiking, single-speeds, fixies, Frankenbikes with ...

  20. 520

    Weight. 56cm - 12.04 kg / 26.54 lbs. Weight limit. This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 275 pounds (125 kg). Bike and frame weights are based off pre-production painted frames at time of publication. Weights may vary in final production.

  21. 2014 Trek 520

    A steel frame gravel bike with upper mid-range components and rim brakes. ... 520. 58 km/h. Similar Bikes. Highest gear (descending) Add custom gearing. Specs. Build. Frame: Trek butted chromoly. Fork: Chromoly Touring w/lowrider mounts. Headset: VP, alloy cups. Stem: Bontrager Race Lite, 31.8mm, 7 degree. Handlebar:

  22. Trek 520 2008 fork replacement : r/xbiking

    Hello everyone, I recently bought a trek 520 for $100. When I got home I did not realize that the front fork one of the v brake mounts was completely broken. With the forks being a thread less 1" fork I've been having a hard time finding a replacement that will keep the same geometry. I've been told to convert to a threaded old 700c ...

  23. Trek 520

    The 520 is still a good bike. I have no clue why they spec'd an aluminum fork on a steel touring bike 🤦🏼‍♂️ but I think you will enjoy the STI shifters way more than a bar end shifter, quick release skewers are probably way more convenient while touring in case you get a flat or need to take the wheel off fast for transport (catching a ride?) your not going off any jumps, so don ...