I picked this up from a bike collective not too long ago. It's the perfect size for me (58.5 cm or 23 in) and while I'm generally more of a vintage Japanese bike nerd this frame stood out to me as an interesting American made model.
I did a complete overhaul with fresh grease and replaced all the consumables. Typically when I refurb an old bike I'll swap out components to suit me better but I thought it would be fun to keep it more or less original.
Long story short, the bike setup as is, specifically the cockpit, isn't the most comfortable. I'm debating if I should have some fun experimenting with it or if I should sell it in it's current form to any fellow vintage bike nerds that would appreciate its "original-ness."
I don't expect to make much, if any, money on it, just figured I'd ask y'all what you'd do?
by lord_donkulus
19 Comments
I love old Treks, but I don’t think it’s worth trying to maintain originalness (maybe a 720 would be?). I’d modify the cockpit ad ride it.
play with it! you can always put it back to how it was later
It’s a super cool bike but nothing super wow except internal routing in the rear. Everything hanging off it is “good” but not great. It’s def a bike that would follow me home but not get ridden as much as other bikes but I love looking at it.
80s treks are some of the best riding vintage steel you can get, the 520 is one of the best frame geometries of all time. They’re not super collectible though, so only keep it if you’re gonna ride it. Otherwise it’s just taking up space. If you’re gonna ride it, ride the shit out of it. Don’t bother indexing it, but some barend friction shifters on and slap a 7speed on the back.
How is it not comfortable for you? The bike is in amazing condition and it looks to be a quality refurb.
I got one used and used it a lot myself. Rando rides, the 600km Kettle Valley Railway plus the North Cascades Hwy, and my monthly Costco trips. I even had a car run right into the back triangle with no damage to the frame, although my helmet broke in half. A Toronto Rando used his for Paris-Brest-Paris a few times. I put four-cross, 48 spoke wheels on mine and it was unbreakable. My ‘heavy’ touring bike. Gave it away when I moved, and I am sure it is still in use.
I say, just ride it. If it were a 620 or 720 it might be a completely different situation as those are specced much nicer and somewhat collectible. This just is a solid bike that you should enjoy if it fits you.
Have fun with it, its a good mid range frame to build from.
Ride and modify
Holding onto for what? Your retirement fund?
Nope
If it fits you perfectly hang onto it. Otherwise find one that fits you better
I have a bike that cost $3250 out the door in 1996. I paid $175 for it. Fits me perfectly so I’m hanging onto it.
I think the soul of the bike is the frame. There are true museum pieces, but I don’t think this is one. There are more sitting in garages than you’ll ever know. This bike is way too nice to be parked. It’s more fun to see them on a bike path. You have my permission to mess with it if that’s what it takes to get it out in the wild.
I’d keep it as is and enjoy. What a beauty. I had the pleasure of restoring a mid 80’s 520 for a friend and really took a liking to TREKS of that period.
I will ride for you
Worth keeping if you’re gonna ride it.
If that means maintaining it in its base-naked state or modifying it, it’ll be great in either role.
I’d definitely be looking into Albatross/Oxford bandlebars, large bags under the saddle & handlebar, dynamo lights, and full alloy fenders.
omg that is beautiful
what kinda tires are those?
Just make sure you ride it on bicycle day. You have two days.
The number one question that no one else has asked: Is it your size?
If so, use it and modify as you see fit. The most meaningful bikes I own are not the most valuable or the most accurately restored, they are the ones I setup just for me and take on adventures and challenges with. Bikes are meant to be ridden, get it outside and do so.
Really excellent bikes. If it fits definitely keep it