Have a 80s steel road bike that I can’t get comfortable on. I think it’s a little too big or I just don’t love the positioning on a vintage road bike. I’m too stretched out in the hoods and the drops are a no-go except for short bursts. Thinking I need something smaller or a slightly more upright position.
These two bikes are available right now.
– I’ve always wanted a trek 520 but not sure about that price. Definitely a smaller size than my bike
– the multitracks are compelling because of the sloping top tube so hopefully better reach
What would you go with, assuming they both fit me seatpost size wise?
by dickendd
31 Comments
I mean, do you want drop bars or flat bars?
The 520 is nice but it still has pretty traditional road endurance geometry, so if it’s not a size issue I would consider that. The Multitrack is going to be a much more versatile bike for handlebar setups, if you like flat bars or alt bars and a more upright position. The main difference is the multitrack will need a lot of work, whereas hopefully the 520 is in perfect working condition for that price, and it is definitely a “cooler” bike. Also the 520 has front fork mounts for racks but the multitrack is just rear.
The second one.
The first one you’re paying for upgrades the previous owner did, which you may or may not like. The second one is a great price for a solid bike as-is, and still a reasonable price for a platform to upgrade and modify should you later choose to do so
Well, the first one comes with two bottle racks.
I would negotiate on the 520. It is a better bike. Tubing and geometry is better.
I adore my early 90s 520. That price is pretty high but if it’s literally ride away condition then you’re not bad off.
That said. Newer bikes bars and hoods are just way more confortable in my opinion and it may not be the huge upgrade in touch points you think it’ll be.
I’ve owned this exact vintage of multi track and did the whole x-bike conversion to it. Drop bars and everything. And I will tell you it was not worth it. Sure it was fun, but the bike is really just an entry level hybrid bike from the 90s. Putting v-brakes on it made the fork flex horribly and the brakes to start squealing and it really was weird geo with drop bars.
The 520 is a legit touring bike. The tubing is better, the geometry is better, and the entire quality is better. I would go for it at $350. You could easily swap bars on it to make it whatever you want. And adding racks and fenders will be easier (and it will handle the added weight better).
I’ve always been a fan of the classic 520 touring bike. That gets my vote.
Older 520’s we’re more sporty than upright in terms of writing position, granted, with a quill stem, you can put the handlebars wherever you want them.
“Near mint” or not, it’s a 25 year old bike (at least). I can’t see enough of it to weigh what upgrades have been made but it’s not stock. Seems overpriced, but I don’t have a basis to really determine worth.
Neither, if the 520 is too small don’t buy it. Find a 520 or 750+ (All True Temper Waterloo Wisconsin built) that fits you
At the end of the day it’s what do you like, what are you going to use it for, and how much you willing to spend? I like Frankenstein builds. I’d do the multitrack and add drop bars. Adjust the angle with whatever angled stem fits you. Worst case, you can put the brifters on a flat bar, little funky, by they work, too.
520 but talk them down
I love that touring bike, but that’s too much money. Multi tracks are great, and that’s a much more reasonable price, if it fits you well.
Trek 520
Multitrack for a do it all bike
I Love mine to bits
520 for max fun but I think the 730 may fit bigger tires. Not too big but enough.
A 520 has been on my radar for some years. I doubt I would pay that much though.
These early Trek multitracks and 520s have nearly the same geometry, especially with the toptube length. Based on the color its actually a ‘94 730. Plus these old 520 are a bit aggressive geometry wise its notike the more upright positioning like a Surly LHT or modern touring bikes so sizing small will make it even more aggressive.
Here’s the catalog with all the geometry.
https://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/d/15846-3/1994.pdf
The one that is half the price of the 520
One of my dream bikes
With this era trek. Always go with the biggest number up until 990
Prob the 520 for half that price
520
The fiiiiiive twenty but haggle on price. It’s in great condition but the used market is for buyers right now!
520. Especially since I’d drop bar the multi-track. Tire sizes aren’t too dissimilar. I’ve seen people get 40s into 520s, and my multitracks take around 40s
The Trek 730 s a ‘94. I have the same one.
Honestly, the 520 is overpriced. Assuming the 730 fits well it will be nearly identical in capability and 25% the price. I would go for that and then put money into parts and tires
The multi track is better for the money
Look for a lugged 520. They feel different. Same with 750’s. The tig welded models seem too stiff, at least for me.
730 all day. Sounds like laid back riding is what you need, like me.
Nah buy the $100 bike and make it your own