Trek 520

Searching…

Get out the maps and plan your countryside tour. Trek’s 520 features a compliant chromoly frame and fork for all-day comfort and stability — even when you’re carrying a load. Its Shimano shifting is slick and smooth with a wide-range 27-speed drivetrain that makes easy work of long rides and big climbs, and its linear-pull brakes stop you with authority. You’ll also love the ride and puncture resistance of the wide Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase tires and the fact that this sweet tourer comes with a rear rack, fender mounts and pedals. Load it up and enjoy the journey.

  • Specifications close open

    Specification Description Frame Trek butted-chromoly Fork Chromoly Touring Rims Bontrager Camino Hubs Shimano Deore LX Tires Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase, 700 x 32c Crankset Shimano Trekking Chainrings 48/36/26 Front Derailleur Shimano Deore LX Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore Rear Cogs Shimano, 9-speed: 11-32 Shifters Shimano Dura-Ace handlebar-end Handlebars Bontrager Race VR-C Tape/Grips Bontrager Gel Cork Stem Bontrager Race Lite Brake Levers Tektro Brakes Shimano M422 linear pull Pedals Nylon platform w/cages Saddle Bontrager Evoke 1 Seatpost Bontrager SSR Accessories & Extras Rear rack

    * Subject to change without notice.

    Back to top

  • Part Numbers close open

    Option Barcode Manufacturer’s Part Number Store SKU 48cm 00768682425664 14320001414 51cm 00768682425688 14320002414 54cm 00768682425701 14320003414 520191115374 57cm 00768682425725 14320004414 520199186734 60cm 00768682425749 14320005414

    Back to top

  • Consumer Reviews close open

    REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

    by PowerReviews

    Pros

    • Comfortable (11)
    • Handles well (10)
    • Good Geometry (9)
    • Great Components (4)
    • Absorbs Shock Well (4)

    Cons

    • Heavy (3)
    • Uncomfortable Seat (2)
    • Original fork too short

    Best Uses

    • Commuting (7)
    • Casual riding (6)
    • Climbing (3)
    • Exercising (3)
    • Serious Training (2)

    Reviewed by 13 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews

    1-10

    Previous |

    Next »

    Pros

    • Handles Well
    • Smooth Ride
    • Comfortable

    Cons

    Best Uses

    • Commuting
    • Casual Riding
    • Exercising
    • Climbing

    Comments:

    Love this bike. it rides like a Cadillac! I rode mine from Philadelphia to Key West. The bontrager hard case tires that came with it held up great. No flats the entire trip. I changed the saddle to a Brooks B17 flyer and actually rode with regular shorts…that’s right….no pads! The only thing that bothers me with manufacturers is pre-cutting the steer tube. I think it should be up to the customer on how low or high the tube should be cut. I would have like the tube higher for touring. Other than that…great bike!

    • Gift:
    • No

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Good Geometry

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Touring

    Comments:

    I rode a 2012 Trek 520 from Seaside, Oregon to Long Island, New York. 3,794 miles and it never disappointed me. The frame is heavy, yes, but if you’re carrying gear on an unsupported ride, nothing can compete. I had 2 fellow riders on that tour. Both were on “normal” road bikes and had constant issues. I had to replace the tires in Iowa, but other than that the 520 was perfect. I replaced the saddle with a Brooks for a more comfortable ride, and added a front rack for carrying capacity. I found the 520 very enjoyable to ride around without weight, too. (Which is how I got it stolen, and why I need another one.) It’s faster than you’d think, in spite of its own weight. The gear system takes a bit of getting used to, but it soon feels natural. The most distinctive difference between this and my racing bike is the wheels. They’re wider than a standard road bike, which is perfect for touring. If you ever end up on gravel or dirt, you won’t be totally sunk. They also bear weight well. I don’t just mean this in terms of balance. I carried about 50 lbs of gear everyday for 52 days and never broke a spoke. This bike is tough as nails, and comfortable to ride.

    • Gift:
    • No

    Pros

    • Lightweight
    • Good Geometry
    • Fast
    • Comfortable
    • Handles Well
    • Responsive

    Cons

    • Uncomfortable Seat

    Best Uses

    • Casual Riding
    • Commuting
    • Touring
    • Exercising

    Comments:

    I have ridden over 12,000 miles on my trek 520 and am thinking about getting a second one so I can have 1 full time at my vacation home. After 12 years of riding a mid level trek I decided to upgrade and couldn’t believe the difference. I do 2 week long tours in the summer and this bike is good for all types of elevations. fit woman in my 50’s I just love this bike

    • Gift:
    • No

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Versatile
    • Durable

    Cons

    Best Uses

    • Touring
    • Commuting/City
    • Road Biking

    Comments:

    I researched all the top brands looking for the perfect bike for me and the 520 has won my heart. It’s the most comfortable bike I have ever been on and the gearing is great for flatland or hilly riding. I have been able to double my ride distance and am planning a long tour in the spring. I would not have even thought about it on my last bike. I have upgraded the seat, but that’s all.

    • Gift:
    • No

    Pros

    • Lightweight
    • Handles Well
    • Responsive

    Cons

    • Uncomfortable Seat

    Best Uses

    • Serious Training

    Comments:

    Went from […] to […] in 2010, I put over 5,000 miles on the bike in the first year. Only a few modifications like a new saddle but everything else was the same with one tire change and a few tubes along the way. As a 5’2 woman this bike was perfect for me.

    • Gift:
    • No

    Comments:

    I ride alot and own quite a few bikes of all varieties. I’ve always thought the 520 was a good looking bike but never see them too much in the shops. I found one in a 57 near by, they assembled it for me after a few words over the phone and I headed up to the shop. When I arrived it was assembled and waiting for me to test ride it. It fit well and I fell in love and took it home. My other trek is a 60, so at first riding this one was a little strange since I was actually use to over reaching and seeing this massive frame below me. I think this one is a better fit, I can ride all day without any pain and the drive train actually has me looking for those climbs that intimidated me on my compact! The 520 is a joy to ride, more than an all arounder and funner than the typical tourer, since the bars sit a little low, but definately capable of comfort and being loaded up. It’s a head turner as well and it seems everyone thinks its gorgeous..

    • Gift:
    • No

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Fast
    • Handles Well
    • Good Geometry

    Cons

    • Original fork too short

    Best Uses

    • Commuting
    • Exercising
    • Casual Riding

    Comments:

    A superb bike that has exceeded my expectations. I wanted to ride more upright and Trek sent the store a new, uncut fork that gets me where I want to be. The seat and rack need replacing for serious touring. I am a bit confused by why any reviewer would check off poor components. LX is bulletprrof unless you are mountain biking across Mongolia. All components are excellent. Bruce Gordon uses same components on some of his $3000 touring bikes. The 520 handles beautifully heavilly loaded and is smooth and flawless in all gears. There is new, lower gearing that gives you a very easy granny gear for the steep hills.

    • Gift:
    • No

    Pros

    • Reliable
    • Rugged
    • Good Geometry
    • Handles Well
    • Comfortable

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Serious Training
    • Commuting

    Comments:

    Superb bike for loaded touring. I spent a year on the road with this bike with loaded panniers. Cycled all over New Zealand for 9 months than crossed the USA on my return. The bike never failed me! Built for comfort not speed, this bike handles well in all types of terrain and weather conditions. I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

    • Gift:
    • No

    Pros

    • Responsive
    • Comfortable
    • Good Geometry
    • Handles Well

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Cyclotouring

    Comments:

    Great cyclotouring bike replaced the rack, added front and rear Tubus racks with Ortlieb panniers and Brooks spring saddle piled on the camping equip. and headed out…had great experiences over the Summer. 75# total weight handled it great..I am very satisfied with my 520 after the first 900 miles of my cyclotouring JUST BUY IT

    • Gift:
    • No

    Pros

    • Handles Well
    • Great Components
    • Comfortable
    • Absorbs Shock Well
    • Good Geometry

    Cons

    Best Uses

    • Casual Riding
    • Climbing

    Comments:

    Bought the bike 6 months ago, it is one of the best purchases I have made. I have used this every other day and every single weekend. I have toured around the Niagara area and Toronto. It has provided one of the best rides. The one and only thing that I did not like was the saddle little hard but that was easily fixed (new saddle).

    • Gift:
    • No

Specials

Watch here for specials

New Items