I just had to mention that I have found the foundation for a new highway tourer build, a lugged steel 1988 Trek 520. God knows I'll be writing about this some more, so I'll leave it there for now.
Since people always want to know... I paid $80 for it, but I'll need a new 27" rear wheel which may be hard to source, might switch out BB and crankset, but brakes, levers, derailleurs and shifters are all good. Frame is scratched but not rusted... will probably repaint.
Wish me luck on my obsessive journey,
R A N T W I C K 
11 comments:
Good Luck. I've been seeing a few lugged 520 frames on the road this summer. They look very nice. I took a photo of one on a bike ride, and if I can find it, I'll get it to you somehow.
I have a Trek 500 from 1985 that I rebuilt (actually cleaned, since I only replaced the cables) and ride. Really like it.
It's Monday again already?
Seriously, I look forward to hearing more about this bike. Go to eBay and you'll see good 27" rear wheels by the dozen. Better yet, update to 700c wheels and get some brake calipers that'll work. Or emulate Frankenbike and use that 27" front with a 700c rear. This wheel stuff isn't as dogmatic as some would have you believe.
FWIW, seeing's how you're thinking about something other than "basic black" in handlebar tape, I have found it in hot pink...
I've changed to 700c from 27" before, on my first, now disassembled fixed gear build. That was with sidepulls, however, and the cantis on this bike (which are in good condition) offer zero adjustment. I'm going to throw a 700c on to see if I can make 'em work, but if not, eBay it is!
As for mixing and matching, I have no problem with that. 4mm is, after all, 4mm.
I notice he didn't take up the "hot pink" theme...
Best of luck! Will you repaint on your own?
Congratulations on the new family member.
Lemming - undecided. A powder coat or something by pros would be cool, but I'm cheap and I like doing everything I can by myself. Hmmm.
Cafiend - Thanks man! I was still seriously considering the crosscheck and other new frames, and then I saw this local ad...
Let's see some "before" photos of this frame.
RTP - Rather than post on each step, I'm going to document the whole process, including "before" on my original find, and put it in one big post.
This will likely be a slow winter-long project, so I hope I can keep your interest in the blog until the Spring!
A friend of mine has a 520 he made into a cylocross build. Decant rake on the fork and semi slack head tube angle combined with rugged steel make for big dirty smiles.
Nice find! The skies the limit.
Psycle - Yes, the angles on this frame make it nice for lots of things. My intention is to build it "back" to a bike suited to light loaded touring. Thanks for reading and your note.
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